Over the weekend it was revealed that an offer was sent to Javier Bardem for a juicy starring role opposite Daniel Craig in the gestating and still untitled “James Bond 23.” While details were scarce, most presumed that the role was likely for the villain — and they were right. The actor himself talked about the offer and his interest in the “dynamic” of the forthcoming Bond flick.
Speaking with the LA Times, Bardem said that he has taken a meeting on the project, and likes what he has heard so far. However, he isn’t making a decision until he reads the script. “They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic,” Bardem said. “I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing.”
However, if you think a big action tentpole is a bit too common for the veteran actor and Oscar nominee, you might be surprised to learn that Bardem is as big an enthusiast of the franchise as the next guy. “I’m a huge fan of the James Bond saga,” Bardem said. “When I was little, I went watching Mr. Connery doing James Bond with my father. Who in the world would think I’d be in one of those movies?”
Bardem is clearly very open to the part and should it all come out on paper, all signs point to him signing on for the role. We like the idea and hope the character isn’t just an Anton Chigurh retread and is a bit more layered than the typically one-dimensional villains that populate Bond films.
But there’s still time for Bardem to decide and for the screenwriters to tweak the script to his liking. ‘James Bond’ is gearing up to shoot this fall, with Daniel Craig and Judi Dench both returning and Sam Mendes directing. It hits theaters on November 9, 2012.