Newcomer might snag Vesper role

A frontrunner has emerged for the role of Bond Girl Vesper Lynd in “Casino Royale” and surprisingly enough, she ain’t going to cost $20 million to hire.

28-year-old Rachael Stirling is the daughter of Diana Rigg, a former Bond Girl herself, having starred in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. Keeping it all in the family indeed.

Stirling’s other film credits include Ben Elton’s “Maybe Baby” with Hugh Laurie, and “Still Crazy”, with Stephen Rea and Billy Connolly.

“Rachael’s dark sultry looks and pedigree as an actress make her a favorite with producers,” an insider told The Sun.

From the sounds of it, every A-actress in tinseltown has passed on the project so now they’re going for “the look”. It’s believed “Mission : Impossible 2” vixen Thandie Newton is the most recent name to have passed on playing the role.

Whatever the case, the newspaper reports that “Casino Royale” will have its bond girl by the end of the week.