Rami Malek To Play Villain In New Bond Movie, ‘Bond 25’

Oscar winner Rami Malek is joining the Bond world as an international villain in franchise’s 25th film set for release next year, producers announced on Thursday.

Though still unnamed, the cast and creative team have been unveiled at a launch event with Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge confirmed as one of the writers.

Malek, who drew critical acclaim for his portrayal of Queen front man Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody last year, will play Bond’s nemesis in the upcoming film, which goes by the working title Bond 25, producers said.

The film is to be directed by directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the man behind the first season of the drama True Detective and the Netflix comedy Maniac.

Details of Malek’s character haven’t been revealed and he wasn’t at the official launch on Thursday, but he sent a video message confirming he will play a villain.

“I promise you all I will be making sure that Mr. Bond does not have an easy ride of it in this his 25th outing,” Malek announced in a webcast about the new movie.

This will be actor Daniel Craig‘s 5th time playing the British famous fictional secret agent, and will feature on-location scenes in Jamaica, the producers said in the webcast from the Caribbean island.

The franchise was launched with Dr. No in 1962 in Jamaica and will be returning to the location as one of the places to shoot. Producers say Italy, Norway and London will also appear in the film.

“We consider Jamaica Bond’s spiritual home,” said Barbara Broccoli, one of the film’s producers.

In the movie’s official plot summary, Bond has left secret service and enjoying a nice, tranquil life in Jamaica when an old CIA friend steps in and asks him for help.

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“The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.” the summary reads.