Winstone digging in for "Indy 4"

British actor Ray Winstone arrives for the British premiere of the film 'King Arthur' - in which he stars - in Leicester Square, London, July 15, 2004. Winstone is joining the expedition for the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones adventures.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Ray Winstone is joining the expedition for the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones adventures.

The English actor, who played Jack Nicholson's partner-in-crime in "The Departed," has signed on for a major role in the untitled film being referred to as "Indy 4."

Although the plot is being closely guarded, sources said Winstone will play star Harrison Ford's sidekick.

Cate Blanchett already has boarded the project -- to be directed by Steven Spielberg -- in an undisclosed starring role. Filming is scheduled to begin in June.

Paramount Pictures will release the film day-and-date worldwide May 22, 2008, with a handful of territories opening the following day.

London-born Winstone most recently appeared in Anthony Minghella's "Breaking and Entering." His credits also include "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," "Cold Mountain" and "Sexy Beast." He stars as the title character in Robert Zemeckis' upcoming "Beowulf."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter