Bond Girl, Penelope Cruz: Pregnant Actress Cast as James' Love Interest in 2015 'Skyfall' Follow Up? Sam Mendes Directing 24 and 25 of Franchise?

The 24^th film in the James Bond movie franchise is set to start shooting in 2014 and rumors have been spreading about Penelope Cruz being looked at as the latest "Bond Girl." If these rumors are true, the currently pregnant actress will be the oldest leading lady in the franchise's history at 40 years old (at the time of filming. She is currently 39 years old). The film also sees 45-year-old Daniel Craig suiting up once again as well as Ralph Fiennes, Ben Wishaw and Naomie Harris. Cruz's husband Jazier Bardem played the villain in the very successful Sam Mendes-directed Skyfall, last year. Mendes is said to be returning to direct the 007 follow up, apparently with Cruz as the leading lady.

In the past, Cruz had to turn down offers to be a Bond Girl due to scheduling issues but it looks like the studio is not ready to give up on getting her on board. According to an inside source, "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."

Penelope is, at the moment, very pregnant. Of course she will have plenty of time after the birth to get back into shape before filming, though. "She got back into shape fast after the first baby and will no doubt regain her figure quickly this time," the source said. "She'll be a great Bond girl. Bond girls are always brainy as well as sexy, and that's totally Penelope."

If she takes on the role Cruz be the oldest Bond girl, surpasing British actress Honor Blackman, who was 39 when she appeared in 1962's Goldfinger as Pussy Galore.

Director Sam Mendes has previously stated that he would not return for the follow up to Skyfall, but has seemingly changed his mind. The director is currently in talks to direct the next two James Bond films, which will also be the final films of Daniel Craig's run as the suave superspy.