Speaking of Keanu and casting, I really can't imagine:

Will Smith harbors no regrets over his decision to turn down the role of Neo in The Matrix trilogy - because Keanu Reeves was "born" to play the part. The Independence Day heart-throb is relieved when he watches Reeves starring in the sci-fi movies, because he fears he would not have done the role justice. The 36-year-old says, "That's the role Keanu was born to play. When I watch the movie and I see the choices he made, there are a hundred occasions when I think, 'I would have messed that up.'"

there are a hundred occasions when I think, 'I would have me

What does he think? Where is this from?

At least Julian McMahon is from a British Commonwealth country and as the son of a former Australian Prime Minister his upbringing means he could pull off Bond's sauve sophistication.

Can't really picture him as Bond.

btw ... has anyone else heard about the Director's Cut of xXx? Apparently the DVD contains a short that deals with the death of Xander Cage, thus explaining why Vin Diesel isn't making xXx2.

"Messed that up," Ali. It's from IMDB.

as the son of a former Australian Prime Minister his upbringing means he could pull off Bond's sauve sophistication.

Well, I think Ian Fleming might have been on your side way back when, but the decidedly manual labouring Connery managed to act and pull it off.

Connery was suave, he just wasn't posh. Which is the mistake they keep making; Goldeneye proved that Sean Bean would have been a perfect, but they had to go for another tailor's dummy.

they won't hire another australian. I'd like it to be Adrian Lester or Paul Bettany, but I suspect they'll try for Owen. The problem is that most young british actors who have anywhere near enough polish are post-Grant milksops. What you need is someone who can do pratfalls and quips and seductions, has a good RSC background, looks good in a suit, can convincingly fire a handgun and throw a punch and looks bright enough to be a spy. Basically you want Alexis D.

I'd like it to be Adrian Lester or Paul Bettany

There's something strange in my head saying "No! Bettany can't be Bond! He needs dark hair!"

But I shan't listen to it. Besides, I have Bettany research to do before I can opine on his non-romantic side.

Life is rough.

Basically you want Alexis D.

I just went to a very happy place.

Any more on the rumors that they're considering Colin Salmon?

Besides, I have Bettany research to do before I can opine on his non-romantic side.

Gangster number 1. The coldest and hardest british crime flick of the '90s. I guarantee that, after that, you won't doubt Bettany's toughness.

Oh, and in case anyone - especially ita - missed it, here's the most frightening image from the Oscars:

[link]

the razor is your friend, Vin.

Heh. I just read back to see that Robin has already mentioned Gangster no 1. It's a good twofer with Vera Drake, as Bettany horribly slaughters at least 2 members of the VD cast.