On Sunday, we reported that Javier Bardem had been offered a role in Sam Mendes upcoming James Bond film.  At the time, we speculated that Bardem was being offered the part of the villain.  Bardem now confirms that he has been offered the role of Bond's antagonist but he wants to read the screenplay before he signs on.  Bardem tells the LA Times, "I’m a huge fan of the James Bond saga.  When I was little, I went watching Mr. Connery doing James Bond with my father. Who in the world would think I’d be in one of those movies."Hit the jump for what Mendes told Bardem about the role when they met.Bardem was intrigued by what Mendes has planned for his character and it doesn't sound like the traditional, one-dimensional Bond villain we've seen lately.  Says Bardem:

"They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic.  I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing."

Could it be a spy-vs-spy situation where Bardem's character has a legitimate point of view?  I certainly don't want to see yet another talented actor playing "Wealthy, Powerful Bond Villain X".  The past two Daniel Craig Bond films have wasted Mads Mikkelsen and Mathieu Amalric, and I don't want to see Bardem relegated to a forgettable character.  Clearly, he doesn't either.

Bond 23 (tentative title) is set for release on November 9, 2012.