Gemma Arterton Locked In For 'Bond 22'?

Last week, the Internet was awash with rumours 22-year-old British actress Gemma Arterton had landed the role of a Bond Girl in the upcoming 22nd 007 picture. Today, Empire Online claims to have verified the rumours, from “a source who’s in a position to be absolutely sure that this casting is 100% true”.

Gemma Arterton

The film magazine’s website claims to be unsure as to the extent of Arterton’s role in the film, but understands it to be a “fairly major” one.

Earlier this month, Empire Online confirmed reports that Mathieu Amalric will play the role of a villain in the next James Bond film.

Some previous reports that Arterton had scored the role were based on alleged quotes from insiders at Eon Productions. Additionally, The Sun claimed the actress sent her mother a text proclaiming “I got Bond!”, while the Daily Mail reported Arterton learned of her success at the auditions only last week, but has been sworn to secrecy until the full cast is revealed later this month.

Gemma Arterton’s first motion picture, St Trinian’s, premiered in London a week ago, and will go on wide release in the UK in a week’s time.

Bond 22 commences principal photography on 4 January 2008.

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