In mid-April 2007 it was officially announced that Shia LaBeouf will join the cast of Indiana Jones IV. This had many people scratching their heads saying, “Uhhhh… Who?”Of course, those of us with kids know exactly who this guy is. Shia played the instigating yet likable Louis Stevens on the popular Disney show Even Stevens. The last few years have given him success in major films as well. He walked the sidelines with Will Smith in I, Robot, dug some Holes, got teed off in The Greatest Story Ever Told, and popped up in a few other films. However it’ll be this year’s summer blockbuster Transformers movie (and to a lesser degree films like Disturbia) that’s going to make him a household name. For a young guy, he’s got chops and he’s paid his dues, making him a good candidate for Indy IV.

If he thinks this year is going to launch his major film career, just wait until he gets a taste of next year. Indiana Jones will be a sure-fire hit with Phantom Menace-like anticipation. If everything the kid is in from now til then bombs, he’s still going to be a mega-star after Indy IV is out - and I say rightly so.Shia is one of the brightest young actors I’ve seen and has more diversity and talent in his little pinky than many of the little young angst-ridden tweenies gracing the screen over the last few years.

If you’ve ever watched Even Stevens, and I’ve seen a LOT of it (I have kids!), you’ve probably noticed the same thing I have about Shia. Of course, in light of the recent announcement, it sounds obvious, but he has an Indiana Jones-like quality in his mannerisms. You could digitally drop him into the opening of Last Crusade, covering up River Phoenix, and not notice a thing out of place. That’s not to take away from Phoenix. I think he did a phenomenal job in all honestly. I’m just saying that Shia could do the job just as well. That’s why this, to me, is ingenious casting.

I may be overstepping my bounds here, but I would even go as far as to say that Shia is going to steal the show, depending on the script, of course. If he turns out to be Indy’s son, as rumors have it, then I’m assuming his screen time is going to be abundant and that whole family dynamic will come into play once again.

How great would it be if Sean Connery joined up (officially) and we got three generations of Jones boys, Sallah, plus Marion and Willie - and throw Shorty in there as an aged sidekick too! Ensemble city: but definitely suitable. I wonder if the torch will be passed down to Shia’s character. If so, he’s got an even brighter future!

So I have to say I’m thrilled with this casting choice. It’s perfect to me and I’m really looking forward to this film.

Kudos and Congrats to Shia LaBeouf. Here’s to Indy IV.