James Bond to bring back fan-favourite Casino Royale villain

IO Interactive has announced that it will be bringing back iconic 007 villain Le Chiffre as a target in Hitman: World of Assassination.

Announced during Summer Game Fest today, IO Interactive is making another big new celebrity crossover for its popular Hitman series.

Ahead of next year’s 007: First Light, IO Interactive is crossing the movie franchise over by bringing a popular villain into Hitman: World of Assassination.

Le Chiffre, played by actor Mads Mikkelsen in Casino Royale, will be appearing in the game as an elusive target.

While 007 foiled his plot in Casino Royale, it's now up to Agent 47 to stop him here.

The limited time mission takes place in Hitman's Paris location, which has been tweaked to resemble a casino.

As an elusive target, Le Chiffre will be available to eliminate for a limited time. That means you’ll only be able to play the mission once, with no retries or do-overs if you fail.

What's more, Mikkelsen will also be reprising his role as Le Chiffre for this limited time in-game event.

Although the mission is limited-time, it's expected that a more permanent version of the mission will appear in the Elusive Target Arcade.

It'll be launching with The Banker DLC pack, which features other cosmetic and item rewards for use in other missions.

It'll also have an exclusive reward if you successfully complete it, which can be used in 007: First Light when that launches next year.

IO Interactive is set to launch 007: First Light in 2026. Considering the popularity of Hitman, I'd expect more crossovers and references between the two to happen in due time.

The studio is holding its first ever showcase later today, where more information about the elusive target and the future of both Hitman: World of Assassination and 007: First Light will be revealed.

Le Chiffre is available to eliminate in Hitman: World of Assassination from today, 6th June until 6th July.