James Bond director teams up with ‘007 frontrunner’ Richard Madden – for NEW movie

Mendes, who recently helmed James Bond hits Skyfall and Spectre, will have a massive 007 frontrunner in his midst when cameras roll on the new film next week. Richard Madden of Bodyguard will be on board, amid ongoing claims from bookies that he is one of the clear favourites to succeed Daniel Craig in the role of the iconic spy.

This new film is about two young British soldiers on one single day at the height of World War I.

According to The Wrap, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch are also on board.

The movie is expected to release this year – on Christmas Day, December 25 – and begins filming on Monday, April 1.

It’s an exciting new project for Madden, whose star is rapidly ascending after Bodyguard and Game of Thrones, the former of which landed him a Golden Globe win.

Mendes opted not to return to Bond for the next instalment in that franchise, the as-yet-untitled Bond 25.

He was initially replaced by Danny Boyle, who then stepped aside. Cary Joji Fukunaga is now at the wheel.

The film is expected to be Craig’s last as James Bond, before top producer Barbara Broccoli begins to look elsewhere for a new actor for the gig.

Currently Tom Hiddleston is the outright favourite, closely followed by Cillian Murphy and Madden.

Last weekend it was reported that Sam Heughan has been asked to audition, although his odds have not been noticeably slashed since.

The Outlander star, 32, would be the first Scottish actor in the role since originator Sean Connery.

Bond 25 recently had its release date pushed back and is due out on April 8, 2020.

1917, meanwhile, is out on December 25.