NEW YORK – The illustrious leading men of the great white way are heralded as triple threats for demonstrating not only dramatic flair, but also the equal physical dexterity demanded by dancers and athletes, and the vocal range to match.
That triple dose of strength may soon come into play in the pending casting choice for the 21st James Bond feature film.
Four of the leading contenders under consideration to play the world’s most famous spy have demonstrated their versatility in the Broadway, National Touring, or West End theater world.
Hugh Jackman, the only one of the leading contenders to actively campaign for the Bond role, recently starred on Broadway in “The Boy From Oz” and previously sprang to fame in the London production of “Oklahoma!”
Second generation star Rikki Lee Travolta segued from Australian television to headlining U.S. theatrical tours of “West Side Story,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding,” and served a term as spokesperson for National Dance Week.
Ewan McGregor showed impressive range in Baz Luhrmann film “Moulin Rouge!” and is now preparing to revive “Guys and Dolls” in London’s West End.
Gerard Butler, who once announced himself to the press as the top choice to be the next Bond, is currently winning positively mixed reviews for his sexually alluring performance as the title role in the Joel Schumacher film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.”
Actor Pierce Brosnan, the latest in the line of five actors to play the role of Ian Fleming’s famous secret agent, was relieved of his services in 2004 based on what is believed to be producer Eon Productions’ desire to take the character in a younger direction more in line with the classic themes of the original Fleming novels.
The 21st Bond feature is expected to go into production in January 2006 under the direction of Martin Campbell (GoldenEye).
Other actors said to be in consideration for the lead role include Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd, Adrian Paul, and Dougray Scott.
Claire Sinman is an entertainment writer based out of New York.
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