Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Spectre: Christoph Waltz says rumours he plays Bond villain Blofeld are 'absolutely untrue'

The actor is confirmed to star as Franz Oberhauser in the next 007 movie

Jess Denham
Tuesday 07 April 2015 15:53 BST
Comments
Christoph Waltz has called the internet a 'pest' for speculating about his Spectre role
Christoph Waltz has called the internet a 'pest' for speculating about his Spectre role

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Christoph Waltz has disappointed the internet by debunking speculation that he is playing classic villain Ernos Stavros Blofeld in upcoming James Bond movie Spectre.

The Oscar-winning actor is confirmed to star as a character named Franz Oberhauser, but little is known about what this mysterious role involves. One thing's for sure, it is “absolutely untrue” that he will be revealed as the chief of the evil Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion.

“That rumour started on the internet and the internet is pest,” Waltz told GQ, refusing to drop any further hints.

The 58-year-old admitted that he hesitated before accepting the major part. “You ask yourself, hang on: what James Bond are we talking about?” he said. “The thing about Spectre is that it is not the work of hack writers. It does not have a hack director. The actors are not hams.”

Waltz credits the 007 movies with Daniel Craig for “shifting the tone” away from a “set formula that forces actors simply to go through the motions”.

“The action sequences in Mexico are extravagant to say the least,” he said. “The scenes in Austria are traditional Bond action in the snow. These films with Daniel Craig have shifted the tone. They don't depend on a set formula that forces actors simply to go through the motions.”

Spectre, also starring Lea Seydoux, Monica Bellucci, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw, is scheduled for UK release on 6 November. Only then will we find out whether or not Waltz is taking us for a ride with his denial.

Shooting at Pinewood Studios suffered a setback recently when Craig injured his knee on set and had to be flown to New York to undergo surgery. He is expected to resume filming on 22 April.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in