What does one do after winning an Academy Award for portraying one of the most iconic British rock stars of all time? If you are Rami Malek, you get ready to square off against the most iconic British secret agent of all time.
Collider is reporting from sources that Malek, who took home an Oscar this past weekend for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, is in final negotiations to play the lead villain in the next, currently untitled James Bond film.
According to reports, Malek was an early contender for the role once writer-director Cary Joji Fukunaga signed on to the project, but the actor’s shooting schedule for the last season of his series Mr. Robot was proving to be an obstacle. However, Malek’s availability opened up when the film’s start of production date was moved from March to April. Both parties involved were then just waiting to see the results of this past Sunday’s Academy Awards before entering into final negotiations, as Malek’s win has raised the actor’s fee.
Bond 25 is expected to be the last outing for current 007 Daniel Craig. Lea Seydoux is confirmed to be reprising her role as psychologist Madeline Swann, previously seen in the last Bond film, 2015’s Spectre. Franchise regulars Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Ralph Fiennes are also set to return.
Bond 25 has a release date of April 8, 2020.
