Bohemian Rhapsody actor Rami Malek teases playing James Bond's next villain

The 39-year-old was first linked to the role a month ago

Bohemian Rhapsody actor Rami Malek has spoken about potentially playing the next James Bond villain for the first time since being publicly linked to the upcoming film.

Malek was first reported as being approached for the role last December. The 37-year-old would potentially, however, be too busy filming the next season of Mr Robot to take the position.

Speaking to ET, the actor remained coy, neither denying nor confirming being Daniel Craig’s Bond’s next nemesis.

“We’ll have to see about that,” he said. “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.”

Chances are there are still discussions being had between the studio and Malek as they work out scheduling conflicts.

The next Bond film – the 25th in the series – has had various major production problems. First, there was Craig being hesitant to return as the famed spy, having said during one interview while promoting Spectre that he would “rather slash my wrists” than play the character again.

After Craig was confirmed to return, Danny Boyle was attached to develop the script and direct, but soon dropped out over creative conflicts with Craig and the studio. Cary Joji Fukunaga, who acted as showrunner on the first season of True Detective, soon stepped in.

Bond 25 will open in UK cinemas on 14 February 2020.