THE BUZZ THE NAME IS BOND, THE ACTOR IS ...

Byline: - Compiled by Fred Shuster

Diamonds are forever, but Pierce Brosnan's James Bond may not be.

Rumors are moving faster than an Aston Martin that the dashing Irish- born charmer may be out as 007 after playing him in four films. It's whispered that casting for the next Bond film, ``Bond 21,'' is on hold until a new Bond emerges. John Cleese and Judi Dench are reportedly still on board.

The problems are as simple as age and dough. Brosnan, who replaced Roger Moore in the hit series, is 51 now, with a white tuxedo that could be getting a little snug round the middle. Moore gave up his license to kill at the age of 57, and Sean Connery downed his last martini at 41 in 1971 (before returning a dozen years later in a one-shot deal).

Speculation as to who will be knighted James VI has touched on Hugh Jackman, Clive Owen, Robbie Williams, Heath Ledger, Colin Firth, Jude Law, Ewan McGregor - even Geoffrey Moore, the 37-year-old jet-setting nonactor son of Roger Moore.

The story gathered steam in recent days when London newspapers reported Bond producers are enraged because Brosnan is demanding a Tom Cruise-level paycheck for the new film. In addition, some say since the as-yet unfinished ``Bond 21'' script requires fewer special effects and is more character driven, a younger actor might be the better bet.

The film - so far minus a star, a completed script and a director - is set for release next year.

`Idol' won't see you in Hollywood

The producers of ``American Idol'' have announced audition plans for the fourth season, which hits the air next January. On the one hand, things are looking up for future singing stars who didn't meet the age requirements last season. This competition is open to 16- to 28-year-olds, an addition of four years to the range. On the other hand, Southern Californians wanting in on the show will have to - gasp! - travel to tryouts. There's San Francisco on Oct. 4 or Las Vegas on Sept. 12. If performing while stricken with dehydration and heatstroke is not appealing, consider Anchorage, Alaska, on Sept. 28. For the complete list of cities and dates, see www.idolonfox.com.

QUICK HITS

``CSI'' actor George Eads got his badge back after being rehired on the series following a contract walkout. ... Music insiders hint that Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, the Dixie Chicks and others may join a J&J (John Kerry and John Edwards) trek of swing states. ... ``Revenge of the Sith'' is the title of the next ``Star Wars'' film. ... Author J.K. Rowling, now finishing up ``Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince,'' the sixth book in the series, is pregnant with her third child. ... Kim Cattrall has blown off a proposed film spin-off of ``Sex and the City'' over money. not love.

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(1 -- 2) Conventional wisdom

You can always count on seeing plenty of famous faces at these affairs. This time, it's Glenn Close, left and John Cusack, below, who both were spotted at the Democratic National Convention in Boston on Monday. Presumably, the two are FOJs (that's Friends of John).

Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press

Amy Sancetta/Associated Press

(3) BROSNAN