Shia LaBeouf confirmed for Indy IV

Internet fandom has been led a merry dance these last few months as the producers of Indiana Jones IV stayed coy and giggly like schoolgirls when confronted with the rumour that Transformers human and current box office champ (see this week’s box office figures) Shia LaBeouf had nabbed a role alongside Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett.

LaBeouf couldn’t say. There hadn’t been any negotiations. He wasn’t sure. He hadn’t even been asked… sigh… but now the bag is well and truly cat free as Paramount and DreamWorks have finally admitted that, yes, he’s in the movie.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he’s worked on two previous Spielberg productions (those would be Disturbia and the little art film about big robots we mentioned above). "We are excited about bringing Shia into our Indy family," gushed Spielberg in a statement. "His talent has impressed not only his audiences throughout his young career but the directors, producers and fellow actors who have worked with him in his television career and now his film career."

And the man of the hour is happy too: "I was hoping the rumours were true, so I couldn't be more thrilled," says LaBeouf. "To be cast in an Indiana Jones film is like grabbing the brass ring and holding on for the ride. I'll do my best to meet the high standards that Steven, George, and Harrison have set and I can't wait to take that giant step in front of the Indy cameras."

Added Spielberg, “I’m choosing to forget Shia was ever in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. After all, I’m working with George Lucas and did you see The Phantom Menace? Everyone deserves a second chance. Or, in George’s case, a 73rd.”

Indy IV gets filming in June for a May 2008 release. But you knew that, right?