Harrison Ford will never be replaced as Indiana Jones, confirms Steven Spielberg

Chris Pratt had been heavily rumoured to take over the role

There's only one Indiana Jones (Alamy)

Sorry Chris Pratt, but it appears there really is only one Indiana Jones.

Director Steven Spielberg has dismissed rumours that Harrison Ford will be replaced in the role in future reboots of the $2 billion franchise, insisting that no one could fill his boots.

“I don’t think anyone could replace Harrison as Indy,” he told Screen International. “It’s certainly not my intention to have another actor step into his shoes in the way there have been many actors that have played Spider-Man or Batman. There is only going to be one actor playing Indiana Jones and that’s Harrison Ford.”

Speculation that another Indy movie is on the cards has been rife in recent months and Spielberg is keen to return, despite the critical panning suffered by last film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

“There are more adventures out there than films,” he said. “I’ve got a bullwhip, a fedora, a leather jacket and a man on a horse who knows how to get the job done.”

Ford is also firmly on board should he be asked to reprise his iconic role, telling Entertainment Weekly that he’d “love to do another”.

“A character that has a history and a potential, kind of a rollicking good movie ride for the audience, Steven Spielberg as a director - what’s not to like?”

Earlier this year, producer Frank Marshall confirmed that Indiana Jones would not be “doing the Bond thing” and signing another actor.

Pratt had been heavily rumoured to replace Ford after reports emerged suggesting Spielberg was eyeing him. The Jurassic World actor responded, saying it would be an “awesome opportunity” to play the archaeologist, but it sounds like he’ll have to stick to dinos for the time being.

In Crystal Skull, Shia LaBeouf was seemingly set to take on the Indiana mantle, with one scene in particular where he picks up his father’s hat implying he would be the series lead actor.

LaBeouf’s role was not as well received as filmmakers would have liked, and that idea appears to have been scrapped.