Chiwetel Ejiofor Being Eyed as the Next James Bond Villain

Casting is well underway on the 24th James Bond adventure, Daniel Craig's fourth in the lead role. Chiwetel Ejiofor is being considered for the villain in the new 007 movie. Ejiofor, who won a BAFTA and snared an Oscar nomination for his terrific turn in Steve McQueen's 12 Years A Slave, is considered the "frontrunner" for the role. No official offer has yet been forthcoming, mind. The James Bond 24 team is also on the lookout for two female leads for the new film. One of whom is described as a "Scandinavian with a trouble past who will serve as a brief love interest for Bond". The other female lead seems to be the "new Bond girl".

Sam Mendes is returning to direct the film, following the staggering success of Skyfall, and the movie is set for release in October 2015. Shooting starts later this year.