007 Takes on Spectre as new James Bond film goes into production

“Spectre” is the name of the new James Bond movie that begins filming next week in London, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as 007 for the fourth time, the film’s director, Sam Mendes, said Thursday at a promotional event at London’s Pinewood Studios.

Other shooting locations will include Rome, Mexico, Morocco and Austria, said Mendes, who directed the previous Bond film “Skyfall” in 2012.

In addition to that film, Craig also appeared as Bond in “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace”.

Ralph Fiennes will play “M” the head of the British intelligence service MI6, taking over the role from British actress Judi Dench, Mendes said

He indicated that one of the “Bond girls” featured this time around will be Italian actress Monica Bellucci, while Austrian German actor Christoph Waltz is going to be the villain.

No information, however, was given about the film’s plot.

“Spectre” will be the 24th installment in the cinematic saga since “Doctor No” with Sean Connery was released in 1962.

The new Bond adventure is to open in cinemas on October 23, 2015.