James Bond villain Christoph Waltz gets the CGI treatment as he is spotted with white capture dots on his face as he films scenes for Spectre in London

PUBLISHED: 09:13, 8 June 2015 | UPDATED: 21:08, 8 June 2015

So far the action has revolved around Daniel Craig's 007 on the set of the new James Bond movie, Spectre.

But on Sunday it was time for the villain to take the spotlight, as Christoph Waltz was seen for the first time shooting scenes for Sam Mendes' follow up to Skyfall.

The 58-year-old actor, who plays Franz Oberhauser in the 2015 film, was spotted filming a helicopter scene near Vauxhall Bridge in London.

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The villain's arrived: Christoph Waltz was spotted shooting scenes for new Bond movie Spectre in London on Sunday

Looking the part of a Bond baddie, the two-time Oscar winner sported several white spots on his face, for what appears to be in preparation for CGI special effects.

He was dressed in a dark outfit, with what looked like performance capture markers dotted over his face.

The white spots are used by digital artists to capture facial movement and expressions to animate digital character models.

Christoph was seen filming a scene which saw him exit a Rolls Royce before being accompanied to a helicopter by an aide and taking off.

Baddie: The 59-year-old actor had what looked like performance capture markers on his face

Every inch the Bond villain: With his slick dark outfit and high neckline, Christoph looked perfectly suited for the role

Nice ride: Christoph and director Sam Mendes shot scenes on the banks of the Thames, with the actor seen walking from a Rolls Royce to a helicopter

Director Sam Mendes made the most of another day of shooting in London, with the filmmaker later seen shooting scenes with his leading man Craig and new Bond girl Lea Seydoux as night fell.

Showing just what a huge production Spectre is, lights were installed in buildings along the river to capture the action.

Sunday's shoot marked the first time Waltz has been spotted on set, with Mendes moving his production around the globe in recent weeks, from Rome to Mexico City to London, while top secret sets have been constructed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire - the original home of the Bond movies.

Daniel Craig thrills in James Bond teaser trailer for SPECTRE

Taking to the skies: The villain was seen climbing into the helicopter before flying off

Main man: Director Sam Mendes talked over the scenes with Christoph and the actor playing his aide

Direction: The acclaimed filmmaker is working on his second Bond movie after the huge success of Skyfall

Close bond: Chirstoph and the director were spotted sharing a laugh between takes

There's been a huge level of secrecy around the 24th Bond film and Christoph's character in particular.

Despite persistent rumours the Austrian talent is playing Bond's ultimate nemisis Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the actor has insisted that he is playing the role of a new character, Franz Oberhauser.

In a December 2014 interview with Screencrush, when asked about his role in the upcoming flick, he replied: 'That's a fact. I can guarantee. The character is called Franz Oberhauser.'

Secrecy: There's been a huge amount of speculation surrounding Christoph's role in Spectre

Denials: Despite rumours the Austrian talent is playing Bond's ultimate nemisis Blofeld, the actor has insisted that he is starring as a new character Franz Oberhauser

Daniel Craig films new Bond movie Spectre on Westminster Bridge

He added: 'F-R-A-N-Z, Oberhauser, and I don't need to spell that.'

The actor, who is known for his uncanny portrayal of movie villains in films such as Inglourious Basterds, neither confirmed nor denied though that Oberhauser could be a pseudonym for Blofield.

Mendes explained at the launch conference of the film last year that the name of the film will not be lost on Bond fans, teasing: 'Those of you who have some knowledge of the Bond franchise and of the legend of Bond will probably have some idea what that refers to, but I couldn't possibly comment.'

In demand: The actor has made a name for himself in Hollywood playing baddies in the likes of Inglourious Basterds

Nemesis: The title of the movie has led fans to believe Oberhauser could simply be a codename for Blofield

The clues are there: SPECTRE is led by the cat-loving, scarred super-villain Blofield

And SPECTRE - which stands for Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion - is led by the infamous cat-loving, scarred super-villain Blofeld, who played a prominent part in You Only Live Twice, On Her Majesty's Secret Service and Diamonds Are Forever.

In an interview with the UK's GQ last month, Christoph was still insisting his character is Oberhauser, admitting that the part was written with him in mind and 'was tweaked in my direction.'

Speaking out on the Blofield rumours, he added: 'That is absolutely untrue. That rumour started on the internet, and the internet is a pest. The name of my character is Franz Oberhauser.'

Huge production: Christoph is just the latest star to start shooting his scenes, with Mendes moving his production around the globe in the past few weeks

Man in charge: Mendes has taken his team to Rome, Mexico City and Pinewood Studios in the UK, the original home of the Bond franchise

Anticipation: Mendes has kept his production top secret, but his huge setpieces in iconic locations in London have been hard to hide

While he admits he did hesitate before signing up for Spectre, he says he was won over by Craig and Mendes, who have steered the franchise in a fresh direction:

'The action sequences in Mexico are extravagant to say the least,' he gushed. 'The scenes in Austria are traditional Bond action in the snow. These films with Daniel Craig have shifted the tone. They don't depend on a set formula that forces actors simply to go through the motions.'

Spectre is scheduled to be released in November 2015.