Ralph Fiennes Replaces Major Character in 007's 'Skyfall'?

We know a few things about James Bond's upcoming adventure Skyfall:  Daniel Craig is back as 007, Javier Bardem will play the films centrail villain, the great Sam Mendes is directing and the story will center around M (Judi Dench) as MI6 comes under attack, and Bond must fight to protect the agency.

Now the most recent bit of news, courtesy of Movieweb has revealed the character Ralph Fiennes will play.  Fiennes himself would only say this about his character, "I'm allowed to say that I'm a government agent."

*Spoiler-Alert*

Movieweb spoke to an insider at EON Production, who said, "Ralph Fiennes plays a government agent, which we never get a name on, because he is set to play the new M."

The MI6 is under attack as a result of something from M's past that results in Fiennes coming in as her replacement whom she must train, the source also claimed.

This isn't as much of the major bombshell I was expecting prior to reading the article but replacing Judi Dench is significant, considering she's been a major part of the Bond films since Goldeneye (1995).  However, losing Dench in favor of a top shelf actor, and hopefully recurring character in Fiennes is a huge addition to the franchise, which is looking to bounce back after a mediocre return with Quantum of Solace.  

Comments

[J.Bradley]

Actually "Quantum of Solace" did very well. "Casino Royale" was really just their opportunity to FINALLY adapt the very first James Bond novel, and while they DID introduce a few characters and elements that will carry on through the Craig years, "Quantum.." was sort of THE REAL "set-up" movie for the rest of the Craig Bonds and the story that will carry on through this iteration. It may be that it lags a bit because it's saddled with carrying that task for the series but time will be better to it.
These revelations about Fiennes character aren't too new to those who've kept up with the developments and can read between the lines but it will still be interesting to see it all play out.

[Ainslee Grace]

I am still searching around for any hints as to the "character" that Javier Bardem will introduce to the movie, Skyfall. He is such a versitile actor, and able to immerse himself in any part. He could range from a crazed Mexican rasta, cold blooded killer/assasin, a man with no legs or a wheelchair athlete, he could be part robot-part man, who knows. He is amazing and, oh, did I mention sooo sexy? J Bradley, I found your comments very well expressed. We are holding our breath for the movie...or any hints. Hoping they will throw out some crumbs before next fall. Ciao. Ainslee Grace