Rumours are circulating that Penelope Cruz could become the Bond girl for the franchise’s 24th outing. If she does, she’ll become the oldest ever woman to play the iconic character of Bond girl at 40-years-young.

"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,” a source told The Daily Mail. It’s likely that Sam Mendes – who has reportedly signed on for another Bond film after initial doubts – met Cruz while working with her husband Javier Bardem on Skyfall. "She got back into shape fast after the first baby and will no doubt regain her figure quickly this time. She'll be a great Bond girl,” added the source. "Bond girls are always brainy as well as sexy, and that's totally Penelope."

Skyfall has become the most-successful Bond film ever - grossing more than $1bn and becoming the eighth-biggest box office hit of all time. One person who definitely will be returning for Bond #24 is Daniel Craig, who has signed up for #25, too. That’ll make it 5 Bonds for the British hunk, who said he might not even play the British spy in Skyfall. Idris Elba was mooted as possible replacement, and he’d make a brilliant Bond, but he’ll have to wait his turn now. And it could be a while.

Penelope CruzDaniel Craig
Could these two be getting it on in the new James Bond?