A television villain will be the new Bond 24 villain.
The Mirror UK is reporting that Andrew Scott, who portrayed Sherlock Holmes’ nemesis Moriarty on the BBC television series, has been tapped to portray the villain in the latest James Bond installment, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond.
The film, currently under the working title Bond 24 , announced this part of the casting today and will release the official cast, as well as the title of the 24th installment of the James Bond series of films, tomorrow at a press conference. Sam Mendes will direct the film.
The Dublin, Ireland, native Scott, 38, joins a list purported to also include Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear and Naomie Harris along with Lea Seydoux, Dave Bautista and Christoph Waltz, who are reported to be joining the cast.
A source close to the movie said, “Andrew was hand-picked for a role in the new Bond movie after film bosses loved his star turn in Sherlock .”
“Casting directors thought he was perfect to play a baddie and they wanted to use his existing Sherlock profile — and amp it up to the next level.”
“Andrew is hoping the move will see him leap from TV to the big screen, where he can eventually divide his time between London and L.A. He knows this is his big break.”
Fansided is reporting that Waltz had been added to the Bond 24 to portray villain Ernesto Blofeld. While it’s certain Scott will play a villain, it hasn’t been confirmed which one.
Scott does have some big shoes to fill. Bond villains are as much a part of the Bond tapestry as the titular character himself. With actors such as Christopher Walken, Javier Bardem, Christopher Lee, Sean Bean, and Robert Carlysle each have taken a turn as the Bond villain, the pressure will be on Scott to maintain the legacy.
Scott feels his turn as Moriarty on Sherlock has prepared him for most anything. “ Sherlock has changed all our careers, and I’m really pleased about that. It gives you the benefit of the doubt because executives like to see recognisable faces.”
“It was overwhelming to be on a TV show that is quite so popular. That took me totally by surprise. People had an instant affection for it from the first episode.”
“The reaction was extraordinary. People still come up to me in the street all the time, wanting to talk about it.” Scott said.
Bond 24 will be released in the fall of 2015.
[Image courtesy of Men Fashion Style ]