/ The Bond Films / (2006) Casino Royale / Latest News /
Simon Abkarian, Caterina Murino and Seydina Balde Signed Up
* CONTAINS SPOILERS *
Written by Tim Roth on 14 Jan, 2006
*** WARNING: ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS ***
Simon Abkarian, Catrina Murino and Seydina Baldi
Yesterday CBn reported that French actor Simon Abkarian is rumoured to play the role of Demetrius, who more and more looks like to be the ‘real’ villain in Casino Royale. Reliable French newspaper Le Parisien today confirms that Abkarian has signed up to play the role of the villain!
According to the paper, Romain Duris turned down the role and Simon Abkarian was chosen over Michael Youn for the part. As Le Parisien reports, it seems that Abkarian has signed up for the role of the main villain. Do producers indeed replace Le Chiffre with Demetrius? In the IGN report it was said that Demetrius is a "reckless Mediterranean in his forties. Sleazy sort who lives the high life as a gambler and money launderer." Indeed, sounds a bit like Fleming’s Le Chiffre…
Together with Abkarian, Italian actress Catrina Murino is said to have signed up for the role of Solonge, Demetrius’ girlfriend. The 27 years old actress had an audition in Rome last week and was, according to the newspaper, "approved by Barbara Broccoli". Murino is said to need to travel to the Bahamas and Barrandov Studios in Prague.
Additionally, another French has scored a part in Casino Royale; a guy called Seydina Baldi. In France, he’s known for his karate and fighting shows. Speculation is that he was signed up for the role of Solari; a role that pop star Seal originally was planned to play.
A scan of the article can be found here. CBn will keep you up-to-date!
Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, it will be filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.
