Long-rumoured British actress Gemma Arterton has been confirmed for a part in the 22nd James Bond film, but not the lead Bond Girl role...

Gemma Arterton Confirmed For Bond 22
4th January 2008

MI6 confirmed her role in Bond 22 last month, but official word comes today via the Hollywood Reporter that British actress Gemma Arterton has secured a part in the 22nd James Bond film.

Eon Productions in London and Santa Monica-based Danjaq, as well as Arterton's agent, ICM in London, confirmed the casting today. Details of her character named "Fields" were not available, but a Danjaq rep said "it's a nice-sized role."

According to early rumours, the 22 year-old RADA actress - who will next be seen on the big screen in "St Trinian's" alongside Caterina Murino of "Casino Royale" fame - saw off 1,500 girls to land the part. Gemma reportedly sent her mum Sally a text saying: “I got Bond!”

Although Gemma Arterton is confirmed for a part in the film, MI6 understands that she has not landed the major Bond Girl role. Extensive casting searches have taken place for a Latina actress from South America. Bond 22 will also be partly shot in Panama and Bolivia. Reports state that producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and the studios are on the verge of casting the female lead from the 22nd James Bond film and will make a decision within two weeks. As with the previous film Casino Royale, shooting has started without having cast the female lead.

 


Above: Gemma Arterton on the set of "St Trinian's"

MI6 understands that Arterton landed the role thanks to her agent Sally Long-Innes who also represents 007 himself - Daniel Craig.

Arterton said that it his her agent that has helped guide her rise to fame, and taking a part in Bond will help her land other roles. Arterton explained, "[My agent] said ‘If you do this big film, it will open the doors for all these other brilliant things. But you have to do the big film first’. It's like the Keira Knightley thing: everyone ridiculed her for doing the Pirates films, but she's getting great parts now. She can choose whatever she wants. I think it's difficult for a young girl like me, because there’s a certain time for young actresses, which is like a really juicy period when all the parts are love interests and young heroines. Of course, there's always work for men whatever age they are. So I'm really going to go for it. And if it all goes wrong, I'll go and do panto!”