Bummer

The return of silver screen hero Indiana Jones will feature performances by Cate Blanchett, John Hurt and Ray Winstone, but not Sean Connery, Lucasfilm announced Thursday.

On a posting on its official Indiana Jones website, Lucasfilm revealed Blanchett, Hurt and Winstone are the newest additions to the upcoming adventure film's cast, joining previously announced stars Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf.

The statement also included a message from the 76-year-old Connery, who portrayed the globe-trotting archeologist and adventurer's father Henry Jones, Sr., in the last instalment, 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

"I get asked the question so often, I thought it best to make an announcement. I thought long and hard about it and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement, it would have been an Indiana Jones film," the site quoted Connery as saying.

"I love working with Steven [Spielberg] and George [Lucas], and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun."

The Scottish actor, best known for his role as the first on-screen James Bond, did offer Ford — now 64 years old — some advice.
"Demand that the critters be digital, the cliffs be low, and for goodness sake keep that whip by your side at all times in case you need to escape from the stunt coordinator!"

Directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas, the as-yet-unnamed fourth Indiana Jones movie is scheduled to begin filming this month. It is due in theatres May 22, 2008.