Amalric to play baddie in Bond film

LONDON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- French actor Mathieu Amalric says he will play James Bond's nemesis in the next 007 spy adventure, the BBC reported Friday.

Amalric starred in the films "The Singer" and "Munich" and is garnering great notices for his work in the upcoming "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."

The 42-year-old actor recently confirmed his part in the 22nd official Bond movie, in which Daniel Craig will reprise the role of the iconic British agent he played in last year's "Casino Royale."

"I will, it's true," Amalric told Empire magazine of his part in the new Bond flick. "To be a villain in James Bond is just so funny. I never dreamt about that."

The movie is slated to begin shooting next month.