Steven Spielberg 'wants to direct Chris Pratt' as Indiana Jones in reboot

Director chose actor for Jurassic Park remake

Chris Pratt is being linked to an Indiana Jones reboot (Getty Images)

Steven Spielberg is reportedly hoping to direct the upcoming Indiana Jones reboot, after saying that he wants Guardians of the Galaxy actor Chris Pratt to play the whip-cracking archaeologist.

Earlier this year Hollywood Deadline, revealed that the director, who picked 35-year-old Pratt as the lead star of the first Jurassic Park film, in 14 years, Jurassic World, is keen for the actor to play Dr Jones.

Now Deadline is reporting that sources have said that Spielberg, who directed the first four films of the franchise, is waiting on a new script reportedly in development at Disney HQ. The studio acquired the rights from Paramount in 2013.

Pratt has commented on the rumours, teling reporters that it would be an "awesome opportunity" to play the famous professor.

The first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, appeared in 1981 and starred Ford.

The success of the film led to Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).

In 2008 a semi-reboot, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, appeared starring Harrison Ford, Shia LeBeouf and Cate Blanchett.

There have also been a television series, computer games, comics and books about the character invented by George Lucas in homage to 1930s action stars. In 2003 Jones was named the second greatest film hero of all time by the American Film Institute.