James Bond 25 villain: Benedict Cumberbatch to star with Daniel Craig? Star VERY coy WATCH

The 41-year-old returns as Doctor Strange in Avengers Infinity War next week, but does he have his sights on another major franchise?

During a recent interview for the Marvel epic, Spin 1038 pointed out that Cumberbatch was directed by Danny Boyle in the National Theatre’s production of Frankenstein.

With the filmmaker prepping Craig’s final 007 outing, known as Bond 25, could he have the Sherlock star in mind for the villain?

Well during the interview Cumberbatch was certainly rather coy when asked.

About three minutes in he replies, “Has he [been made director]? Is that news?

“When was that confirmed? Oh my god. I was away, I didn’t know. That’s very exciting.”

The interviewed pressed: “So he hasn’t been in touch? Well you have a great poker face. Is that something you’d be interesting in playing?”

Cumberbatch coyly says: “I couldn’t possibly comment. Danger lies that way of commenting doesn’t it?”

Of course the question could have been suggesting Cumberbatch play Bond, however the role is still very much Craig’s for Boyle’s movie so it’s much more likely the interviewer was alluding to him playing another part in the film.

And what other major role but the villain? Something the Doctor Strange star would be perfect for.

However he may not get a chance if a recent alleged source is to be believed, claiming that Bond 25’s villain is a woman.

The rumour comes from a Reddit user claiming: “I work in the film industry and know people tangentially connected to the world of Bond.”

CashleyPersia alleges: “Boyle is said to have a female villain at the centre of his Bond film and he is actively casting the role now.They want an A-list actress for the role.

“I’ve heard the usual suspects of A-listers who have supposedly met with Boyle or will meet with him…the part is billed as someone with a ‘personal connection’ to Bond.

James Bond 25 will be released in UK cinemas on April 26, 2018.