RAY WINSTONE - RAY WINSTONE 'SET FOR INDY 4 ROLE'

British actor Ray Winstone is being lined up to play a leading part in the new Indiana Jones film, according to the Hollywood rumour mill.

With a recent role in The Departed, which finally netted director Martin Scorsese an Oscar, Winstone's stock has been rising in the US, adding to a host of impressive credits to his name.

Now the burly Londoner, who starred in hits such as Sexy Beast and Nil By Mouth, is turning his attentions to the famous 'Indy' series.

With director Steven Spielberg on board as well as legendary Star Wars maestro George Lucas, both of whom worked on the original trilogy, work on the cast is said to be gathering pace.

Harrison Ford will once more reprise his role as Indiana Jones, with Winstone reportedly set to play his sidekick.

So far Paramount Pictures has remained tight-lipped on details of the fourth instalment but it has been confirmed that filming will begin this summer.

A release date of May 2008 is scheduled for what will be one of the most eagerly-anticipated blockbusters of next year.