originally published by Movies Online, August 25, 2004

Actors who study or have studied the works of William Shakespeare have been called the 'cream' of their profession. 4 of the 'Bond 5' have had classical or 'Shakespearian' training; Hugh Jackman (X-Men), Rikki Lee Travolta (Camelot: Excalibur), Adrian Paul (Highlander), and Clive Owen (King Arthur). Hugh Jackman and Adrian Paul have both studied Shakespeare in drama school while Rikki Lee Travolta and Clive Owen have both played title roles in 'Hamlet' and 'Romeo and Juliet'.

The only one of the 5 who does not have said training is Eric Bana (The Hulk) but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a chance. There have also been rumors that a 6th possible Bond may be in Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon. Whomever Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson may pick, to replace Pierce Brosnan, will be the sixth official James Bond.

Timothy Dalton, the last Bond before Brosnan, was also 'classically' trained as was regarded to be the most authentic to the vision of author Ian Fleming. Brosnan, on the other hand, provided the highest grossing figures in the Bond film franchise.

The 21st Bond film, which has not been given a name as of yet, is scheduled to begin filming in early 2005.