‘Bond 24’ Rumor Round-Up: Next Villain, Bond Girl, James Bond Contender Are ‘12 Years A Slave’ Chiwetel Ejiofor, Penelope Cruz, Tom Hardy?
Find out the latest "Bond 24" rumors in a round-up that looks at the next villain, Bond girl, and James Bond contender after Daniel Craig in the latest 007 installment! Will "12 Years A Slave" actor Chiwetel Ejiofor play the villain? Will Penelope Cruz be cast as the next Bond girl in "Bond 24"? And will Tom Hardy take over after Daniel Craig?
According to Entertainment Weekly, "12 Years A Slave" star Chiwetel Ejiofor "is reportedly the front-runner to antagonize James Bond in the next film in the series. According to the report, no offer has been made yet."
Meanwhile, we recently reported that Daniel Craig has signed on to the next two James Bond films, unofficially titled "Bond 24" and "Bond 25." "Bond 24" is currently planned for an Autumn 2015 release, but according to new rumors there may already be contenders for the coveted role in future James Bond films. A fan favorite includes "The Dark Knight Rises" villain, Tom Hardy.
According to Contactmusic.com, Tom Hardy has been "the public's number one choice" to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.
Rumors regarding the next Bond girl in "Bond 24" have also cropped up: according to French film magazine Premiere, 39-year-old Spanish actress Penelope Cruz has been listed alongside expected Bond veterans (such as Daniel Craig and Ralph Fiennes) in a release date update from Sony.
"Sony has updated its release schedule," they explain. "Big surprise on page 2: Named alongside Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris is Penelope Cruz in the cast of Bond 24 by Sam Mendes."
Penelope Cruz is married to Javier Bardem, who played the villain in "Skyfall," Raoul Silva. Yahoo! Movies UK reports that this isn't the first time Penelope Cruz's name has come up when talk of the next Bond girl arises for "Bond 24."
"A source close to the production of the £100 million film, likely to be directed by Sam Mendes after his success with 'Skyfall', said: 'The producers have tried to get Penelope before, but she has never been available because of other commitments. The discussions have been going on for some time and they are working out the contract details now'."
Approaching her 40th birthday, Cruz could potentially be the oldest Bond girl yet, Yahoo! Movies UK reports.
The "Bond 24" release date is November 6, 2015. Daniel Craig will star as James Bond again and the film will be helmed by returning director Sam Mendes. Bond girl Naomie Harris is expected to reprise her "Skyfall" role as Moneypenny. Ralph Fiennes will replace Judi Dench as "M" in the upcoming James Bond film, "Bond 24."