Shia LaBeouf, one of the fastest rising stars in the world of film, has now been set for the new Indiana Jones movie, it was announced today by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.

He will join Harrison Ford who returns as the action hero, the man with the hat and the whip.

Production on this fourth installment of the Indiana Jones adventure is scheduled to begin this June in Los Angeles and will also film at undisclosed distant locations.

Produced by Lucasfilm Ltd., directed by Spielberg, and released by Paramount Pictures throughout the world beginning May 22nd, 2008, the screenplay has been written by David Koepp. Frank Marshall will produce the film with Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy serving as Executive Producers.

It will be the third film the charismatic Shia has done with a Spielberg connection, the first two being the DreamWorks Pictures productions “Disturbia” and “Transformers.”

"We are excited about bringing Shia into our Indy family," said Spielberg. "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."

“I was hoping the rumors were true, so I couldn't be more thrilled," said Shia. "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.”

LaBeouf can be seen in this Friday’s release, Disturbia, a DreamWorks Pictures production, distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film also stars Carrie-Ann Moss, David Morse, Sarah Roemer and Aaron Yoo and was directed by D.J. Caruso. He will also lend his voice as a surfing penguin in this summer’s animated film, Surf’s Up for Sony Pictures. Next up is the highly anticipated Transformers, a co-production of DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures. The action-adventure film is directed by Michael Bay and will debut around the world this July 4th.

LaBeouf’s other film credits include Bobby, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Constantine, I, Robot, HBO’s Project Greenlight production The Battle of Shaker Heights, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, and Holes.

On television, LaBeouf garnered much praise from critics everywhere for his portrayal of Louis Stevens on the Disney Channel’s original series Even Stevens. In 2003, he earned a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series for his work on the highly-rated family show. And this Saturday night he’s live from New York hosting NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

For more than 25 years, audiences have been enraptured by the exploits of Indiana Jones. The film trilogy -- Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade -- garnered 14 Academy Award nominations, won 7 Oscars, and grossed over $1,182,000,000 at the box office. The films are among the most popular films ever made and have become a legendary part of film history.