OSCAR winner RUSSELL CROWE should have ordered his celebratory drinks 'shaken not stirred' - he may be the next JAMES BOND.

Director JOHN GLEN, who has worked on a number of 007 films, including LICENsE TO KILL (1989) and OCTOPUSSY (1983), believes the GLADIATOR (2000) star would be perfect as the smooth-talking spy.

John says, "I think PIERCE BROSNAN is doing a excellent job but obviously he won't keep the part for ever. I can't think of anyone better than Russell to fill his shoes."

After picking up the Best Actor gong at Sunday's (25MAR01) ACADEMY AWARDS, the New Zealander is a hot Hollywood property. John adds, "Looking at him, you could easily believe Russell capable of savagely bumping off bad men with a wry comment." (ES/WNTSU/PDD)

Source: WENN