James Bond to take on Taliban in new film

September 11th, 2009 LONDON - Former James Bond star Timothy Dalton will lend his voice to a cartoon hedgehog toy named Mr Pricklepants in an animation flick titled Toy Story 3. The announcement came from Disney/Pixar chief John Lasseter at a central London ceremony, where the animated slate of the joint studios was showcased, reports the BBC.ews was also let out that singer Mandy Moore will voice for Rapunzel in a cartoon film of the same name.

September 2nd, 2009 LONDON - Brit actor Sir Roger Moore has revealed that even though he was very close pals with late actor David Niven, and both had acted in James Bond flicks, they never discussed the 007 agent. Moore, 81, who enjoyed a 12-year stint as the superspy, says that the secret agent was always a hushed topic between himself and Niven, who played Bond in the 1967 spoof film 'Casino Royale'.

July 28th, 2009 LONDON - Eva Green has revealed that she was bullied into doing the role of Bond girl Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale. The actress said it was her agent's push that led her to accept the role opposite Daniel Craig in the 2007 spy movie.

July 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Megan Fox has dismissed reports that she rejected an offer to star in the forthcoming James Bond flick, insisting she's a huge fan of the action franchise. The 'Transformers' beauty was said to have snubbed the chance to star alongside Daniel Craig in the next 007 movie because the part wasn't big enough, reports Contactmusic.

July 22nd, 2009 LONDON - Model-turned-actress Megan Fox has declined to be the Bond girl in a forthcoming 007 movie in which she would have starred opposite Daniel Craig as one of his conquests. The 23-year-old was reportedly lined up by producers, but she turned down the offer as she didn't believe the role would further her career, reported contactmusic.com.

July 6th, 2009 LONDON - British DJ-producer Mark Ronson wants to record the next James Bond theme. The producer who was rumoured to be recording a track with Amy Winehouse for the spy franchise's last movie, "Quantum of Solace" but aborted the sessions as the troubled singer wasn't up to working, insists he has never been approached to pen the song.

June 27th, 2009 ISLAMABAD - Cricketer-turned-politician, Imran Khan may have vehemently opposed the military offensive against the Taliban and other extremists in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) terming the offensive as 'suicidal', but Khan apparently is unsure about what he really wants to achieve by showing a soft corner towards the extremists, an editorial in a leading Pakistan daily said. Khan is of the view that the operation against the militants would not be successful, and said that it would only add to the country's woes by creating more anarchy in the region, over which the government has already lost its control.

June 23rd, 2009 NEW YORK - Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey is urging James Bond bosses to consider him for a role in the next installment of the franchise because he has always dreamt of playing a villain opposite the super spy. The "American Beauty" star, who played legendary comic book villain Lex Luthor in 2006 "Superman Returns", has set his sights on a role opposite British actor Daniel Craig in the follow-up to last year hit "Quantum of Solace", reports variety.com.

June 14th, 2009 LONDON - Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has warned that Pakistan is headed on a suicidal course as the offensive against the Taliban and other extremist organizations could prove counterproductive and fuel more extremism. "I have never been so depressed in my life.

June 14th, 2009 LONDON - Celebrated screenwriter Peter Morgan has been roped in to create a new assignment for James Bond in the next project. The Academy Award nominated playwright will team up with Neal Purvis and Robert Wade to chart the next 007 adventure.

June 10th, 2009 LONDON - James Bond is set to turn his attention to the fields of Afghanistan, it has emerged. Rumours are abuzz that at least some of the next Bond movie will take place in Helmand province in Afghanistan, reports The Telegraph.

June 8th, 2009 LONDON - An extensive investigation into James Bond's love life suggests that he prefers brunettes to blondes. Researchers behind the study say that apart from having long dark hair, an ideal Bond girl is likely to have an American accent and carry a weapon.

June 8th, 2009 MUMBAI - After their daily soap "Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thhi", Smriti Irani and Sudha Shivpuri once again team up for the comedy series "Maniben.com". "We needed an actor who was calm and close to reality and could be loved and associated with for a character on the same lines and she perfectly suited the role.

May 27th, 2009 LONDON - James Bond star Daniel Craig is going to make his Broadway debut with a new play by teaming up with Australian star Hugh Jackman. The duo will star in new drama A Steady Rain written by Keith Huff and produced by James Bond movies producer Barbara Broccoli, reports contactmusic.com.

May 7th, 2009 LONDON - Hollywood actor Will Smith, who is the latest to add his name to the list of stars who want to be the first black James Bond, said he will be the best choice for producers. Rapper Diddy and actor Jamie Foxx have both put their names forward as a possible replacement for current Bond, Daniel Craig, reported contactmusic.com.