Introduction to Mads Mikkelsen’s New Role
Mads Mikkelsen, the legendary actor who played Le Chiffre in the James Bond film Casino Royale, has officially returned to the role, but not in a new Bond film. Instead, he appears in the video game Hitman: World of Assassination as "The Banker". This unexpected move has excited both Bond fans and Hitman enthusiasts.
The Rebirth of Le Chiffre
Mikkelsen’s Le Chiffre was reborn as "The Banker" during the 2025 Summer Game Festival Hitman (2016). This announcement was a pleasant surprise for fans, made by IO Interactive, the developers behind the iconic Hitman series and the new 007 Origin game First Light.
Will "Hitman" Feature the "Casino Royale" Scene?
Fans of Casino Royale will undoubtedly remember Le Chiffre for several reasons: the bleeding eye, the quiet threat, and of course, the infamous "chair" scene. This scene, where James Bond’s grit (and other things) was tested, immediately elevated Le Chiffre to legendary villain status.
A New Perspective
While no such testicular trauma is promised in Hitman (sorry, masochists!), the spiritual tension of this moment lives on. In this point of view, Mikkelsen’s character does not torture a Bond – he is the one being hunted. Instead of wielding a knotted rope, he will avoid the silver baller of 47 and avoid an "accidental" drowning in a poker chip fountain.
Mikkelsen’s Thoughts on Returning to the Role
Mikkelsen expressed his joy in returning to the role, stating:
"I didn’t have a lot of love for this character, but I didn’t hesitate to step back into the shoes of Le Chiffre. But this time, he is a little different. He is more confident, he is dangerous, he is not just a brilliant mind that hides behind a desk."
The Le Chiffre Mission in Hitman
The Le Chiffre mission in Hitman starts today and runs until July 6th, giving fans a limited time to experience Mikkelsen’s return to the role. With his character’s newfound confidence and danger, players can expect a thrilling and challenging mission.