British bookmakers say Australian Hugh Jackman is the most likely actor to become the next James Bond, the BBC reported Tuesday.

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Bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill cut their odds to 2-1 to make Jackman the favorite to take over the role from Pierce Brosnan.

If true, it would make Jackman the second Australian after George Lazenby to play the perpetually middle-aged icon of debonair derring-do.

Clive Owen had his odds cut after his Golden Globe-winning role in the film "Closer," and the bookmakers now have him in third place behind "Star Wars" star Ewan McGregor.

Speaking backstage at the Golden Globe Awards Sunday, Owen was asked about rumors he was in the running to play Bond.

"I think that's what they are," he said. "They're just rumors."