‘Casino Royale’ Finally Finds Its Villain
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com)- Mads Mikkelsen would be a fantastic name for a villain in a James Bond film. Before that happens, though, the Danish actor of that name will play La Chiffre, 007’s main adversary in the upcoming “Casino Royale.”
According to media reports, Mikkelsen’s casting, long rumored in the Danish press, was confirmed by the “Royale” filmmakers at a press conference held Wednesday (Jan. 15) in Prague, where shooting on “Casino Royale” has already begun.
In Fleming’s novel, La Chiffre is a fascinating and abhorrent character, a debauched pornographer, pimp, gambler and Holocaust survivor. His unappealing physical description also makes him an odd match with Mikkelsen, whose IMDb bio notes is often listed among Denmark’s most attractive men.
The 40-year-old Mikkelsen may be vaguely familiar to international audiences from his small role in “King Arthur” and a larger part in “Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself.” His big break came in 1996’s “Pusher.”
While the casting announcement on Mikkelsen ends one endlessly speculated “Casino Royale” question, James Bond remains without a love interest. Director Martin Campbell made no effort to put a stop to the suspense about which actress will play the mysterious Vesper Lynde. The most recent buzz has centered on Eva Green (“The Dreamers”) and Olivia Wilde (“The O.C.”).
Stay tuned, as we like to say. They’ve just got to cast somebody eventually.
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