Film schedule hit by search for new Bond

Plans for James Bond’s next mission have been delayed by a year because movie-makers are still searching for a new secret agent.

Eric Bana, Ewan McGregor, Jude Law and even pop star Robbie Williams have been suggested for the 007 role.

Production company MGM also confirmed that it was still searching for a director for the next spy thriller.

A script for Bond’s 21st outing has already been penned by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who were behind Die Another Day and The World Is Not Enough.

But with no director and no leading man, the planned November 2005 release date would be too tight.

So the producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, and Eon Studios instead moved the release date to some time in 2006.

Pierce Brosnan, who has played Bond four times, most recently in Die Another Day, has said he is interested in returning for a fifth movie.

But the actor, who made around €16m for his last appearance as 007, has not been approached, according to Hollywood insiders.

Troy star Eric Bana reportedly had negotiations with Bond bosses last month.

Other names in the running are Ewan McGregor, Hugh Jackman, Dougray Scott, Orlando Bloom, Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd and Gerard Butler.

Matthew Vaughn, who worked alongside Guy Ritchie on Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, has been named as a possible director.

Another suggestion is Paul McGuigan, who directed MGM’s most recent release, Wicker Park.

Sean Connery starred in the first Bond film, Dr No, in 1962 and became an international star.

After five Connery Bonds, Australian George Lazenby, previously known only for advertising Fry’s Cream bars, took over as 007 in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Connery returned in 1971 with Diamonds Are Forever, only to quit the role again. He eventually made a rival version of the hero’s adventures in 1983 with the aptly titled Never Say Never Again.

TV’s Saint, Roger Moore, played 007 for 13 years in seven films starting with Live And Let Die in 1973 and ending with A View To A Kill in 1985.

Shakespearean actor Timothy Dalton became the fourth Bond in 1987 with The Living Daylights, followed by Licence To Kill in 1989.

Brosnan was the fifth actor to play Bond.

Despite rumours earlier this year, it is understood that singer Robbie Williams has been ruled out as the next Bond.