As rumours continue to fly over casting for the forthcoming James Bond film, Russell Crowe is now hotly tipped to take over the lead role from Pierce Brosnan when he stops playing 007 after the next movie.
According to The Evening Standard, producers believe that Oscar-winning Crowe would be perfect for the role as the suave secret service agent as he would appeal as much to women film-goers as to men. The paper also reports that Brosnan, who has starred in the last three Bond movies, is apparently making too many demands and that producers are keen to replace him.
Meanwhile, Royal Ballet star Darcey Bussell has confirmed that she has signed up to appear in the next film, known only as Bond 20, after she gives birth to her first child in July. The 31-year-old dancer said: “I adore James Bond films, with Sean Connery being my favourite Bond of all time. But I am really looking forward to working with Pierce, who I met a few times at the Opera House before I auditioned with him.” Although the role that Russell will take is unclear, choreographer Ashley Page is designing special ballet routines for the movie.
MGM has also confirmed earlier rumours that soul diva Whitney Houston is being considered to play the latest Bond girl. The troubled 37-year-old who starred in The Bodyguard with Kevin Costner in 1992 has been dogged by drug allegations over the last few years.
John Cleese and Dame Judi Dench are the only two other members of the cast who have been confirmed so far.