Malek told the director 'We cannot identify him with any act of terrorism reflecting an ideology or religion.”
Rabat – Rami Malek, an American actor of Egyptian descent, has revealed that he only agreed to play a James Bond villain if the character has no religious or ideological affiliations.
In an interview published in the British paper the Daily Mirror, the Academy Award Winner said he was firm with director Cary Fukunaga that while he would accept the role of villain, he would not play a religious fundamentalist.
“I told him, ‘We cannot identify him with any act of terrorism reflecting an ideology or religion,'” said the actor.
“‘That’s not something I would entertain, so if that is why I am your choice then you can count me out.'”
Fukunaga agreed, subsequently cast Malek in the as yet untitled 25th Bond film, which is currently shooting in the UK. Malek said after his conversation with Fukunaga, he realized that an ideological terrorist was “clearly not his vision,” the actor is quoted as saying. “He’s a very different kind of terrorist.”
Instead, the role Malek will be playing is “a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.” Malek added he was truly playing “a great character” and that he was “very excited” to be cast in the film, due out in April 2020.
“It’s another extremely clever script from the people who have figured out exactly what people want in those movies,” he continued.
The film, simpled titled “Bond 25,” will also see British actor Daniel Craig return for the role of James Bond for the 5th time.
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