Penélope Cruz: The Next Bond Girl?

Penélope Cruz and husband Javier Bardem may share a new Hollywood bond

The 39-year-old Spanish actress, who won an Oscar for starring opposite Bardem in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, has been named a strong contender for the role of Bond girl in the next installment of the James Bond franchise.

Penelope Cruz

Cruz, who earned recognition for her role in the Tom Cruise-starrer Vanilla Sky, is rumored to have been approached and offered the coveted role.

If the rumor holds true, Cruz, who will turn 40 next April, will be the first Spanish and the oldest Bond girl in franchise history.

Sources close to the production reportedly spilled the beans of the casting news, saying, “The producers have tried to get Penelope before, but she has never been available because of other commitments. The discussions have been going on for some time and they are working out the contract details now.”

Currently, Daniel Craig is set to reprise his iconic role in the upcoming Bond movie, known simply as Bond 24 right now, with Sam Mendes likely to direct.

Cruz’s husband earned rave reviews when he starred as the main antagonist in the recent installment of the Bond franchise, Skyfall, which was released last year.

Bond 24 is eyeing a 2016 release.