Rami Malek has dished some now, rather interesting details regarding his villain inJames Bond 25. Up to this point, even though the movie has been filming for several weeks (with a brief pause to accommodate Daniel Craig’s recovery from a broken ankle), we’re still very much in the dark in regards to what we’re going to see unfold in this latest adventure with 007. But according to Malek, we can rule out any form of religious extremism.
During a recent interview, the 38-year old actor, who recentlywon an Oscarfor his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the Queen biopicBohemian Rhapsody, explained that he had a very specific condition that needed to be met in order for him to sign on for the movie. He needed assurance from director Cary Fukunaga that this villain would not be any sort of religious fundamentalist or Arabic-speaking terrorist. Here’s what Malek had to say about it.
“It’s a great character and I’m very excited. But that was one thing that I discussed with Cary. I said, ‘We cannot identify him with anyact of terrorismreflecting an ideology or a religion. That’s not something I would entertain, so if that is why I am your choice then you can count me out.’ But that was clearly not his vision. So he’s a very different kind of terrorist.”
Rami Malekembraces his Egyptian heritage fully and considers it a huge part of his identity, saying it’s “the fabric of who I am.” So it’s completely understandable that he would want to avoid such stereotypes, especially in a franchise with such a massive, global appeal. While playing a Bond villain is a big deal for any actor, Malek is someone who surely had a lot of options after the success ofBohemian Rhapsody. He certainly didn’t have to say yes to this part.
For now, all we can go on are rumors. We heard some time back that the movie could include a blind villain. As for what his terrorist plot could involve? All we know from the synopsis is that it will involve “deadly new technology” of some sort. Bond will be semi-retired living the quiet life in Jamaica when hisold buddy Felix Leiter(Jeffrey Wright) comes calling and pulls him back in. Speaking further, Rami Malek spoke highly of what we’re going to see next year.
“It’s another extremely clever script from the people who have figured out exactly what people want in those movies. But I feel a substantial weight on my shoulders. I mean, Bond is something that we all grow up with.”
This is billed as Daniel Craig’s final turn as 007. Will it be a worthy send-off? Will Rami Malek make his way into the pantheon of all-time great Bond villains?James Bond 25is set to arrive in theaters on July 16, 2025. This news comes to us via theDaily Mirror.
