While MGM’s financial worries continue to brew — likely delaying much of it’s upcoming slate including Guillermo Del Toro’s two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” — the production of the 23rd Bond film continues to spin the rumor mill regarding who will line up alongside Daniel Craig.
The latest word comes courtesy of CinemaBlend who report that British actress and Mrs. Darren Aronofsky, Rachel Weisz, may be in line to play the villain in the latest Sam Mendes masterminded pic. The role wouldn’t be just another ‘Bond girl’ either; Weisz is rumored to potentially find herself as the instrumental head of the Quantum organization which has been the main antagonist behind Bond’s rebooted adventures in Martin Campbell’s “Casino Royale” and Marc Forster’s “Quantum Of Solace.”
Is there any backing to the rumor though? Weisz’s connection to the franchise seemingly goes as far as a joke about becoming a ‘Bond’ girl, the fact she use to date Mendes, and that she’s currently working on Jim Sheridan’s “Dream House” with none other than Agent 007 himself, Craig.
It’s not exactly groundbreaking stuff thus far and CinemaBlend even admit they’re not “in the business of scooping news” though affirm that the news comes from “a reliable, proven source who’s broken numerous, since confirmed stories.”
It’s an interesting rumor nevertheless and with the recruitment of Mendes, it’s obvious producers want the franchise to change gears a bit so a lead female antagonist does seem plausible — all other villains have been male. Whether that lead is Weisz remains to be seen though keep in mind both Freida Pinto and Olivia Wilde were recently linked to roles only for both to almost immediately deny those reports.