A period of glitter and splendor begins for 27-year-old actor Orlando Bloom now that he has signed on to star as the next James Bond. Miramax Pictures has signed Bloom to play a much younger 007, embarking on typical James Bond adventures while attending college. With the young hearthrob taking on the lead role, loyal fans of the British Secret Agent will now share the James Bond experience with a much younger audience.

The rumors began surfacing earlier this year that Brittany Spears has expressed a strong interest in playing the next Bond girl. No official announcement has been released, but the young leading man will more than likely need a yound leading lady.

Pierce Brosnan reportedly called it quits to the role. Brosnan began his stint as the fifth 007 in the 1995 release of 'GoldenEye,' opposite Izabella Scorupco. His final performance as James Bond came in November 2002 where he starred with Halle Berry in 'Die Another Day.'