Rachel Weisz to play next Bond villain?

To this day, the disconnect between Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale and Marc Forster’s Quantum of Solace amazes me. The two films, the newest in the revitalized James Bond series, shared similar elements (a continuous story throughout, Daniel Craig as Bond, etc.) but I thought Casino Royale had not only a better story, but a sense of style and freshness that its sequel is sorely lacking.

Quantum of Solace was nearly enough to sour me on the new series entirely. But if an anonymous source at Cinema Blend is to be believed, my interest is about to be restored.Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz is rumored for a role in the newest Bond installment, unofficially referred to as Bond 23. CB’s source indicates behind-the-scenes discussions are being held about Weisz playing the leader of Quantum, the evil organization responsible for Bond’s misfortune over the past two movies.

Considering Dame Judi Dench took control of MI-6 as “M” fifteen years ago in Goldeneye, I think it’s appropriate for a competent female leader of an opposing organization to emerge in the Bond universe. Weisz certainly has the gravitas to pull off a character like that; her range as an actress is staggering, and she can menacingly give out orders from behind a desk or wield a gun with equal aplomb.

No word yet on the start date for Bond 23 since MGM is having significant financial troubles these days. Sam Mendes (American Beauty) is slated to direct, but we’ll have to see how long it takes for MGM to get back up and running before this project gathers any real forward momentum.

Keep in mind, Cinema Blend makes it clear this rumor is currently unconfirmed. But considering my appreciation for Weisz as an actress (she’s wonderful in The Brothers Bloom, captivating in The Fountain, and charming in The Mummy), I figured this story, even unsubstantiated, was worth passing along to you.

So what do you think? Do you think Weisz has what it takes to be the leader of Quantum?