Yesterday, James Bond 23 confirmed the return of Daniel Craig as 007 and Sam Mendes as the director, with a release date set for November of 2012. It was also revealed that Simon Russell Beale would be joining the latest Bond adventure as the movie's main heavy. While Simon's character hasn't been revealed, a spokesperson for the actor says that Beale will not be the villain, but actually a good guy.

Here is what was said:

"It's too early to confirm anything, but the part he is up for is not a baddie. There was this assumption he was up to play such a character, but it was never the case."

The assumption that Simon Russell Beale was set to play the main villain may have risen from comments he made last year, where the actor stated, "I'd love to be a baddie. I saw Sam just before Christmas and dropped a hint - and he just looked wearily at me."

Further cast and character confirmations for James Bond 23 are expected in the very near future. The movie is set to shoot later this year.