Andrew Scott is reportedly set to join the cast of the new James Bond movie as a villain.

The 38-year-old Irish actor has played Moriarty in Sherlock since 2010.

An insider apparently told The Mirror: “Andrew was hand-picked for a role in the new Bond movie after film bosses loved his star turn in Sherlock. Casting directors thought he was perfect to play a baddie and they wanted to use his existing Sherlock profile – and amp it up to the next level.

They added: “Andrew is hoping the move will see him leap from TV to the big screen, where he can eventually divide his time between London and LA. He knows this is his big break.”

The cast and title of the new Bond film will be unveiled live on Thursday morning.

Principal photography on Bond 24 begins on Monday 8 December, with Daniel Craig playing 007 for a fourth time.

Sam Mendes will return to direct the movie, which will be released in UK cinemas on 23 October 2015.

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