Sir Sean Connery has announced that he will not be playing Harrison Ford's father in the next Indiana Jones film.

"If anything could have pulled me out of retirement, it would have been an Indiana Jones film," the 76-year-old said in a statement on its website.

"But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun," he continued.

Ray Winstone, Cate Blanchett and John Hurt will be appearing alongside Ford in Steven Spielberg's film, scheduled to open in May 2008.

Sir Sean, who played Dr Henry Jones in 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, said he had "thought long and hard" about reprising his role.

"I love working with Steven and George [Lucas], and it goes without saying that it is an honour to have Harrison as my son."

Having not appeared on screen since 2003, however, he "thought it best to make an announcement".

"I, do however, have one bit of advice for Junior," he added.

"Demand that the critters be digital, the cliffs be low, and for goodness sake keep that whip by your side at all times in case you need to escape from the stunt coordinator!

"This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, 'Break a leg, everyone.'"