Newly awarded Oscar-winner Rami Malek and Billy Magnussen are reportedly joining the cast of Bond 25. Daniel Craig's days as 007 appeared to be done after Spectre, but his disinterest in returning changed over time and eventually led to him agreeing to return for a fifth and final film. The project finally picked up steam when Danny Boyle signed on to direct the film, but creative differences led him to leave the project.
The movie is now set to be directed by True Detective's Cary Fukunaga and that director change has already seen the release change on multiple occasions. Now set to hit theaters next April, Bond 25 is reportedly getting a rewrite from Scott Burns. Story details have been difficult to come by thanks to the various directors and writers who've been attached to the film, but it's previously been confirmed that Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, and Ralph Fiennes are returning. It was previously rumored that Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek was eyed for a role too.
Related: Every Bond 25 Update You Need to Know
Thanks to two new reports, some casting decisions for Bond 25 appear close to being made. Variety reported that Magnussen is the top choice to play a new CIA operative, but they aren't sure if an offer has been made. This report also notes MGM and Eon are searching for two prominent female roles, one being a new MI6 agent and another accomplice for Bond. While Variety also reported that Malek is still being looked at for the villain role, Collider reveals that Malek's deal is expected to close after working out his scheduling on Mr. Robot's fourth and final season. Additionally, Collider mentions that Black Panther's Lupita Nyong'o is being eyed for an unspecified role.
The likely addition of Malek would come at no better time for all parties involved. Malek is fresh off his Oscar winning performance as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody and can command more money as a result, while Bond 25 immediately gets one of the hottest names in the business for the main antagonist. Magnussen is possibly better known for his comedic work, but his established working relationship with Fukunaga on Maniac likely helps his chances of getting a major action role. As for Lupita, she is another star on the rise and fellow Oscar-winner, so the possibility of her joining in either female role is possible.
Should Bond 25 actually add all three of these stars, then Craig's final appearance as the spy will once again be a star-studded affair. There's still additional roles that will need to be filled too, so the cast could become even more impressive. With the working title recently being revealed, the start of production is not very far away anymore. An April start is rumored, so we should know soon who does and does not join Bond 25's cast.
