New 007 star?

Actor reportedly offered James Bond role...

10:53 02 February 2011

Javier Bardem has reportedly been offered a role in the new James Bond film.

The star is rumoured to be playing a villain opposite Daniel CraigÂ’s James Bond role.

This latest film in the Bond saga is being directed by Sam Mendes and is set for release in 2012.

Craig will return as 007 for the third time in the as yet untitled 23rd Bond film.

MGM studios and EON Productions confirmed that the next instalment of the long-running spy series will happen, after doubt was previously cast over the future of the franchise.

The Bond series had been put on hold amid financial troubles, after MGM filed for bankruptcy protection last November.

The film will mark four years since Bond's last outing in 2008 with Quantam of Solace.