Robert Pattinson is tipped to star in the new Indiana Jones films

Robert Pattinson is apparently in the running to play Indiana Jones in a new series of films.

Disney bosses are looking for a new star to play the adventurer made famous by Harrison Ford, and the Twilight heartthrob is the surprise favourite, reported The Sun.

Other actors on the shortlist include R-Patz's Twilight co-star Kellan Lutz, Chris Pine and Chris Hemsworth. Magic Mike's Channing Tatum is also in with a shot at donning Indie's fedora.

Two movies in the franchise will apparently be made in quick succession, with filming due to start in 2016.

An insider told the Daily Star: "Disney is looking at its long-term options for the Indiana Jones franchise.

"They feel that the series has huge potential on many levels, starting with the films leading to other spin-offs like games which can generate more money than movies."

Rumours of a new instalment in the franchise were sparked in December when it emerged that Disney had bought the marketing and distribution rights to all future movies about the whip-cracking archaeologist.

However, Harrison has previously indicated he would love to play the explorer again.

"In a New York minute, yes," the 71-year-old said on the Graham Norton show.

He added: "I don't think there is any barrier to Indiana Jones being an old fart."

The Indiana Jones franchise started with 1981's Raiders Of The Lost Ark and ended with the fourth film, 2008's The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.