Brosnan Backs Out of Bond Role

Irish actor Pierce Brosnan has announced via an interview with the Entertainment Weekly Web site that he will not be playing the role of James Bond in the 007 series any longer. Brosnan played the famous action figure in four consecutive 007 films, including 2002's "Die Another Day" which also featured acclaimed actress Halle Berry. Brosnan considered his commercially successful role to be worthwhile and his discontinuation to be "ending on a high point." Though there are rumors that Brosnan was edged out of the role as the production company searched for a younger Bond, these rumors have not been substantiated. The next installment of the James Bond series is tentatively scheduled to be released in 2005 under the title "Bond 21."