James Bond 25: Rami Malek to star in new 007 film with Daniel Craig as Fleabag creator joins writers

Academy Award winning actor Rami Malek will star in the 25th James Bond film alongside Daniel Craig, it was confirmed today.

Malek, 37, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, has been cast with Captain Marvel star Lashana Lynch and Game Night actor Billy Magnussen for the untitled release, referred to as Bond 25.

Daniel Craig is set to reprise his role as James Bond, in what is expected to be his final outing as 007, while Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Naomie  Harris and Jeffrey Wright will also return.

Malek hinted in a video message he will be playing a villain in the film, as he said: "I'm stuck here in New York in production but I'm very much looking forward to joining the whole cast and crew."

He added: "I will be making sure Mr Bond does not have an easy ride in this, his 25th outing. See you all soon."

The announcement was made in Jamaica outside author Ian Fleming's villa. The Caribbean island was confirmed as one of the locations of Bond 25 along with Norway and Italy, while some scenes will be shot in London.

The much-anticipated title of the next film, currently referred to as Bond 25, was not confirmed.

Director Cary Joji Fukunaga said: "Daniel is my favourite Bond and I want to make sure this run  of films, which have been fantastic, have a really great next chapter and keep  upping the ante so whoever is next has a harder job."

James Bond producer Michael G Wilson also confirmed Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge has joined the writing team for the new film, as she teams up with Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Scott Z. Burns.

Producer Barbara Broccoli revealed few details about plot of the film, which will start in Jamaica while 007 is off-duty.

She said: "Well, Bond is not on active service when we start the film. He is enjoying himself in Jamaica."

She said they considered Jamaica to be Bond's "spiritual home", and added: "We start his journey here. We've got quite a ride in store for Mr Bond."

Earlier today, the official 007 Twitter account posted a photograph of the beach,  in Jamaica, ahead of the cast announcement.

Pictures posted on Instagram and Twitter showed a beach shoreline with #Bond25 written in the sand.

Jamaica is seen as a favourite for Bond locations as author Ian Fleming's estate, Goldeneye, was built on the island. The villa was where the English author penned many of the 007 novels.

The sprawling beachside home sits on the northern coastline on the Caribbean island on Oracabessa bay, and was bought by Bob Marley following Fleming's death in 1964.

A number of the Bond movies, including Dr No, in which Ursula Andress made her breakthrough role as Honey Ryder, and Live And Let Die, were filmed near the estate, which now operates as a hotel.

The tweet on Wednesday from the official 007 account said: "Coming up at 13:10 BST/05:10 PDT is the #BOND25 Live Reveal which you can watch here on Twitter.

"Do you have a question for the cast? Now's your chance. Just use £BOND25 in your question."

The 25th Bond film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, will be Daniel Craig's fifth outing as 007.

It is expected to be Craig's last time playing the spy, having previously starred in Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.