Clive Owen favourite to be next James Bond

LONDON - Bookmakers have halved the odds on Clive Owen becoming the next James Bond after he won a Golden Globe award for his role in the sex drama Closer.

Bookmaker William Hill also made Owen 6-4 favourite to land the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Closer at next month's Hollywood ceremony.
"Since winning the Golden Globe, we have had a succession of calls from punters who think he would make an excellent Bond," said a spokesman on Tuesday.

Owen is now priced at 4-1 from 8-1.

But Van Helsing actor Hugh Jackman is still 2-1 favourite to take over from Pierce Brosnan and land the coveted role of the world's most famous spy. Second favourite at 7-2 is Ewan McGregor.

- REUTERS