Daniel Craig, also known as Bond, James Bond, has a new girl. French actress Bérénice Marlohe has been confirmed to star in the 23rd film in the legendary series, which began in the 1960s.
Ursula Andress, who starred as “Honey Ryder” in Dr. No (1962), became the first iconic Bond girl, although she was joined in the cast by Eunice Gayson as Sylvia Trench and Zena Marshall as Miss Taro.
Since then a procession of beauties has played the role both known and unknown, from Halle Berry, Denise Richards, Michelle Yeoh and Teri Hatcher to the most recent Bond girls Russian hottie Olga Kurylenko and UK actress Gemma Arterton.
Director Sam Mendes is helming the film, which also includes UK actress Helen McCrory, 43, who appeared in the 2006 movie, “The Queen,” and the final three Harry Potter movies. Craig, who is returning for his third Bond film, will be joined once again by Judi Dench as M and Rory Kinnear, who reprise her role as M’s assistant.
Sean Connery, of course, pioneered the role of James Bond and was followed by Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan. Javier Bardem has been lined up to play the bad guy and Ralph Feinnes will make a special guest appearance.
Olivia Wilde and Frieda Pinto were also mentioned as possibilities to play the Bond girl in the as-yet un-named film. The role can be an important career stepping stone. Marlohe is relatively unknown outside of France, and the film could boost her international standing.
She’s appeared in mostly movies made for French television although she stars in the French feature film, “Un bonheur n’arrive jamais seul,” which will hit theaters in 2012.