Sir Anthony Hopkins 'could play Bond villain'

Sir Anthony Hopkins could star opposite Daniel Craig as a villain in the next Bond film, it has been claimed.

According to the Sun, the legendary actor is in talks about the role and is reportedly "close to signing a deal".

A source suggested that Hopkins could be signed up for more than one film.

"The only stumbling block seems to be the number of films he is signing up for. There is a chance the character they want him to play could become a regular feature, like Blofeld back in the day," the newspaper was informed.

The 23rd James Bond film is to be directed by Sam Mendes, the estranged husband of British Oscar-winner Kate Winslett.

Filming is set to begin later this year, with the movie expected to be released in 2012.

This will be the third film in which Bond has been played by Daniel Craig.