The 22nd installment of the James Bond franchise kicks off production today at London’s Pinewood Studios, with new Bond hottie Olga Kurylenko joining Daniel Craig for more action, intrigue and innuendo.



The film, still operating under its characteristically numeric working title, is scripted by Paul Haggis and directed by Marc Forster, and follows the success of Casino Royale, the latest and highest grossing film in the series. Starring alongside Craig is an impressive international cast led by French actor Mathieu Amalric (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) as the sinister villain and Ukranian actress Olga Kurylenko (above) as 007’s leading lady. Reprising their roles from Casino Royale in the next Bond film are Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright and Giancarlo Giannini; franchise newcomer Gemma Arterton will play the role of MI6 Agent Fields.

Commenting on the commencement of production, producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a statement: “We are fortunate to continue in the Bond tradition of attracting the finest international actors for our starring roles. Mathieu, in the role of Dominic Greene, a leading member of the villainous organization introduced in Casino Royale, will be a powerful counterpart to Daniel’s portrayal of Bond. Olga Kurylenko will play the dangerously alluring Camille, who challenges Bond and helps him come to terms with the emotional consequences of Vesper’s betrayal.” Despite its delay in the start of shooting, moved back more than a month, the 22nd Bond film is still on track for a November 7, 2008 nationwide release.