James Bond 24 News Update: Is Penelope Cruz the Next Bond Girl?

Penelope Cruz is in talks to star in James Bond 24.

Yahoo is reporting that the Spanish actress will be the oldest Bond girl at the age of 40 to star in the series. Yahoo obtained the information from a source close to the production of the £100 million film, which will reportedly to be directed by Sam Mendes. The source stated, "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."

It continued, "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. Bond girls are always brainy as well as sexy, and that's totally Penelope."

Cruz would become the oldest Bond girl since Honor Blackman who was 39 when she starred in 1962's "Goldfinger." Cruz would also follow in her husband Javier Bardem's footsteps in joining the famed franchise; Bardem starred as the villainous Silva in "Skyfall" last year.

The news has not been confirmed but there it is not surprising to hear Cruz's name thrown about given the fact that most Bond girls have been foreigners as of late.

The Academy Award winning actress is best known for her work in "Vicky Christina Barcelona," "Nine," and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." She will next be seen in Pedro Almodovar's "I'm So Excited" and will star alongside Bardem, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, and Michael Fassbender in Ridley Scott's "The Counselor."

 James Bond 24 is rumored to be directed by Mendes who helmed "Skyfall." The British director was reportedly picked over such directors as Ang Lee (Life of Pi), Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables), Shane Black (Iron Man 3) and Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Rises).

Daniel Craig is currently in negotiations to reprise his role as James Bond for the next two movies; John Logan is currently writing the new script.