Almost every piece of information floating around Bond 23 can only be called speculation — even the title. Knowing this, it’s best to cut through any guessing games and just tell you of The Daily Mail‘s (via ThePlaylist) report, which puts Helen McCrory in the cast of Sam Mendes‘ spy adventure. She’s best known for playing Malfoy’s mother in the Harry Potter movies, but has also appeared in films such as The Queen, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and the upcoming Hugo. McCrory previously worked with Daniel Craig in Flashbacks of a Fool, although people will actually see this.

Also confirmed were the previously-rumored Ben Whishaw and Bérénice Marlohe — the former’s involvement is unclear as of now, but the latter has the coveted part of the Bond girl, having recently tested for Mendes and being “met with approval.” If there’s any cloud over the casting, it’s that the female characters in the series are notoriously drawn thin; Casino Royale broke away from that mold with Vesper Lynd, and the director’s intent here gives me hope for the same. But, this isn’t the end of casting: Prior news informed us of there being a “beautiful English Agent” and a “beautiful Asian woman named ‘Severin,’” which seems to leave only one more primary role.

Also starring Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, and Rory Kinnear, Bond 23 will open on November 9th, 2012.

Does this latest batch of casting do anything for you? Are you ready for another Bond?