Indiana, Hurt and (Broad)bent.

Dr. Henry Jones, Jr. garners some more distinguished colleagues for Indy 4 with announcements that John Hurt has joined the film (some sites say as Albert Einstein, others as Abner Ravenwood), as has Jim Broadbent (in what’s likely to be a Marcus Brody-type role.) Already on board: Cate Blanchett, Shia La Boeuf, and Ray Winstone.

Where’s La Boeuf?

As closure to the Indy 4 casting rumors posted a few weeks ago: It turns out that Shia La Boeuf is in fact in for Dr. Jones’ fourth adventure (as is Cate Blanchett and Ray Winstone, but sadly, no Sallah), likely as the prodigal son. La Boeuf seems like a solid actor, all in all, but as I said before, I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Kiss Me Cate.

Also breaking during my west coast sojourn, the lovely Cate Blanchett will apparently star in Indy IV, I’m presuming as Dr. Jones’ love interest. Well, Blanchett definitely adds star wattage and acting chops to the ledger. But, really, doesn’t Jones have unfinished business with Marian Ravenwood? Act your age, Indy.

No Short Round for Shia?

Also in fanboy casting and Spielberg news, Shia La Boeuf — confirmed by Variety only yesterday — shoots down rumors that he’s been cast as the progeny of Indiana Jones. “Would he deny it if offered though? The IESB says according to him ‘depends on what the script is about, he doesn’t want to go in as just a sidekick character’.

Shia is Sonny?

If adventure has a name, it must be…Shia LaBoeuf? AICN and others report a rumor that the Transformers/Bobby actor is set to play Indy’s son in the forthcoming Indiana Jones sequel. Nothing against LaBoeuf, but the idea of an Indy Jr. running around with Ford and Connery sets off red flags for me, particularly given George Lucas’ recent track record.

After Munich.

In a wide-ranging interview with one of his fansites, Steven Spielberg talks Indy 4 and other projects in his possible short-term future, including his long-rumored Lincoln biopic (with Liam Neeson, and based on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s recent Team of Rivals) and a new hard sci-fi project entitled Interstellar.