'The Hour' star lands Bond role

Ben Whishaw has been cast in James Bond 23.

The British actor - who is best known for roles in 'The Hour', 'Layer Cake' and 'Brideshead Revisited' - has an unknown role in the Sam Mendes-directed movie, which will begin shooting in November.

In addition to Ben, two other leading ladies are being sought, one a "beautiful English agent" and the other a "beautiful Asian woman" named Severin, Comingsoon.net reports.

Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes are thought to be playing leading parts in the movie, which will see Daniel Craig return for his third appearance as the British spy.

Almost nothing is known about the storyline, although it is believed Naomie Harris has been cast as Moneypenny, and Dame Judi Dench will be reprising the role of espionage chief M.

Oscar-nominated Javier has previously revealed the forthcoming instalment in the franchise would have a "different dynamic" to the previous films.

He said: "Who in the world would think I'd be in one of those movies? They're changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic.

"I'd be playing Bond's nemesis, yes, but it's not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It's very intriguing."

Bond 23 is due in cinemas in November 2012.