HARRISON FORD - SHIA WILL NOT TAKE INDIANA'S MANTLE, SAYS GEORGE LUCAS

The lead role in a future Indiana Jones movie could only be played by Harrison Ford, George Lucas has confirmed.

Previous remarks from the Star Wars creator had fuelled rumours that a fifth film in the Indiana Jones franchise would focus on the adventurous archaeologist's son Mutt Williams, played by Shia LaBeouf.

But speaking to AP Television, Lucas has stressed that Harrison Ford "is Indiana Jones".

"If it was Mutt Williams it would be Mutt Williams and the Search for Elvis or something," the filmmaker added.

Speaking to Fox News in May, following the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Lucas had mooted the idea of LaBeouf taking the treasure-hunting baton from his onscreen father Ford.

"I have an idea to make Shia the lead character next time and have Harrison come back like Sean Connery did in the last movie," he said at the time.

But following the success of Dr Jones' return to the screen - it has grossed $744 million (£387.3 million) globally - Lucas may have reconsidered the direction of a fifth film.

"The franchise really depends on me coming up with a good idea," he explained.

"And that series is very research intensive.

"So we're doing research now to see if we can't come up with another object for him to chase... hopefully we'll come up with something."