(Cover) - EN Movies - Rhys Ifans has reportedly signed on for an unspecified role in the new James Bond movie.

The Welsh actor, best known for his role as Hugh Grant's flatmate in Notting Hill, is believed to be starring in the eagerly awaited adventure, which will be helmed by Sam Mendes. Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes plays the villains in Bond 23, while Naomie Harris will portray Miss Moneypenny. Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench reprise their roles as James Bond and M respectively.

"Ifans will appear in the film, as well as Javier Bardem, who will play the baddie," an insider told British newspaper The Telegraph. "Much of the filming will take place in South Africa."

Rhys and Daniel previously starred in Enduring Love together. The 2004 thriller saw the pair kiss each other on screen.

"I spent the whole shoot winding up Dan Craig saying, 'Only four days to go now, Dan, darling, before our snogging scene.' Even now, after two Bonds, Dan still maintains that the hardest stunt he's ever done was getting to grips with my mouth," Rhys has joked in the past.

Rhys recently finished work playing The Lizard in next year's The Amazing Spider-Man. (C) Cover Media