Clearing up rumors that have been dogging the actor for months, Shia LaBeouf has officially been cast in the next "Indiana Jones" film.

"Indiana Jones" producer George Lucas and director Steven Spielberg announced on the film's Web site Friday that actor Shia LaBeouf will star opposite Harrison Ford in the film, set for a May 22, 2008, release.

"We are excited about bringing Shia into our Indy family," Spielberg said in a statement on the "Indiana Jones" Web site. "His talent has impressed not only his audiences throughout his young career but the directors, producers and fellow actors who have worked with him in his television career and now his film career."

The film will mark LaBeouf's third collaboration with Spielberg. The filmmaker executive-produced suspense thriller "Disturbia," which opens in theaters Friday, and sci-fi adventure "Transformers" -- where LaBeouf plays the human lead -- which is set for a July 4 release.

"I was hoping the rumors were true, so I couldn't be more thrilled," LaBeouf said in a statement on the Indy Web site. "To be cast in an Indiana Jones film is like grabbing the brass ring and holding on for the ride. I'll do my best to meet the high standards that Steven, George, and Harrison have set and I can't wait to take that giant step in front of the Indy cameras."

The announcement did not indicate which role LaBeouf would play. But the speculation has been that LaBeouf would be cast as Jones' son.

LaBeouf was denying rumors about his casting in the series as little as two weeks ago. In an @ The Movies interview with Tim Lammers for "Disturbia," LaBeouf explained that the rumor started when he was doing press for the suspense thriller in New York, when he said he'd love to work with Spielberg again for the fourth Indy movie

"The next thing I know I'm his offspring and the news is all over the place," told @ The Movies. And even while LaBeouf insisted in the interview that "Indiana Jones 4" was a rumor, he didn't hide his desire for it to become a reality.

"There's been no role offer, I have not seen a script or nor has there been a discussion of seeing a script -- it's just a complete rumor," LaBeouf said. "It's better to rumored to be in that than 'Juwanna Man 2' or 'Kangaroo Jack 4,' ya know? I'm enjoying the 'Indiana Jones' rumor and would love to perpetuate it. I'd love to be in it."

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Read the entire Shia LaBouf interview

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Previously announced cast members for the fourth "Indiana Jones" include Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett and Ray Winstone -- who played Jack Nicholson's right-hand man in "The Departed."

Production on the film starts in June.

LaBeouf, 20, previously starred on the Disney Channel's "Even Stevens," and on film, in "Holes," "I, Robot," "Constantine" and "Bobby."

In "Disturbia," opening Friday, LaBeouf stars as a teen under house arrest who suspects his next-door neighbor is a serial killer.