Rami Malek confirmed for villain role in new 007 movie starring Daniel Craig. The Egyptian Oscar-winning actor is to play a villain in the 25th official James Bond film, which is yet to be titled.
The cast and creative team have been unveiled at a launch event in Jamaica, with Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge confirmed as one of the writers.
The film, which will be released next April, and this will be Daniel Craig’s fifth and final time playing Bond.
So what do we know about Malek’s role?
A word about #BOND25 from Rami Malek pic.twitter.com/CLJ5mpO9mu
— James Bond (@007) April 25, 2019
The official plot summary mentions “a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology”. But that’s all we know. Details of Malek’s character haven’t been revealed and he wasn’t at the official launch on Thursday, but he sent a video message confirming he will play a villain.
“I’m stuck here in New York in production, but I’m very much looking forward to joining the whole cast and crew,” said Malek, who is currently filming TV show Mr. Robot. “I will be making sure Mr. Bond does not have an easy ride in this, his 25th outing. See you all soon.”
Here’s what the official plot summary reads:
“Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help.
“The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.”
The #MeToo Movement’s Effect:
At the launch, producer Barbara Broccoli said Bond’s attitudes to women would move with the times. “The Me Too movement has had a huge impact – rightfully, thankfully – on society, and these films should reflect that, as everything we do should,” she said.
“Bond has always adapted for the times. But you’re dealing with a character who is flawed, who has issues, and I think that’s something that’s worth still exploring and grappling with.
Daniel Craig added, “Of course, we wouldn’t be movie-makers or creative people if we didn’t have an eye on what was going on in the outside world.”
Aside from Malek and Craig, the cast will include Ralph Fiennes as M, Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, Rory Kinnear as MI6 cheif of staff Bill Tanner, Lea Setdoyx as Medeljne Swann, Jeffery Wright as ex-CIA agent Felix Leiter, and many other cast members new to 007.