A new Bond movie, the 24th title coincidentally called 'Bond 24' is starting its production next month, it is rumored that the film is finally getting an antagonist. Earlier this year there were talks of Oscar nominee Chiwitel Ejiofor, last seen as a baddie in 2005's "Four Brothers", being eyed for the role.
Today, two-time Oscar Winner Christoph Waltz has been reported joining the movie's cast; which also explains his absence in Quentin Tarantino's latest effort, The Hateful Eight as many anticipated. Tarantino is also the director of both fillms that gave Waltz his two Oscars.
The Wrap reports that Waltz officially signed on for the project and pressumably had taken the role Ejiofor was being eyed for:
"Two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz has signed on to join Daniel Craig in Sam Mendes' "Bond 24," according to Daily Mail reporter Baz Bamigboye, who has a solid track record when it comes to 007 news.
Representatives for EON Productions and Waltz did not immediately respond to requests for comment."
It wont take much for the actor to fill the shoes of a baddie as Waltz has gained Hollywood notoriety playing an eccentric villlain or anti-hero; namely in Inglorious Basterds as the double-crossing Colonel Hans Landa and in his most recent effort, as bounty hunter Dr. Schultz in Django.
News that Bond 24 will be shooting in a number of locations including Austria, coincidentally Vienna-born Waltz's country of origin.
Daniel Craig reprises the role as MI6 secret agent James Bond in the upcoming 24th installment, as will Skyfall director Sam Mendes. The director decided to accept the film after a series of offers from the producers of the franchise.
Also slated to return are 007's fellow agents MI6 secretary Miss Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), weapons and gadgets wizard "Q" and Ralph Fiennes who could possibly serve as the new "M", who will serve as Daniel Craig's Bond's boss in future films.
Bond 24 is expected to come out in theaters in 2015.
Stay tuned for more Bond 24 movie news at The Franchise Herald.
