It's confirmed - Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe are going to star as the new leading ladies in the 23rd '007' or James Bond film.
While French beauty Berenice Marlohe will be playing the role of an enigmatic beauty called Severine in SkyFall, the 23rd James Bond movie, Naomie Harris, who made her name in Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later, will star as a field agent called Eve. Earlier it was rumored that Harris will star as Miss Moneypenny.
Director Sam Mendes, who was at a James Bond press conference in London on Thursday, said he preferred calling Berenice a 'Bond lady' and not a 'Bond girl.' Mendes had reportedly handpicked Berenice for the role. Berenice follows the steps of French actresses such as Eva Green, Sophie Marceau and Carole Bouquet who played as Bond girls.
However, things won't be easy for Berenice, who had to undergo training in martial arts and also had to learn how to handle weapons as Severine. The experience, she said, was exhilerating.
Both Berenice and Harris were draped in the arms of actor Daniel Craig, who will be playing the role of the secret agent for the fourth time in a row. There was no word on whether the two beauties will be seen in bathing suits or will be disrobing for the secret agent in the forthcoming movie.
At the conference, it was also confirmed that Dame Judi Dench will play the role of Miss Moneypenny.
Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw are also part of cast members but Mendes refused to reveal any details about their roles. Javier Bardem will play as Bond's nemesis.
We’re so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct Skyfall and be working once again with Daniel Craig, said Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. We've a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure.
Filming for SkyFall, which follows the plot of the last three Bond films, will take place in London, China, Turkey and Scotland. The film will be released around end-2012.
Start the slideshow to check out the new Bond girls.
Actor Daniel Craig poses with Berenice Marlohe (L) and Naomie Harris while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London REUTERSDirector Sam Mendes (3rd L) poses with cast members (L-R) Javier Bardem, Berenice Marlohe, Judi Dench, Daniel Craig and Naomie Harris along with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson during a photocall to launch the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London November 3, 2011. REUTERSCast members Javier Bardem (L), Berenice Marlohe (2nd L), Daniel Craig (R) and Naomie Harris pose during a photocall to launch the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London November 3, 2011. REUTERSActor Naomie Harris poses while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London REUTERSActor Naomie Harris poses while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London November 3, 2011. Daniel Craig returns as British secret agent James Bond in "Skyfall" the 23rd instalment in one of the world's longest-running and most successful film franchises. Director Sam Mendes assured fans that Bond's latest adventure would adhere to the high octane formula that has made the films an enduring genre since Sean Connery first played the suave agent licensed to kill nearly 50 years ago in "Dr. No". REUTERSActors Berenice Marlohe (L) and Naomie Harris REUTERSActors Berenice Marlohe (L) and Naomie Harris pose while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London November 3, 2011. Craig returns as British secret agent James Bond in "Skyfall" the 23rd instalment in one of the world's longest-running and most successful film franchises. Director Sam Mendes assured fans that Bond's latest adventure would adhere to the high octane formula that has made the films an enduring genre since Sean Connery first played the suave agent licensed to kill nearly 50 years ago in "Dr. No". REUTERSActor Berenice Marlohe poses while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London November 3, 2011. Daniel Craig returns as British secret agent James Bond in "Skyfall" the 23rd instalment in one of the world's longest-running and most successful film franchises. Director Sam Mendes assured fans that Bond's latest adventure would adhere to the high octane formula that has made the films an enduring genre since Sean Connery first played the suave agent licensed to kill nearly 50 years ago in "Dr. No". REUTERSActor Berenice Marlohe poses while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London November 3, 2011. Daniel Craig returns as British secret agent James Bond in "Skyfall" the 23rd instalment in one of the world's longest-running and most successful film franchises. Director Sam Mendes assured fans that Bond's latest adventure would adhere to the high octane formula that has made the films an enduring genre since Sean Connery first played the suave agent licensed to kill nearly 50 years ago in "Dr. No". REUTERSActor Berenice Marlohe poses while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London November 3, 2011. Daniel Craig returns as British secret agent James Bond in "Skyfall" the 23rd instalment in one of the world's longest-running and most successful film franchises. Director Sam Mendes assured fans that Bond's latest adventure would adhere to the high octane formula that has made the films an enduring genre since Sean Connery first played the suave agent licensed to kill nearly 50 years ago in "Dr. No".REUTERSActor Daniel Craig poses with Berenice Marlohe (L) while launching the start of production of the new James Bond film "SkyFall" at a restaurant in London November 3, 2011. Craig returns as British secret agent James Bond in "Skyfall" the 23rd instalment in one of the world's longest-running and most successful film franchises. Director Sam Mendes assured fans that Bond's latest adventure would adhere to the high octane formula that has made the films an enduring genre since Sean Connery first played the suave agent licensed to kill nearly 50 years ago in "Dr. No". REUTERS