Fans await new James Bond film title

James Bond fans are awaiting the announcement of the title and cast of the latest film in the franchise later on Thursday.

Daniel Craig will reprise his role as 007 in the 24th official film in the series, with Skyfall director Sam Mendes back to direct.
Also returning are Naomi Harris as Moneypenny, Ralph Fiennes as M, and Ben Whishaw as Q.

The film details will be announced live from Pinewood Studios at 1100 GMT.

Principal photography is due to begin on Monday on the fourth film to feature Craig as the British spy,

Rumours have been circulating for months about who else will feature in the cast, particularly the role of the villain.

Newspaper reports have speculated that double Oscar winner Christoph Waltz could be announced as Bond's arch enemy Blofeld.

The character appeared in several Bond films between the 1960s and 1980s played by a variety of actors including Donald Pleasence, Telly Savalas and Charles Gray.

The Mirror suggested this week that Sherlock star Andrew Scott, who plays Moriarty in the BBC drama, is set to appear as a villain.

Speculation over female roles in the film includes Monica Bellucci, Lea Seydoux and Hilary Swank.

The previous Bond film Skyfall was the highest grossing film of all time in the UK. It made more than $1.1bn (£705m) at the worldwide box office.

Skyfall also won two Oscars - singer Adele's theme song of the same name won best original song and there was an award for sound editing.

The new film, currently known as Bond 24, is expected to be released in the UK on October 2015 ahead of the final Hunger Games film and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Source: BBC