ACTRESS Lashana Lynch will take on the iconic spy role of 007 in Bond 25, according to reports.

While titular hero James Bond will still be portrayed by Daniel Craig, 51, writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge has introduced a major twist to the long-running franchise.

6 Lashana Lynch will take on the iconic spy role of 007 in Bond 25, according to reports Credit: Getty Images - Getty

She will introduce the Captain Marvel star, 31, as the current 007's replacement within the secret service, while a decision has yet to be made who will take over from Craig in Bond 26.

An insider told the Mail: "There is a pivotal scene at the start of the film where M says 'Come in 007', and in walks Lashana who is black, beautiful and a woman.

"It’s a popcorn-dropping moment. Bond is still Bond but he’s been replaced as 007 by this stunning woman."

The source also revealed that Bond will be brought out of retirement in Jamaica to thwart a "global crisis".

6 Bond 25 will be Daniel Craig's final outing in the titular role Credit: Splash News

Daniel Craig filming new James Bond scenes in London

It comes after it was revealed Cristoph Waltz will reprise the role of Blofeld in the flick after he was spotted on set at Pinewood Studios.

The star, 62, played the head of a shadowy organisation of villains in 2015's Spectre, and is back for a second outing despite previously claiming he wouldn't be in the next flick.

The Mail's Baz Bamigboye broke the news on Twitter, posting: "Exclusive:Hello Mr Waltz... we’ve been expecting you.#ChristophWaltz is back as #Blofeld in ⁦@007⁩ #Bond25 , shooting scenes at Pinewood studios . When a visitor spotted him , Waltz insisted , “You haven’t seen me.”

The Sun Online has contacted a representative for Cristoph for comment.

Super-villain Blofeld tried to establish a global surveillance network in Spectre that would enable the organisation to monitor and evade criminal investigations at the highest level.

In an explosive finale, Blofeld's helicopter was shot down and the villain was seen crawling from the wreckage.

But with his fate left up in the air, it looks as if he evaded arrest.

6 Christoph Waltz will reprise the role of Blofeld in the film after he was spotted on set at Pinewood Studios

6 The star, 62, played the head of a shadowy organisation of villains in 2015's Spectre Credit: Alamy

Earlier this month Bond bosses insisted the next 007 film will be in cinemas in just nine months' time despite being rocked by a string of disasters.

A spokesperson for the spy franchise told The Sun Online that the 25th Bond movie would definitely be released in the UK on 3 April next year.

The troubled film has been hit with several calamities - including three explosions, a crocked Daniel Craig and Grace Jones walking out.

A triple explosion erupted at the 007 Stage at the movie franchise's Pinewood Studios base in London last month.

A crew member sustained an injury during the blast, which took off part of the roof and several wall panels.

6 Super-villain Blofeld tried to establish a global surveillance network in Spectre Credit: Kobal Collection - Rex Features

The disaster came after Bond star Daniel was injured while shooting scenes in Jamaica, forcing filming to be delayed.

He has now had an ankle ligament operation and was pictured with his leg in a supportive medical boot following surgery.

The Sun revealed how the troubled film suffered another blow when Grace quit her much-hyped role moments after arriving on set.

Grace, who played villain May Day in 1985’s A View To A Kill, walked away after discovering how few lines she’d been given.

The film was also thrown off course by the departure of original director Danny Boyle, who quit over a script dispute, in August 2018.

6 Daniel Craig recently showed the Prince of Wales around the Bond set Credit: Rex Features

Most read in TV & Showbiz PUSSYCAT KITTEN? Nicole Scherzinger deletes pic after fans say she's showing a baby bump EVANS SAKE Lee Evans spotted for the first time in two years after quitting showbiz Exclusive ADELE OF A PAIR Adele & Skepta spotted on night out in London months after romance rumours KEEG-DASHIAN Michelle Keegan fans rave about her 'Kim K bum' on night out in London 'TAKE CARE OF MY BOY' Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim reunite to drop son Woody off at university GYM BOD EastEnders' Maisie Smith shows off her abs as she trains for Strictly Country girl Inside Coleen Nolan's £800k farmhouse as she puts it up for sale after divorce Exclusive FAN FURY Towie hit by 176 complaints to Ofcom in bullying row TREE TROUBLE Tree falls outside Phillip Schofield's £2m new pad and smashes neighbour's car 'HOT!' Rebel flaunts 40-pound weight loss on Monte Carlo trip with boyfriend Jacob Busch

And a mutiny erupted on set after his replacement Cary Fukunaga, 40, skipped filming to play on his PlayStation.

However, the movie got a positive boost last month when Prince Charles dropped by the set to look at Bond's Aston Martin car collection.

Daniel was in good spirits as he shared a joke with the prince, before taking him to meet the rest of the cast.

But with just 276 days until the film is due to be aired, Bond might now be facing his toughest mission yet - hitting that deadline.

Danny Boyle laughs off James Bond drama as he discusses 'creative differences' on This Morning

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.