Cécile de France also rumoured for a role

Poirot himself, David Suchet, could be eying a duel with Bond.

The actor, who has also starred in stateside efforts like “The In-Laws” and “A Perfect Murder”, is rumoured to be up for the role of villain Le Chiffre in “Casino Royale” says IGN FilmForce.

Le Chiffre is a fearsome and perilous agent of the USSR. But having lost 50 million francs of his country’s money on a private investment, he is in trouble. Unless he can win back the money at the gambling tables, before it is missed, his life is at risk from a SMERSH hired gun. Bond is sent on a inimitable charge – to beat Le Chiffre at cards and so ensure his death at the hands of his own people.

Meantime, and rather fascinatingly, IMDB has listed Belgium born Cécile de France [“Around the World in 80 Days”] as playing Vesper Lynd in the film.

Anything in that? Maybe/we shall see/could be BS.