Ifans joins Bardem and Fiennes for 'Bond 23'

(AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL)

The cast for the next 007 film, tentatively titled Bond 23 indicating the number of Bond films, is filling out with Rhys Ifans ( Notting Hill) the latest to sign on to possibly portray a villain.

Ifans will also play The Lizard in the upcoming Spider-Man film with Andrew Garfield.

Oscar winner Javier Bardem ( No Country for Old Men) was also recently confirmed for the film as another potential villain, as was Ralph Fiennes ( Harry Potter).

Judi Dench reprises her role as M and Naomie Harris ( Ninja Assassin) will take the role of Moneypenny. Daniel Craig plays James Bond for the third of five contracted films.

This next Bond film is directed by Sam Mendes ( Revolutionary Road). The producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have suggested the forthcoming films will have original plots instead of Ian Fleming stories.
Bond 23 is scheduled for released October 26, 2012 in the UK, Canada and Sweden, and November 9 in the US and other countries.

RC