Bond looks for love

The much-anticipated new James Bond flick Casino Royale started shooting last week, despite the fact that there still hasn't been a decision on who should play the villain of the piece and the love interest.

Filming of the 21st cinematic outing for the suave spy has commenced in the Czech capital Prague with only Daniel Craig as 007 and Dame Judy Dench as his boss M confirmed in the leading line-up.

Reports in the Hollywood Reporter have indicated that scenes featuring a leading lady and Bond's opponent will not begin shooting for another month, allowing the production team time to cast the roles.

Several Hollywood heavyweights have reportedly declined the opportunity to attempt the screen sex appeal that is essential from the secret agent's love interest, including Scarlett Johansson (Eight Legged Freaks, Match Point) and Oscar-winner Charlize Theron (Monster, The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers).

Latest indications suggest that Crash and Mission: Impossible 2 star Thandie Newton is a strong possibility for the part, but is facing stiff competition from up and coming Mean Girls and The Notebook actress Rachel McAdams.

Brit actress Rachel Stirling, whose mother Diana Rigg starred opposite George Lazenby in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, is also said to be in with a chance for the role, which director Martin Campbell (The Mask Of Zorro, Vertical Limit) has described as the "best Bond girl part so far".

Craig was selected to take on the Bond mantle from Pierce Brosnan last autumn, a controversial casting that has provoked criticism owing to his blonde-haired, blue-eyed looks.

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