Javier Bardem set for Bond role?

Javier Bardem has reportedly been offered a role in the new James Bond film.

The Oscar winning 'Biutiful' actor is thought to have been approached and given a "major" offer to appear in the next instalment in the secret agent franchise - sparking rumours he could be a villain.

Daniel Craig will be returning as the titular agent in the movie - which has a working title of 'James Bond 23' - while Dame Judi Dench has been confirmed to return as James' stern female boss, M, while the film will be directed by Sam Mendes.

The project had hoped to follow up the last film in the franchise, 'Quantum Of Solace' earlier, but it was put on hold because of financing problems with studio MGM.

It has previously been rumoured that Rachel Weisz was to play a villain in the film, though this casting has been thrown into doubt because she has started dating Daniel.

A source said: "Casting Rachel was going to be a surprise twist as everyone would assume she'd be a Bond girl when really she would play a villain.

"But the fly in the ointment is that they are now dating."

One rumoured title for the film is 'Red Sky At Night', and the script, written by regular contributors Neal Purvis and Robert Wade with John Logan is thought to pick up where 'Quantum Of Solace' left off.

The film is scheduled for release in November next year.