The Bond market

Now that Pierce Brosnan has gotten the heave-ho from the producers of the next James Bond film, ''Casino Royale," the rumor mill is churning with the names of possible successors. E! Online is reporting that these six actors top the list of contenders. Here's how they stack up. -- JOANNA WEISS

HUGH JACKMAN

Pro: Extravagant accent.

Con: Wolverine fingernails don't fit the manicured image.

EWAN MCGREGOR

Pro: Experience swashbuckling, winning improbable duels while surrounded by fire.

Con: Q is no Yoda. And vice versa.

JUDE LAW

Pro: He loves the ladies and the ladies love him.

Con: Does James have occasion to get near nannies?

HEATH LEDGER

Pro: His real name is Heathcliff; could it get more romantic?

Con: Working with Terry Gilliam may have ruined him for gadgets.

CLIVE OWEN

Pro: Few would look better in a tux.

Con: Has the man ever cracked a smile? Even a sly smile?

ORLANDO BLOOM

Pro: As dashing on horseback as he is by boat.

Con: Would it be fair for James Bond to be prettier than Pussy Galore?

DANIEL CRAIG

Pro: Rugged-man charm, in a Harrison Ford sort of way.

Con: Seems more stirred than shaken.