Shaken, Not Stirred

It's a travesty!

X-Man Hugh Jackman has knocked back the role of 007 offered to him when the incumbent Pierce Brosnan was, er shall we say 'retired', from the job.

The dishy Australian was my first pick. So in the words of the original Q, Desmond Llewllyn, always have an escape plan, so my updated wish list starts at:

1. Ewan McGregor - Versatile Scottish actor who can swap between the snappy one liners and gritty edge of Bond. At the age of 34, McGregor is exactly the right age according Ian Fleming's books.

2. Brendan Fraser - The heroic performance in The Mummy movies should give casting agents pause for thought. An American James Bond is a risk, but Fraser has the talent to do it. Just look at his star turn in The Quiet American.

3. John Hannah - Although not widely known outside the UK and not classically handsome, Hannah would bring a level of menace and weight not seen in the genre since Sean Connery. Born in 1962, he's the oldest of our contenders but by no means should be out of the running.

4. Eric Bana - Another Australian who should be in serious contention. He's received great notices (maybe with the exception of the Hulk) and hasn't yet got too high a public profile (which was Jackman's reason for knocking back the Martini, er I mean the job).

5. Christopher Eccleston - He's a bit of a wild card, but he was so wonderful as Dr Who. I saw enough light and shade in his performance, as well as the respect for the franchise to see some real potential.

Well ladies and gentlemen, it's over to you.

Who should be the next James Bond and why?

My pick will win a cocktail of their choice to be posted in our usual Friday wind-down blog.

-- Nora

UPDATE:
We have our first two entries for our Pick A Bond competition.

First entry is from RebeccaH who recommends Christian Bale a man who can certainly fill out a Batman costume. An excellent choice. Nicky suggests the new 007 should be played by an actor who can grow into the role.

The second, from Richard McEnroe engages in a bit of Bond-Age by naming Ian McKellan. Hmmm, at 66 years he might have few problems with action scenes but he's certainly perfect if Hollywood remade Casino Royale. Sir Ian could be Sir James Bond, a role originally played by David Niven.

-- Nora

UPDATE II
Welcome Leigh who suggests James Purefoy. I don't know a lot of the man's work, (it seems good solid English TV costume drama in the Timothy Dalton mold). I like his intense brooding look on the IMDB profile - reminds me of Nick's serious face.