Penelope Cruz Next Bond Girl: Cruz To Play Lead Role In ‘James Bond 24’

Does Penelope Cruz have what it takes to be the next Bond girl? Audiences will soon get the chance to find out, if casting rumors are to be believed.

According to the British Yahoo Movies, Cruz, who broke out with lead roles in films like “Vanilla Sky” and “Blow,” is a top contender for the role despite the fact that by the time shooting begins she will be older than any previous actress to snag that coveted role. Although at 39, Cruz is six years younger than leading man Daniel Craig, hardly shocking by most Hollywood standards, some Bond fans have called the news a potentially groundbreaking casting decision.

Guardian film blogger Xan Brooks noted that while Cruz won’t be the first-ever Bond girl well past her 20s, news of her arrival would nonetheless “count as the franchise's equivalent of Seneca Falls: a feminist breakthrough, one for the annals." "Finally, cinema's ultimate chauvinist has got himself an age-appropriate girlfriend,” Brooks added. The two oldest leading ladies of Bonds-past include Maud Adams, who was 38 when she starred in “Octopussy,” and Honor Blackman, who played Pussy Galore in “Gold Finger” at the age of 37.

According to sources reportedly close to the film, which will be directed by Sam Mendes, this isn’t the first time that producers were interested in Cruz for the series, but merely the first time that she was free from other obligations. "The producers have tried to get Penelope before, but she has never been available because of other commitments,” a source said. “The discussions have been going on for some time and they are working out the contract details now."

Cruz, who gave birth to her son Leo in 2011 with husband Javier Bardem, is pregnant again. However, the source said that Cruz’s pregnancy wasn’t a concern for the producers.

"She got back into shape fast after the first baby and will no doubt regain her figure quickly this time,” the source said. “She’ll be a great Bond girl. Bond girls are always brainy as well as sexy, and that’s totally Penelope."

Cruz won an Academy Award in 2009 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Woody Allen film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” She recently wrapped filming on the Ridley Scott film “The Counselor,” in which she acted alongside Bardem.