Disney has reached a deal with Paramount Pictures to take over distribution duties for future movies in the Indiana Jones franchise. Essentially, the deal gives Disney total control over all future films though Paramount "will receive a financial participation on any future films that are produced and released," says the statement from the studios, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Harrison FordHarrison Ford Could Return as Indiana Jones

The four movies in the franchise - starring Harrison Ford - are 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1984's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and 2008's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. All the movies were directed by Steven Spielberg with the latest grossing $786.6 million at the worldwide box-office.

The new deal paves the way for further movies and Ford has always been open about the fact that he'd be ready to return, however, Disney may look at reboots and prequels with new actors.

During an appearance on the UK's Graham Norton show, Ford said he'd return to the franchise "in a New York minute," saying, "I don't think there is any barrier to Indiana Jones being an old fart," he said, "I'm old enough that we don't need Connery any more - I'm old enough to play my own father!"

Steven Spielberg CannesSteven Spielberg Might Be Open To A Return to the Indiana Jones Franchise

The Walt Disney Co completed its $4.06 billion acquisition of LucasFilm in December 2012, with a new Star Wars movie the first major project to be green-lit. J.J Abrams has signed on to direct Star Wars: Episode VII which is currently slated for release on December 18, 2015. 

The Indiana Jones movies have grossed almost $2 billion at the box-office alone. Based on the adventures of Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, a fictional archaeologist, the movies are often considered among the best adventure movies of all time.