A number of news sources had Gerard Butler as the next James Bond last week and one had Nigel Havers cast as the villain in the next 007 adventure, due for release in November 2002.
Eon Productions has denied rumours that it is looking to replace Brosnan in the role of the suave international spy. Butler, who appeared in Wes Craven's Dracula 2001 stated that he'd been approached to fill Pierce Brosnan's spy shoes after he finishes his fourth Bond film.
Butler was teasing, "I was getting phone calls from Los Angeles saying that it had been announced on CNN that I had been named the new Bond. Since then I've had calls from Israel and South Africa." However, Eon publicist Catherine McCormack told the Guardian's online film site filmunlimited.co.uk, "I'm sorry but it's not true, he hasn't been approached. These rumours are crazy,"
Apparently Barbara Broccoli had stated that she wanted him to take over when Pierce Brosnan gives up the role, according to the Scottish Daily Record. However, producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli held their tongues in a statement, "(we) can confirm Pierce Brosnan will play James Bond in the forthcoming production and for the foreseeable future."
The Daily Express were also quick this week to announce that stage smoothie Nigel Havers has been picked for the villain role. In an interview with national daily he said, "I always wanted to play Bond but I've totally missed the boat now, I'm too old." But the 51-year-old actor seemed happy with his lot. "Now I want to be a villain and Barbara, who is a great friend, has promised I'll be in the next film. It will be a lot of fun to play against Pierce."
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A number of news sources had Gerard Butler as the next James Bond last week and one had Nigel Havers cast as the villain in the next 007 adventure, due for release in November 2002.