Pierce Brosnan is to reprise his role as the world's most debonair thief in "The Thomas Crown Affair 2", entertainment industry press reported on Tuesday.

The Irish-born actor best known for his portrayal of superspy James Bond starred in a successful 1999 remake of the classic Steve McQueen thriller about a corporate tycoon who steals priceless works of art for kicks.

The sequel will be set in Europe and the Middle East but will not feature Brosnan's love interest from the remake, Rene Russo, Daily Variety reported.