From the very moment he struck an iconic pose onscreen nearly 30 years ago, Indiana Jones became one of the most beloved movie characters of all time. So when word went around town that Harrison Ford was once again itching to whip it up as the intrepid archaeologist, you would think that the actors fortunate enough to hear from Steven Spielberg or George Lucas would instantly jump at the opportunity to star in the series' fourth installment, "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
"Well, no," "Indy" producer Frank Marshall laughed. "I think it's an opportunity that doesn't come along very often ? to do these kinds of big movies ? but they talk to Steven and he pitches the role. [Before they commit], they want to know, rightfully, what the part is."
The actors' roles are a secret Marshall is finally ready to share with the world, explaining exclusively to MTV News just who exactly some new castmembers will be playing.
"Well, Cate [Blanchett] is just spectacular, one of the finest actresses working today. She went from '[The Curious Case of] Benjamin Button' to playing the villainess in 'Indiana Jones,' so she's up for anything," Marshall enthused, confirming speculation that the Oscar winner joined the cast as Indy's main adversary. "She makes a great villain. She had a really fun time.
"Ray Winstone, he came from 'Beowulf' to this," Marshall continued, describing Winstone's character, Mac, as a sort of cross between villain Belloq and friend Sallah. "He plays an archaeologist competitor to Indy. Friend and competitor."
And Jim Broadbent? He plays a Yale colleague of Dr. Jones' that "sort of replaces Marcus Brody," Marshall said.