You don't often find a two-time Oscar winner turning to the gadgets, cars and martinis of the Bond franchise, though it seems Christoph Waltz is close to signing a deal to play 007's arch-enemy in Bond 24. According to Baz Bamigboye of the Daily Mail, Waltz will play Bond's nemesis though it is not an "out-and-out" villain role.

Christoph WaltzChristoph Waltz could play the Bond villain in Bond 24

A source close to production on the new movie - which reteams Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes - said: "It's not immediately evident whether the part's friend, or foe, or a bit of both."

Bamigboye also revealed on Twitter that the movie would begin shooting early next month on location in Mexico, Morocco, Austria, Italy and London.

Previously, it was suggested that Chiwetel Ejiofor and the WWE Superstar-turned-actor Dave Bautista were being considered for the role of the primary villain, though either of those castings may now be unlikely given Waltz's involvement.

More: Lea Seydoux reportedly cast in Bond 24

As for Bond girls, Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz is rumored to be considering one of the roles, with Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt, Norweigan actress Synnove Macody Lund and Disa Ostrand are also rumored to be in the running.  

Bamigboye announced in October that Lea Seydoux, the star of Palme d'Or winner Blue Is The Warmest Colour, has been added to the cast of Bond 24. Rory Kinnear, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris will all reprise their roles in Skyfall.

Waltz is currently shooting the new Tarzan movie, starring Alexander Skarsgaard as the feral jungle man acclimating to life in London. The movie co-stars Margot Robbie, John Hurt and Samuel L. Jackson. 

More: could Chiwetel Ejiofor still play villain in Bond 24?