Kevin Spacey not playing James Bond villain: 'I don't know who started the rumour but stop it'

The House of Cards actor insists he will not star in Sam Mendes' movie

Kevin Spacey has not been offered a James Bond role, nor has he read a script (Steve Jennings)

Kevin Spacey has denied rumours that he will star as a villain in the 24th James Bond movie.

The US actor, 54, confirmed that he has not been involved in casting talks and will not be appearing in the forthcoming 2015 film.

“I don’t know why people keep writing about this,” he told the BBC. “I’ve been offered no role and I’ve never read a script.”

Sam Mendes is set to direct the follow-up to 2012’s Skyfall, which became the highest-grossing film ever at the UK box office after taking more than $1 billion worldwide.

“Obviously if (Mendes) wanted me he would’ve offered me the role,” Spacey added. “I don’t even know if there is a role, frankly. I don’t know who started the rumour but stop it.”

Spacey has worked with the British director previously, both on 1999’s Oscar-winning American Beauty and a 2011 stage production of Shakespeare’s Richard III.

Last month it was announced that Spacey will be leaving London’s Old Vic theatre after ten years as artistic director.

He can currently be seen in one-man show Clarence Darrow and is due to return to Netflix political drama House of Cards for a third season in the lead role of Frank Underwood.

Another leading actor being tipped as James Bond's next arch-nemesis is 12 Years a Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor.