Coming on the heels of recent news that Chiwetel Ejiofor is being considered for the role of the next Bond-villain, rumors are circulating that Penelope Cruz migh also be attached to the 24th installment of the 007 franchise. The French magazine Premiere discovered her name on a Sony release update, grouped with the Bond 24 cast including Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris. Ejiofor’s name was notably absent from the list, which could either mean that the list was produced before he was being considered or that his involvement in the film is not yet a done deal.
While it has not yet been confirmed whether the news is legitimate or simply an error on Sony’s part, Cruz’s involvement in the film would be quite interesting considering her husband, Javier Bardem, turned in an acclaimed performance as the villain Raoul Silva in the 2012 Bond film Skyfall. Cruz would also join Halle Berry to become the second Oscar winner to portray a Bond-girl, if indeed that is her role in the film (hey, no one is saying she couldn’t have beaten Ejiofor for the villain role).
Combine the casting rumors with the return of Skyfall director Sam Mendes, and Bond 24 is shaping up to be another exciting adventure in a franchise that is full of them. Production is expected to begin in November with a fall 2015 release date.