Monica Bellucci is not totally opposed to returning to the James Bond franchise for future installments, particularly Bond 25. The actress made her big splash on the long-running film series in 2015's Spectre by playing Lucia Sciarra, the widow of infamous Italian assassin, Marco Sciarra (Alessandro Cremona) and one of the film's signature Bond girls. She had but a brief role in Spectre, but was last seen alive after giving Bond some information, so fans are wondering if Bellucci will come back for another entry.

As preparations start for the celebratory 25th James Bond film that will hit theaters in 2019, talks about who will eventually join Daniel Craig's 007 have already begun. We can expect that the recurring supporting cast of Ralph Fiennes (Judi Dench's successor as M), Ben Whishaw (Q), Naomie Harris (Moneypenny), and Rory Kinnear (Tanner) are all going to be back for another action-packed adventure. Léa Seydoux’s return Dr. Madeleine Swan is supposedly a possibility and apparently, if swirling rumors are to be believed, Bellucci's Lucia, as well.

Talking to a slew of reporters, including Variety, in Rome earlier this week as she is honored with the Virna Lisi lifetime achievement award, Bellucci was coy when asked about potentially returning to the Bond franchise. “I can’t say anything,” she says, neither confirming nor denying rumors that folks behind Bond 25, including Craig himself, are working hard to get her to reprise her role. The project currently is in its early stages of development has yet to get an official title, as well as director, which why it's understandable if Bellucci is not yet allowed to comment on the matter. But if anything, the actress not straightforwardly shooting down speculations is a good sign, as it's likely she is open to take the gig again.

The Italian actress' casting as one of Agent 007's mandatory female companions in Sam Mendes' contribution to the movie franchise has made the headlines given that Bellucci is the oldest Bond girl ever at 51 -- four years older than Craig. Despite this, she definitely left an impression with her performance, as she exuded a different kind of sexuality and grace that perfectly complimented Bond's (specifically Craig's more mysterious and mature version) aura. This obviously resulted in a lot of people clamoring to see more of her after many thought how underused she was in Spectre.

There is a lot of anticipation that surrounds Bond 25, not only because it will be a milestone project for the long-running franchise, but it's also the last outing for Craig as the smooth-talking, tuxedo-wearing spy. Pulling different elements from the actor's other films as James Bond could be a fitting way to send him off, and Bellucci being one of the more memorable parts of Spectre just perfectly fits the bill.

MORE: CHRISTOPH WALTZ NOT RETURNING AS BLOFELD FOR BOND 25

Source: Variety

 

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