James Bond #6 named as Dougray Scott by British tabloid Sunday Mirror

12-Sep-2004 • Casino Royale

Today's edition of the Sunday Mirror, a UK tabloid, has named British actor Dougray Scott as the successor to Pierce Brosnan as James Bond #6.

The paper reports:

He has beaten an army of rivals including Hulk star Eric Bana plus fellow Brits Clive Owen and Ioan Gruffud to take over cinema's most famous role from Pierce Brosnan.

Scott, 38, will be the seventh (sic) actor to play Bond on the big screen and is set to make his first appearance in the 23rd Bond film (sic), due for release next year. Bosses at Eon Productions chose Dougray after deciding they wanted a return to a brooding Bond in the mould of original star Sir Sean Connery.

Dougray Scott with "Mission: Impossible II" co-star Thandie Newton.

One source said: "Bosses believe Dougray will be the perfect Bond."

The Scot won his role after discussions with Barbara Broccoli, producer of the long-running spy series. She wants to return 007 to his film roots.

A source revealed: "Producers have been eager to take Bond back to the broody and sexy figure that Sean was so brilliant at.

"Obviously it's not possible for Sean to return at his age, so they have been looking for a young actor with similar characteristics. Since then Barbara and Dougray have been in talks - and she believes he will be the perfect new 007 for the 21st Century."

Sources say that Scott is thrilled at the prospect of taking over the most successful role in cinema history.

Brosnan announced in July that he would not be appearing as Bond again, saying: "That's it. I've said all I've got to say on the world of James Bond."

Thanks to `Ken` for the alert.