LONDON, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Film producers have decided to retire the popular Pierce Brosnan from his James Bond role and search for a new, younger 007 among British actors.
Producers fear Brosnan, 50, may not attract enough young fans to the Bond franchise, London's Daily Mail reported Wednesday.
Before the 22nd Bond film begins production next year, producers are searching for a new male lead among the likes of Jude Law, Christian Bale, Orlando Bloom, Colin Farrell and Hugh Jackman.
Brosnan's contract called for one more Bond film if producers wanted him, but the actor has been told he will not be playing the role, which he has had for four highly-successful movies, including the most recent, "Die Another Day."
"Bond reached a peak in 'Die Another Day,' one of the most successful films ever," a source at Eon Productions told the newspaper. "But now we have the opportunity to re-energize the franchise and take it to even greater heights."
Britney Spears' interest in playing a Bond Girl in the next film also may have influenced producers to search for a younger Bond to play opposite the 22-year-old pop singer.
Brosnan reportedly is happy with the decision.
