The battle for the sixth James Bond has been reduced to "Closer" actor Clive Owen and the "Layer Cake" star Daniel Craig, Sky News reports.

According to insiders, Owen, 40, and Craig, 37, have beaten off all competition, including those from early contenders such as Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe for the role of Bond in the upcoming film "Casino Royale".

"They're both good looking and charming, but also have that dangerous edge. We feel they are the real deal. The million-dollar question is which one will get it," an insider was quoted as saying.

Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell were also in the running, to succeed Pierce Brosnan, 51, who will appear no more after he failed to agree to the terms.