Winstone signs on for Indiana Jones

HOLLYWOOD, March 29 (UPI) -- British actor Ray Winstone has signed on for a role in the first "Indiana Jones" film project in 18 years, which is gearing up for production in Hollywood.

Winstone is expected to play second banana to star Harrison Ford in the fourth episode of the adventure saga, The Hollywood Reporter said Thursday. Winstone's credits include "The Departed," "Breaking and Entering" and "Cold Mountain," as well as the soon-to-be-released "Beowulf" by Robert Zemeckis.

Lucasfilm has lined up Steven Spielberg to direct "Indy 4," as the project is being called for now. Cate Blanchett also has joined the cast, and David Koepp wrote the screenplay.

Shooting is scheduled to begin in June in Los Angeles and at yet-to-be-revealed locations around the world. Paramount Pictures plans to release the film in May 2008.