<em>Bond 24</em> to begin filming in December

Los Angeles - Filming for the new James Bond film is to begin in December.

Den of Geek reports that shooting for the eagerly-awaited new flick will start on 6 December 2014, with the star-studded cast set to get together at Pinewood Studios to read through the script in November.

Daniel Craig will play the lead role in the Bond franchise for the fourth time, while Sam Mendes is directing again.

It's also been confirmed that Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris and Rory Kinnear are returning.

However, there is still a vacancy for the role of Bond's foe in the upcoming movie.

The film's bosses said "the villain's henchman in Bond 24 is planned to be a classic physically imposing character who has several altercations with Bond throughout the mission".

Meanwhile, Daniel Craig is set for a secret cameo appearance in Star Wars Episode VII.

The Skyfall star, who is a big fan of the science fiction saga, has filmed a mystery role in the seventh instalment of the franchise, according to The Sun on Sunday.

An insider told newspaper: "Daniel asked for some sort of secret cameo role - and was happy to have his name left off the posters.

"Fans will love trying to work out which covered up character is him."