(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Producers of the next James Bond film are reportedly eager to cast Rachel Weisz as a villain.

The 40-year-old-actress has been romantically linked to hunky British actor Daniel, 42, after the pair were spotted spending time together over the festive season.

It has now been claimed producers of the revered Bond movie franchise in which Daniel plays the current 007 want the pair to appear together on screen.

According to British newspaper The Sun, the films producers are desperate for Rachel, who announced her split from movie director Darren Aronofsky last November, to play a devious character, rather than a seductive Bond girl. However, sources fear Rachel may decline the offer since she has been linked to Daniel.

"Casting Rachel was going to be a surprise twist as everyone would assume she'd be a Bond girl when really she would play a villain. But the fly in the ointment is that they are now dating," an insider told the publication.

The Sun claims Rachels character would be the head of a sinister organisation in the movie which is set for release next year and has been tipped to be one of the most action-packed films in the long-running franchises history. Sam Mendes will direct the movie, and production is set to begin later this year.

"This is going to be the biggest of all Daniel Craig's films," added the source. (C) Cover Media