Mads Mikkelsen; the Danish actor has been chosen as Le Chiffre, the Bond villain. Mads will star in the upcoming Bond venture, Casino Royale. This announcement was made at a press conference at the Barrandov Studios in the Czech Republic.
Martin Campbell, who is behind the camera for Casino Royale announced his casting at this conference. The 40-year-old Mikkelsen is well known for his critically acclaimed role of Tristan in King Arthur. Daniel Craig and Judi Dench are the principal actors in this Bond film, which is based on the first ever Bond novel penned by Ian Fleming.
The leading lady for 007 is yet to be finalized in this film where Bond pits his might against Le Chiffre even as they indulge in a game of high-stakes baccarat. Mikkelsen had been tipped to assay this villainous role. He already has "The Green Butchers" and "Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself" to his credit besides King Arthur and a role in the crime trilogy from Denmark, "Pusher."
The Bond makers also announced that the choice of Vesper Lynd, Bond's leading lady had been narrowed down to two or three names. French actor Eva Green, Olivia Wilde, Angelina Jolie and Naomi Watts are being speculated as the front-runners for this role. Casino Royale will be the 21st film featuring the martini-loving agent with a license to kill. It will be Daniel Craig's first Bond movie after he was chosen to replace Pierce Brosnan and 007.
