James Bond: Skyfall

[Krakalakachkn]

James will be staying at MGM and they've made long term plans for the saga. It's looking like good news.

 

Having officially filed for bankruptcy in preparation for its next phase of existence, MGM has begun making big plans for the return of James Bond reports Bloomberg.

 

The studio is apparently fully intent on shooting the next 007 film in the next two years with a release date of November 2012 already being targeted, and is reportedly planning to releasing a new 007 film at regular two year intervals after that (meaning 2014, 2016, 2018, etc.).

 

The studio will retain 50% of the rights to that next film, while an equal partner will cover all the production costs. Further Bond sequels will be fully owned and funded by MGM itself.

 

The other big question is whether Daniel Craig will reprise his role in the next film or if his commitment to all three installments of the Millennium Trilogy, currently in production on the first instalment "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", will lead to a new actor taking over the role and becoming the seventh official James Bond.

 

I really, really hope that Craig stays as Bond. Connery will always be the best bond, but Craig is easily my second favorite. I loved Casino Royale and while Quantum of Solace was semi-disappointing, it had nothing to do with Craig's acting or on-screen presence.

[Krakalakachkn]

With news of the offer being out to Oscar nominee Javier Bardem to join the cast of the next James Bond film, Bardem himself has now spoken out about it with The Los Angeles Times.

 

Bardem says he hasn't said yes to director Sam Mendes yet, he wants to read the script first, however he has met with Mendes and has already talked with him about it and says it would be a hard role to turn down.

 

"They're changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic. I'd be playing Bond's nemesis, yes, but it's not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It's very intriguing" he says.

 

Bardem goes on to talk about his love of the franchise, saying "I'm a huge fan of the James Bond saga. When I was little, I went watching Mr. Connery doing James Bond with my father. Who in the world would think I'd be in one of those movies?"

[Krakalakachkn]

Ralph Fiennes is circling a role as well.

 

Ralph Fiennes is said to be in discussions for a role in the next James Bond film reports The Daily Mail.

 

The source says the part is quite dark and "one of extreme complexity and only an actor of great ability and dexterity can take it on.” It's also apparently NOT the same part that is being offered to Javier Bardem.

 

Fiennes apparently "excited by the revolutionary approach of the upcoming film… it’s the first of a new generation of Bond films, and the ideas [Director] Sam Mendes has push the film into darker territory where the characters are modern, mature and challenging" according to their sources.

 

Filming is currently scheduled to kick off in the Fall for a release in November next year.

[Krakalakachkn]

It's official, "Skyfall" is the name of the upcoming 23rd James Bond film and the third to star actor Daniel Craig in the role.

 

The announcement was made at a press conference in London just moments ago where Craig, director Sam Mendes, Dame Judi Dench, and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli were on hand to announce the start of production on the project which will hit cinemas October/November next year.

 

The press conference saw the confirmation of various casting rumours that have been floating around over the past few months. Aside from Craig returning as 007 and Dench as M we'll see Berenice Marlohe as a glamourous character named 'Severin' and Naomie Harris as field agent called 'Eve' (so she's not Miss Moneypenny as previously rumoured?). Harris added that training for her role has so far included yoga, stunt driving and firing machine guns.

 

Javier Bardem is confirmed as the villain but his name or character arc weren't disclosed. Ben Whishaw, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney are also confirmed but what kind of roles they're playing the organisers remained quiet on. When asked if we might recognise their character names and that's why they're being kept quiet, Mendes responded "they might do, then again, they might not".

 

Mendes says the tone is "classic elements of a Bond film and lots of action", those worried by the reports that he's cutting back on the thrills in favour of a more awards movie tone - "action needs to co-exist with the drama… a Bond movie is for the audience, and only for the audience".

 

Mendes added that the big draw for him was Craig's work in "Casino Royale" and admits that once this film is done, if he's still as excited about doing Bond as he is now then he'd come back to helm another.

 

Asked whether the budget for this one will be cut back, Broccoli amusingly replied "does it look like we're cutting back", while Wilson adds "everything is as it was in the last two films."

 

One change though from the last two films will be the story. Mendes confirms that while the style will be the same, this film is a standalone so the 'Quantum' organisation will NOT be involved.

 

EON has also released a short synopsis: "Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost."

 

The title reportedly has an emotional context that "will become clear when we see the film" according to Broccoli.

 

Asked about the opening musical theme, they say various people have been considered for the theme but at this stage they can't announce anyone as no-one is set yet.

 

Filming kicks off today at Pinewood Studios in the UK with large portions of it to be shot around the Whitehall area. Other locations will include Shanghai, Istanbul and Scotland. A lot of things are also reportedly being done in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the franchise next year.

[Nolder]

I like the name

Skyfall sounds cool

[Tiinker]

I really liked Daniel Craig as James Bond. Wish the second movie had been a bit more story orientated than action but anywho.. Or maybe it was and I'm just not familiar enough with it.