Ending months of speculation, Sean Connery announced today that he will not be returning for Indiana Jones IV as Professor Henry Jones Senior.
Connery said, via a statement, "I get asked the question so often; I thought it best to make an announcement. If anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honour to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun. I, do however, have one bit of advice for Junior: Demand that the critters be digital, the cliffs be low, and for goodness sake keep that whip by your side at all times in case you need to escape from the stunt coordinator! This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, ‘Break a leg, everyone.’ I’ll see you on May 22, 2008 at the theater!”
But all isn’t entirely doom and gloom. John Hurt was simultaneously announced as – well, a cast member. The principal cast therefore comprises Harrison Ford, Shia LaBoeuf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone and John Hurt at the moment. Now while we know that Ford will play Indy, and everyone’s pretty sure that LaBoeuf will play Jones Junior Jr. (although even that hasn’t been officially confirmed), there has been narry a whisper on the roles that any of the other three will be taking, so watch this space for more news as we get it.