The next James Bond movie, tentatively titled Bond 23, is getting even more star power.

Putting the next movie "over the edge" in terms of cast acting credibility, the production team seems ready to "axe the action and target an Oscar" in James Bond's 23rd outing.

Albert Finney in another JB (Jason Bourne) action movie, Bourne Ultimatum

Finney, an English-born actor with many acting accolades to his credit (including Oscar nominations and BAFTA Award wins) joins director Sam Mendes, actors Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes as first-time Bond-ers. No stranger to acting in a spy movie, Finney played a prominent role in another JB film, The Bourne Ultimatum as Jason Bourne's exploiter, Dr. Albert Hirsch.

The Daily Mail reports that Finney will portray a superior to James Bond's boss, M (portrayed by Dame Judi Dench).

BM's Take
As with most of Bond's bosses, I'd expect his role to be a stern and gruff complement to Dame Dench's character - as M's boss normally only appears when 007 really acts up or can't be controlled. Bond fans also can't count out the possibility that M's boss's appearance could indicate the seriousness of the situation with the villainous Quantum organization. Maybe M has to "call in the big guns" for this one? (more 00 agents on the mission perhaps?)

After all, Bond fans still don't know the scope of the Quantum organization - how big it is, what corruption it's responsible for, etc. Die hard Bond fans can only hope for one comparable to the previous villain organization in the franchise, SPECTRE. Sinister and intimidating, SPECTRE-centric Bond movies are some of the most storied in the franchise, and among the most revered by long-time Bond fans.

In my opinion, Finney's addition is welcomed (and celebrated) news. Mr. Mendes and the production team seem to have the improvement of the Bond franchise's credibility squarely in mind going forward.

November 9, 2012 can't come soon enough!