OK...this is only rumor at this point...but would be totally awesome!!!

EMPIRE February 4, 2011

If all the rumoured casting choices Sam Mendes has been making for Bond 23 pan out, this could turn into one of the best casts ever to grace the screen for the series. The latest word on a possible actor comes from The Mail’s Baz Bamigboye, who writes that Ralph Fiennes might just be contemplating a role.

While details about the possible part are being held in EON Productions’ secret dossier for now, Bamigboye reports (via The Playlist) that Mendes has reached out to another of his old theatre muckers (he directed Fiennes in RSC productions years ago) and that according to one source on the film, ‘The part is one of extreme complexity and only an actor of great ability and dexterity can take it on — and Ralph’s name is top of our list.’

Right now, Fiennes is simply talking about the job: there have been no formal negotiations. The rumour comes on the heels of Javier Bardem being tempted by a role. Should they jump aboard, they’ll join Daniel Craig and Judi Dench, who are already confirmed to return.

And according to Bamigboye’s source, “It’s the first of a new generation of Bond films, and the ideas Mendes has push the film into darker territory where the characters are modern, mature and challenging.” We’re already hoping this one comes together with everyone in place. But if they don't get Fiennes, there is someone else who could stand in...James White.