The 'Black Panther' actress' team is quick to deny her potential involvement in 'Bond 25', which may see 'Bohemian Rhapsody' star Rami Malek taking on the role of a villain.
- March 2, 2019
AceShowbiz - Lupita Nyong'o won't be the next Bond girl, her representatives have confirmed.
The "Black Panther" star was touted as the newest 007 recruit on Thursday, February 28, with fans excited at the prospect of her joining Daniel Craig on what looks likely to be his swan song, "Bond 25".
But her team has now shot down the rumours to Deadline, telling the movie website it won't work out this time.
However, it does look likely that recent Oscar winner Rami Malek, who was victorious at Sunday night's Academy Awards ceremony for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody", will be helming the baddie role in the upcoming spy flick.
Insiders told Variety that Rami has been top of the producers' villain wish list for some time, but they thought that scheduling could not be worked out with his commitments on the final season of TV show "Mr. Robot". Other actors were then considered for the role, but Rami remains their top choice, with Bond bosses reportedly working out how they can accommodate both shoots.
"Game Night" star Billy Magnussen is also said to be close to signing on for the upcoming film, which is slated for an April 2020 release. It's thought he'll play a CIA operative that crosses paths with Bond, in Cary Joji Fukunaga's James Bond debut. The pair recently worked together on Netflix series "Maniac".
Returning franchise favourites Lea Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw have all been confirmed for "Bond 25".
