007 returns to film in Australia
Australia’s only James Bond to date, actor George Lazenby, is set to return to film in Victoria later this year.
Lazenby played 007 in 1969
Lazenby has not filmed in Austrlia since 1977.
The film, “Justice in a Smoking Gun” is a gold rush era western, currently in pre-production, and co -stars Julian McMahon of The Fantastic Four and Home and Away.
David Ludlow, the writer/director of the film said that Lazenby told his agents: “When the kid gets it up and going, I'll come out to Australia and do it."
"They're supportive. David's a first-time feature director so that's been the idea - to get these amazing actors attached so we can go to a distributor confidently," said producer Yvonne Collins.
Ludlow said Lazenby was set to play a villainous role.
"He's going to play the baddie in the film. I'd written this Jack Palance/Kirk Douglas-y older character who's a pretty nasty piece of work,“ he said.
“George popped into my head and I knew it had to be George Lazenby to play the role.
"I spent much of last year trying to get anyone I could to read (the script). Being a massive James Bond fan, on a whim I sent it to George and within a week or two of getting it, he was on board.
"I wouldn't be surprised if George steals the whole movie. He's 6'3", built like a truck, has a wonderful head of silver hair, that big strong face and he'll be going toe to toe with Julian McMahon across the gold rush."