Javier Bardem has been offered a “big role” in the next Bond film

Everyone in Hollywood wants to be in the hot Spaniard business it seems. After having been offered the lead role in Ron Howard’s ambitious adaptation of THE DARK TOWER late last week, Javier Bardem (just nominated for Best Actor in BIUTIFUL to boot) is now being offered what Deadline calls a “big” starring role in MGM’s upcoming BOND 23.

Unfortunately, Deadline can’t divulge any more information than that since character details are being kept heavily under wraps at the moment. However, the assumption is that this prominent starring role is likely that of a Bond villain. Much like Mads Mikkelsen from CASINO ROAYLE (but stronger in my opinion), Bardem brings presence with the potential for real menace (look no further than NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and even Michael Mann’s COLLATERAL for proof).

The question now, though, is will he take this or the role of Roland Deschain in THE DARK TOWER adaptation (which would turn into a very long commitment)? Which would you prefer to see?

BOND 23 – to be directed by Sam Mendes from a script by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and John Logan (HUGO CABRET, GLADIATOR) – is currently set for a November 9, 2012 release.