Balkan Bond

The search for the new James Bond takes a fascinating turn as ER star moves to the forefront

Jun 24 2005

The chaos that is the search for the new James Bond continues to twist and turn like Spaghetti Junction.

Ever since Bond producers dumped Pierce Brosnan from the role (only to see his name resurface in the race every month or so), speculation has swung in wild roundabouts, from Clive Owen ('Sin City'), to Daniel Craig ('Layer Cake'), to Julian McMahon ('Nip/Tuck'), to Eric Bana ('Hulk'), to Hugh Jackman ('X-Men') and back to Brosnan.

The latest name – and by far the most interesting – to hit the gossip pages is that of Croatian actor Goran Visnjic (aka 'ERs' Dr Luka Kovac).

According to reports the Visnjic has already had several meetings with 'Casino Royale' director-in-waiting Martin Campbell and is expected in London next Wednesday for another screen test.

We can expect speculation to really start to intensify now as director Campbell is finishing working on 'The Legend of Zorro' this month and looks to start work on the 21st Bond adventure.

John Cleese and Dame Judi Dench have already signed up to reprise their roles for 'Casino Royale'.