Clive Owen set to be announced as James Bond 007 #6?

Following his success at the Golden Globes as Best Supporting Actor, Clive Owen had his odds of becoming the sixth James Bond slashed by British bookmakers. Now the hot favourite to take over the famous role from Pierce Brosnan, who publicly stepped down late last year, Coventry born Owen is tipped to be given the next licence to thrill.

His performance in drama "Closer" has also earned him an Oscar nomination - announced today - and has further enhanced his popularity amongst fans as the best choice to don the tuxedo.

Bond 21 has been in a state of flux since MGM announced that it was canning the scheduled release date of November 18th 2005 due to difficulties finding a director back in September. Since then, rumours have consistently linked Martin Campbell - who helmed the 1995 Bond film "GoldenEye" - to the job. The Hollywood Reporter went as far as announcing Campbell as signing on to direct the project earlier this month.

The Sony buyout of MGM was expected to further complicate proceedings as the lengthy legal process could take until Q4 2005 to complete. It is understood that Sony and MGM have negotiated a deal with Eon Productions to usher the next Bond in whilst the buyout is completing.

If Owen is cast as the next James Bond 007, it is expected he will sign a three picture deal with Eon Productions, with filming of Bond 21 to possibly begin in January 2006. No official announcements have been made, aside from MGM canning the 18/11/05 release date, but insiders believe a statement on Bond 21 could be made by mid-February.

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