Chiwetel Ejiofor Is the Frontrunner to Play the Villain in Next James Bond Movie

After having an actor with Oscar prestige play the villain in Skyfall, the James Bond franchise appears to have taken a liking to that concept. TheWrap reports that 12 Years a Slave star Chiwetel Ejiofor is being eyed to play the villain in the next Bond film, following in Javier Bardem's footsteps.

According to TheWrap, "[w]hile Ejiofor does not have an official offer yet and is not in formal talks, he is being eyed for the coveted role and is widely presumed to be the frontrunner amongst the other actors under consideration."

If Ejiofor signs on for the Skyfall sequel, he'll join a cast already featuring Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris. Sam Mendes will also return to direct Bond 24, which is scheduled to open on Nov. 6, 2015.