Has Bond Finally Met His Match?

In one of the most exciting bits of casting news I’ve heard in a while, Anthony Hopkins is reportedly in early talks to join Daniel Craig in the yet-untitled James Bond 23.  The best part?  Word is the esteemed actor would be tackling the role of the film’s Big Bad, and following in the footsteps of such iconic Bond villains as Blofeld, Goldfinger, and Dr. No.  The role wouldn’t be too big a stretch for Hopkins, who’s Dr. Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter ranks as the greatest screen villain according to the American Film Institute.  (Bond, meanwhile, came in third on the list of the greatest screen heroes.)  I must warn you, though, nothing has yet been confirmed, and Hopkins already has enough projects lined up to keep him busy for some time.

The idea to cast Sir Anthony as the next Bond villain is inspired to say the least.  After the train wreck that was Quantum of Solace, what the franchise really needs is a formidable opponent for 007, and I believe that an actor of Hopkins’ calibre could truly do the role justice.  As someone who grew up with James Bond, not to mention someone who’s seen The Silence of the Lambs more times than I can count, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for a Hopkins/Craig showdown.