I was announced today by Paramount Pictures that Sean Connery will not in fact be returning is Indiana Jones father in Indiana Jones IV. Connery has not acted since 2005 and gave this statement:
I get asked the question so often, I thought it best to make an announcement. I thought long and hard about it and 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 honor 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!”
With Connery out and Indy’s father in the script we don’t know if he will be written out or, if the latest casting of John Hurt will be considered Connery’s replacement.
Along with the announcement that Connery will not return it has also been made official that Academy Award nominee John Hurt, whose career in film spans more than 40 years, has joined the cast. His impressive body of work includes such films as V for Vendetta, Elephant Man, 1984, Midnight Express, Contact, and Alien.
Indiana Jones IV hits theaters on May 22, 2008.
