Spanish baddie for Bond

By James Bryce

Spanish actor Javier Bardem has announced he will play the villain in the next James Bond film.

The Oscar-winner, who is married to fellow Spaniard Penelope Cruz, will follow in the footsteps of iconic baddies including Oddjob and Jaws for the role in Bond 23.

The actor is no stranger to playing the bad guy following his portrayal of a serial killer in No Country for Old Men.

“I am very excited,” he said.

“My parents took me to watch the movies and I saw all of them. So to play that is going to be fun. They chose me to play this man, but I cannot give you many details.”

The film – which will see Daniel Craig resume his role as Bond – is being directed by Sam Mendes and is scheduled for release in November 2012.