The new James Bond film will be called 'SPECTRE'.
Director Sam Mendes - who also helmed the 2012 007 film 'Skyfall' - made the announcement at an event staged at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire earlier on Thursday, during which he revealed the movie's title will be the name of the fictional global terrorist organisation from the Bond novels by Ian Fleming.
Sam said: "The title of the 24th Bond movie is 'SPECTRE'. Those of you who have some knowledge of the Bond franchise and of the legend of Bond will probably have some idea what that refers to, but I couldn't possibly comment."
SPECTRE – which stands for Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion – is led by iconic evil genius Ernst Stavro Blofeld and the infamous cat-loving, scarred super-villain and his organisation played a prominent part in the 'Dr. No' and ‘Thunderball’ movies, and also appeared in 'You Only Live Twice', 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service', 'Diamonds Are Forever' and 'For Your Eyes Only'.
So far no actor has been cast as Blofeld in the film but rumours are rife the super-spy's nemesis will play a prominent role.
Previous actors to bring the character to life on the big screen include Telly Savalas, Max Von Sydow, Charles Gray and most famously Donald Pleasence.
'Inglorious Basterds' and 'Django Unchained' star Christoph Waltz has been cast as Oberhauser, Bond's skiing instructor.
Mendes said: "The most important member [of the visiting cast], I think – an extraordinary actor – I could not be happier than to be having in this cast and joining us on this journey, Mr Christoph Waltz."
He also revealed Monica Bellucci will play the part of Lucia Sciarra while Léa Seydoux – the 29-year-old French actress who has previously had roles in 'The Last Mistress' and 'On War' - will appear as Madeleine Swann.
The movie, which is set for release on November 6 next year, will also feature WWE wrestler and 'Guardians of the Galaxy' actor Dave Bautista, who will star as henchman Mr Hinx, as well as 'Sherlock' star Andrew Scott as Denbigh.
Returning cast members include Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny, Ben Wishaw as Q, Rory Kinnear as Bill Tanner and Daniel Craig, who will be appearing as secret agent 007 for a fourth time.
The movie will be shot over a seven-month timeframe in a variety of locations, including London, Rome, Mexico City, Tangier and Erfoud in Morocco, and Sölden, Obertilliach and Lake Altausee in Austria.
At the event – which was streamed live on 007.com and Facebook.com/JamesBond007 - Mendes also revealed the Bond franchise would be continuing its association with the Aston Martin car brand, and he unveiled the new Aston Martin DB10 that will feature in the much-anticipated film at the announcement.
He said: "The first cast member that I will introduce to you is a non-human cast member. Over to my right here, I am really excited and thrilled to be able to say that we have continued our 50-year relationship with Aston Martin, which began right at the very beginning of this franchise.
"Together, we have worked on designing a new car - and so, I can reveal, the new Aston Martin DB10. A thing of beauty and you can see what it can do when you come and see the movie."
Following the latest revelations about Craig’s fourth Bond movie, speculation has increased about the film being his last as the suave spy with bookmaker William Hill offering 6/1 that the actor leaves the role after this movie and 33/1 for him to win an Oscar for his performance in 'SPECTRE'.
Tom Hardy is 3/1 favourite to replace Craig, while Idris Elba is available at 4/1 and Michael Fassbender 11/2, with actors such as Robert Pattinson (33/1), Hugh Jackman (50/1) and Brad Pitt (66/1) offering more value. - BANG Showbiz