The word is out, Australian hunk Eric Bana has been chosen to step into Pierce Brosnan's shoes to play the next James Bond, and he is all set give the suave double agent a younger, modern look.

According to the News of the World, the 35-year old actor, who recently won acclaim as Hector in the epic movie "Troy," has beaten the likes of actors Jude Law, Orlando Bloom, Ewan McGregor and Hugh Jackman, who had also been slated as favourites to play the role.

Although Bana is still in talks with producers and nothing has been finalised yet, the filmmakers reportedly have their hearts set on the "Incredible Hulk" actor, to star in the next Bond flick, "The Man With the Red Tattoo."

The movie will see 007 on a mission to save the world from a killer virus. "Eric is the guy they want but he has a reputation for being demanding.

They want to modernise Bond and turn him into a youthful, suave and modern hero to compete with the likes of Spiderman and Keanu in The Matrix," the report quoted an insider as saying.