7:15am UK, Thursday August 05, 2004

George Clooney fans have been warned to expect some big changes the next time they see him on screen.

Clooney: Lots to smile about

The Ocean's Eleven star is planning to shave his head and stack on 40lbs for his latest role. 

Clooney is starring as CIA agent Robert Baer alongside Matt Damon and Chris McDonald in Syriana. 

The Hollywood heavyweight has been neglected by awards ceremonies in the past despite a number of strong performances. 

Pundits believe a new look could help reverse the former ER man's fortunes. 

Syriana is a first-person account of the CIA's false confidence about the future of the Middle East after the Cold War.