SPECTRE: New James Bond Film Title & Cast Announced

Daniel Craig is back in his penultimate iconic performance of James Bond in the new film, Spectre, which will be released in November 2015. And it looks like the rumors are true: Christoph Waltz will be playing the villain, though his character's identity was not revealed. IMDB as listing him as Oberhauser, which might be an alias for Blofeld; given that SPECTRE is the name of Blofeld's criminal organization, it is likely. Blofeld has appeared as Bond's nemesis in six previous Bond films, including From Russia with Love, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds are Forever, so he is a favourite.

Live from Pinewood Studios, director Sam Mendes and producer Barbara Broccoli were on hand to make the big announcement. Other returning cast members include Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Ben Wishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, and Ralph Fiennes as M. Joining the 'Whitehall' side is Andrew Scott as Denbigh (so not the villain as rumoured, unless its another bluff). Dave Bautista from Guardians of the Galaxy was also announced, as Mr. Hink, so perhaps he is the American ally? Or maybe henchman, as he fits the physical profile? (I'm a bit disappointed that Jeffrey Wright is not returning). The two 'Bond Ladies' will be Monica Bellucci as Lucia Sciarra and Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann.

Much of the production staff from Skyfall returns, including writing team Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan, production designer Dennis Gassner, costume designer Jany Temime, composer Thomas Newman, Chris Corbould with special effects, Ben Aghdami with visual effects, the same team of special and visual effects artists, stunt coordinators, and composer. New additions include Lee Smith as editor (The Dark Knight, Interstellar) and cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema (Let the Right One In, Her, Interstellar). Those last two additions certainly suggest a dark tone to the film.

As is customary with a Bond film, Mendes announced some amazing locations, including Rome, Mexico City, Morocco and the Austrian Alps, as well as studio shooting at Pinewood. No details as to plot were given. But the first 'cast member' revealed was the new Aston Marton DB-10 (I know nothing about cars), so we can at least expect some good car chases.

Though its reception was mixed, I am a big fan of Skyfall. I expect Spectre will have a lot of tonal similarities to it, though with the death of Judi Dench's M, I'm guessing that the story might be a bit more traditional. Shooting begins on Monday, so we will know in a little less than a year.