Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)

007’s Vladdie baddie

Bond resumes his battle with Russian spies after 20yrs

- BY MARK JEFFERIES Showbiz Editor

JAMES Bond movie bosses have issued a warning: The Russians are coming.

The latest film, the 25th in the series, will star Daniel Craig as 007. And Bond will be battling Moscow baddies for the first time in 20 years.

A casting call has revealed intriguing details of two characters who will follow in the villainous footsteps of Rosa Klebb and General Orlov.

Producers of the series, inspired by Ian Fleming’s novels, are seeking a 30 to 60-year-old leading male, from Russia or the Balkans. He must be “charismati­c, powerful, innovative, cold and vindictive”.

A leading female role is also up for grabs for a Russian or Balkan and must be “very striking” with “strong physical combat skills”.

Her character is described as “intelligen­t, brave, fierce and charming, she’s witty and skilful, a survivor”. The couple look likely to have a Maori henchman, who must possess “combat skills” and be “ruthless and loyal”.

Bond has a history of taking on evil characters from behind the old Iron Curtain in films such as From Russia With Love. But the last significan­t villain was Victor “Renard” Zokas, a former KGB agent turned terrorist, played by Robert Carlyle in The World Is Not Enough in 1999.

Shooting on the film, directed by Danny Boyle, starts in December. The proposed release date is October next year.

And British singer-songwriter Dua Lipa is rumoured to be performing the theme song.

 ??  ?? ON TRACK Former athlete Dee-ann in winner’s sash HAPPY DAYS Showing off her style in Instagram pic
ON TRACK Former athlete Dee-ann in winner’s sash HAPPY DAYS Showing off her style in Instagram pic
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 ??  ?? EVIL Robert Carlyle as Russian Renard in 1999
EVIL Robert Carlyle as Russian Renard in 1999

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