Use Your Illusion 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2004 http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...festyle_britain LONDON (AFP) - Australian actor Eric Bana, star of films including "The Hulk" and "Troy", is the surprise new choice to take over as James Bond, a report said The beefy 35-year-old had beaten off competition from British actors such as Jude Law and Ewan McGregor to take over the role of the super-spy in the long-running series of films, the News of the World said. Current Bond, Irish actor Pierce Brosnan, has stepped down after four films following a row with producers, the Sunday tabloid title said. Bana was still negotiating with the series producers but they were hopeful he would take over for the 21st title in the series, due to begin filming later this year, the paper cited an unnamed "insider" as saying. "Eric is the guy they want but he has a reputation for being demanding. They want to modernize Bond and turn him into a youthful, suave and modern hero to compete with the likes of Spiderman and Keanu (Reeves) in the Matrix," the source said. Bana was formerly a popular comedian in Australia before grabbing attention in 2000 film "Chopper", in which he played a real-life character, a famous -- and famously violent -- Australian criminal, Mark "Chopper" Read. He has subsequently appeared in a string of US blockbusters, most recently playing Hector in swords-and-sandals epic "Troy". The James Bond films, based on the novels of Ian Fleming, have proved hugely successful ever since the first title, 1962's "Dr No", in which Sean Connery took the lead role. ------ I don't like this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisMWaters 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2004 Always wanted to do this... http://forums.thesmartmarks.com/index.php?showtopic=58728 Talked about in this thread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Use Your Illusion 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2004 Just saw this reported in the other thread. My bad, kids. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Use Your Illusion 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2004 Oh, that wacky DH Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mandarin 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2004 So they choose Hoot over Grimes? Thumbs down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nevermortal 0 Report post Posted August 1, 2004 Gag me with a spoon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ravenbomb 0 Report post Posted August 2, 2004 never was a big Bond fan, so I don't mind it so much. *marks for The Wicker Man pic in NM's sig* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites