Rami Malek Reveals He Accepted the Bond Villain Role on 'One Condition'

Details around Malek's character remain top secret, but Malek revealed that he had one non-negotiable condition about playing him. "Its a great character and Im very excited," he said, "but that was one thing that I discussed with Cary. I said: 'We cannot identify him with any act of terrorism reflecting an ideology or a religion. Thats not something I would entertain, so if that is why I am your choice then you can count me out.'"

Malek, who has previously spoken proudly of his Egyptian heritage, was keen that the film not play into any tired or lazy stereotypes which might promote islamophobia. "But that was clearly not his vision," he added. "So hes a very different kind of terrorist. Its another extremely clever script from the people who have figured out exactly what people want in those movies."

He went on to say that the prospect of playing a Bond villain, following in the footsteps of fellow Oscar winners Javier Bardem and Christoph Waltz, was daunting. "I feel a substantial weight on my shoulders," he admitted. "I mean, Bond is something that we all grow up with."