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Dougray to replace Brosnan: SEAN, DAVID, GEORGE, ROGER, TIM, PIERCE .. & NOW DOUG

By Ben Todd, Showbiz Editor


DOUGRAY Scott is to be the new James Bond.

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 actor to play Bond on the big screen and is set to make his first appearance in the 23rd Bond film, 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.

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."