The countdown has begun for the latest installment of the James Bond franchise, Skyfall, starring Daniel Craig, which will hit theaters next year. Naomie Harris will star as one of the film's iconic "Bond girls," along with French star Bérénice Marlohe.

Harris will play a field agent named Eve, while Marlohe will portray the other "glamorous" and "enigmatic" beauty. Movie fans might remember Harris from her turn in 28 Days Later and the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Shadow and Act details Harris' preparation for the physically demanding role. Cynthia Reid writes:

"Eve kicks ass. I'm loving it at the moment. I am such a pacifist, I never thought I would enjoy firing guns but, in the safety of the gun range and at a target board, it's so much fun," Harris said.

Naturally, this role probably calls for a lot of physical movement so she's preparing rigorously stating..."I'm doing gyrotonics (a fluid training style that blends movements of yoga, dance, gymnastics, tai chi and swimming on a machine) twice a week and I have a yoga teacher three times a week who also takes me jogging."

Not since Halle Berry has there been a black Bond girl. Harris has definitely put the time and training into making the role memorable. We're wondering if her turn in the legendary franchise will propel her into international superstardom like previous Bond girls. Only time and the quality of her performance will tell.

Read more at Shadow and Act.

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