James Bond 25 is expected to start filming this spring, but casting is reportedly far from wrapped up.
According to Variety, producers are currently auditioning for two female roles: a new MI6 agent, and an Olga Kurylenko-esque accomplice. Daniel Craig is scheduled to have ‘chemistry reads’ with actresses auditioning for the roles.
Newly-minted Oscar-winner Rami Malek is the favourite to play the film’s villain, despite previous concerns it would conflict with his filming of Mr. Robot’s final season. Reports suggest the studio are willing to pull out all the stops to accommodate the Bohemian Rhapsody actor.
The 39-year-old has been openly interested in the role, telling Entertainment Weekly: “We’ll have to see about that. It would be nice to play a villain, that would be another dream role for me, I’ve got to play so many great ones so far so who knows. I’m keeping tight-lipped.”
MGM and Eon are also looking to cast an American CIA agent, with sources suggesting Billy Magnussen is the top choice. He previously worked with new writer-director Cary Joji Fukunaga in his Netflix series, Maniac.
Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Ralph Fiennes will all reprise their roles, with Fukunaga commenting: “You have some of the best actors in the world here, why wouldn’t I have the best coming back?”
James Bond 25, rumoured to be titled Shatterhand, will reach cinemas on 8 April
