Rumor: Christoph Waltz to Play Villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld in 'Bond 24'

A few months ago we learned that producers were looking for Daniel Craig's 007 to face a memorable  villain in Bond 24, and so they hired Guardians of the Galaxy's Dave Bautista to fill that role. But that was just as a henchman, with Christoph Waltz brought on recently to play the brains behind whatever nefarious scheme Bond must prevent, and it looks like the Oscar-winning actor will be portraying Bond's greatest nemesis.

According to the DailyMail, who have the best ears when it comes to sifting out Bond news, Waltz will be playing Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the head of the criminal organization SPECTRE. Blofeld appeared in six Bond films, seven if you include 1983's Thunderball remake Never Say Never Again, played on screen by Donald Pleasence, Telly Savalas, Charles Gray, and Max von Sydow. The character is probably best known as the inspiration for Mike Myers' Dr. Evil character in the Austin Powers movies.

This is all just a rumor but it does make some degree of sense. MGM had been a dispute with Thunderball writer Kevin McClory over the film rights to Blofeld, but those were settled some months ago meaning the character could be used again. That appears to be exactly what MGM and director Sam Mendes intend to do. Production on the still-untitled Bond film begins next month for release November 6th 2015.