Ray Winstone (The Departed, upcoming Beowulf) has signed on for a major role in Paramount Pictures' Indiana Jones 4, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Although the film's plot is being closely guarded, the trade says Winstone will play star Harrison Ford's sidekick.

Cate Blanchett already has boarded the project, to be produced by Lucasfilm and directed by Steven Spielberg.

David Koepp wrote the screenplay for "Indy 4," which is scheduled to begin filming in June in Los Angeles and at top-secret locations around the world.

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

Frank Marshall is producing, with George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy executive producing.