Filming gets underway in the UK today on the next James Bond flick and Variety reports that producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and the studios are on the verge of casting a female lead with an announcement expected within the next two weeks.

The producers have confirmed today however that the previously mentioned Mathieu Amalric will be playing the film's villain. They also confirm that Jeffrey Wright, who played CIA agent Felix Leiter in "Casino Royale," will reprise that role - marking only the second time that an actor has played Leiter more than once (David Hedison also played him twice, his five other appearances were played by different actors each time).

Other actors returning for "Bond 22" include Dame Judi Dench once again playing 'M' and Giancarlo Giannini as the traitorous Matthis. Filming moves to Italy, Panama, Austria and Bolivia over the next six months and the project is still very much on course for its November 2nd release.