Steven Spielberg and George Lucas sent out word today that yes, as we’d all suspected, Shia Labeouf will have a role in the forthcoming "Indiana Jones IV" playing sidekick to Harrison Ford‘s Indy. Officially, we swear!
Though rumors of LaBeouf’s involvement have been circulating for months, and the "Disturbia" star has squashed the premature casting talk himself, multiple sources confirmed today that he is officially joining the production.
Word came via an official release on IndianaJones.com, with director Spielberg and executive producer Lucas also announcing the start of production this June in Los Angeles and other "undisclosed distant locations."
LaBeouf practicing grimy dark cavern navigation in "Disturbia"
LaBeouf divulged more to USA Today, letting loose that his character would be Indiana Jones’ sidekick, though he hasn’t yet read the script: "I’m sure there are a lot of laughs at my expense, and some kind of creature crawling on me."
As for his infamous go-round of denials in the past few months, LaBeouf asserts that he’s only recently found out he got the job: "Up until about two weeks ago, it was little more than a rumor," he says. "Literally, when I was saying, ‘I don’t know anything,’ I didn’t know anything. It was an act of faith. I have not read a script. I don’t think anybody has."
Of course, since no press release goes unplanned in the media world, LaBeouf has a starring vehicle released today ("Disturbia") and will be hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend. He’ll also appear in a lead role in another throwback to the 1980s, in this summer’s "Transformers."
"Indiana Jones IV" has also nabbed Cate Blanchett and Ray Winstone, and is planned for release
Sources: IndianaJones.com, USA Today
