There is tons of info on the newest incarnation of 007. Everything from the new car to shooting locations.

The script for the 21st film is said to contain more of the elements of earlier Bond pics than the more recent effects-packed pictures.

Director Martin Campell on Casino Royale

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=8502


007 to Drive a Fiat Panda?

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=10630


Michael G. Wilson on James Bond 21

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=9664


Judi Dench Says Brosnan is Still 007

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=9331

Orlando all the way!!! Just kidding

Ever since seeing American Psycho, I've wanted Christian Bale to play Bond. I can't see that happening after Batman but I can still hope. To be honest, I've lost interest in the Bond series of late. I haven't been impressed with any of the recent movies. Bring back Connery!

I would have to vote for Julian McMahon. His IMDB pic has a Bond-ish look about it, but more importantly, his age is perfect. Here's why the others are all wrong. According to Chapter 1 of Moonraker (the third book in the Bond series by Fleming), the statutory retirement age from 00 service is 45. Bond reflects he has eight years to go, making him 37. Both Connery and Brosnan are too old for the part, Connery being WAY too old - long past the retirement age of 45. Orlando Bloom is 28, which is nearly 10 years short. Christian Bale is closer at 31, but he's got too soft a face. Julian McMahon is 37 and looks the part. If he's up for it, I'd say he would be a strong contender based solely on his appearance and age. Finally, Clive Owen at 41 would also be a strong candidate, but just based on their IMDB pics, Julian's face looks a little harder...

I would hope this film would return to the earlier era of Bond. The book has no gadgets, consists of Bond outwitting a villain by gambling, has Felix Leiter of the CIA (but probably won't be in it due to his shark issue in License to Kill - they do attempt continuity of some sort between the films), and a hideous torture scene in which the bad guys sit Bond naked in a bottomless chair and tug on his family jewels with fishing line :o -- but I can't see that scene making the movie as Fleming wrote it...most of Bond's stunts in the movies are tame to Fleming's vision.

Awesome twist of an ending in the book involving Bond's relationship with Vesper Lynd that I pray translates well to the movie. Let's just say it almost rivals Bond and Tracy DiVicenzo from On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Almost...but not quite.

I'd love to see Clive Owen in it, but after so many films, what does it really take to be James Bond? I have no idea.

Read Ian Fleming's novels. What it takes to be Bond is a serious devotion to the job he does. Fleming puts Bond through hell in the books. Timothy Dalton did a good portrayal of Bond, and Sean Connery was all but coached by Fleming himself (of course, he got bored with it as time went on). Roger Moore's wisecracks and finally geratrics didn't help much, and he was the longest running one.

He does have a soft spot for women, but his face portrays a cold seriousness when he is working. He usually takes a severe beating during his missions, but the service provides a one month holiday for him to recover after each one. He understands the danger of what he does and his mannerisms portray that.

Hey George.  I read a James Bond novel once, and it had nothing -- I mean absolutely nothing -- to do with the movie that bore the same title.

It's been years, but I think it was "The Spy Who Loved Me".  Whatever it was, virtually the whole story took place at an old motel.  No Q, no gadgets, no hovercraft chases or any stuff like that.

I am assuming you have read at least a couple of these.  Are they all like that, or did I get hold of an exception?

The Spy Who Loved Me is an exception because it follows a woman named Vivienne rather than Bond, who makes an appearance. Ian Fleming gave EON the rights to the title of that book only, but not the novel, because he felt it would not make a good film.

Several of the movies had nothing to do with the books. Relatively faithful adaptations include Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Live and Let Die, and The Living Daylights (the first part of this movie is the entire short story almost verbatim; after Bond states the title line, the screenwriters took over the story). Others such as The Man With The Golden Gun use names and general situations from the books, and yet others like Octopussy (although the title character does relay the plot of the short story to Bond and also uses the short story "Property of a Lady"), The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, and You Only Live Twice use the title only, and a couple of characters, but the stories are pretty much original.

If you want to see how the adaptation compares to the movie, check some of those earlier titles. The Spy Who Loved Me is an exception along with For Your Eyes Only, which is a collection of short stories. The other novels by Fleming are about Bond in action how he should be portrayed.

I just finished Moonraker, and I thought it was very cool. They should have adapted that story with all the wonderful intrigue instead of the Bond in Space tripe we got, which was nothing more than a space version of the movie version of The Spy Who Loved Me. One megalomaniac underwater, the other megalomaniac in space. Roald Dahl should stay with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and keep away from Bond.

I suspected I could count on you for an authoritative answer to that.

So I read the "exception". Just my luck. That's probably why it was at the garage sale for a dime!

Thanks for the suggestions should I (or anyone else) decide to pick up another one.

I'll buy it off you for a quarter.  ;D It's the only Fleming novel I don't have.

In the books, do they mention what kind of car Bond drives?

-Zavier

Depends on the book. Most of the time Bond drives a souped up Bentley that he owns and babies when the bad guys aren't blowing it up.

His first car, a 1933 Mark IV which only was damaged in Casino Royale, is destroyed in Moonraker. Bond had stored it during the war and kept working on it as he went along as a hobby. At the end of Moonraker, Bond bought a 1953 Bentley Mark VI.

Bond's final car was a Bentley Mark II Continental, which was in Thunderball. This car last appears in On Her Majesty's Secret Service when Bond upgrades it with an Arnott Supercharger controlled by a magnetic clutch. He calls it "The Locomotive."

The other cars (Aston Martin, etc.) are just in the movies.

Holy crap, George.  This is getting a little scary now...

You really know your stuff.

Sorry, though; the book is long gone.

Bummer. Oh well. I'll keep hitting the second hand stores.

And when I like something, I like to keep up with it.

That poor Bentley got flattened in Moonraker when Drax's henchman jumped onto the back of a slow-moving semi carrying rolls of newspaper. Cut the ropes, Bond goes for an unpleasant ride and no more Bentley.

Fun books. Fleming tortures our poor hero.

Just a update.

Jackman Turns Down Bond.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=10814



-Zavier

Pierce Brosnan: One phone call ended Bond career

http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/17/people.brosnan.ap/index.html

-Zavier

I'm not really a great fan of 007 but Hack I'll vote anyway.

ER Star Goran Visnjic Up for 007

http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=10953

-Zavier

I dunno. He's got a good look and he acts suave enough on ER along with the hard edge occasionally...but he's Croatian. What's wrong with getting an actor from the right country and ethnic background? Granted, only Roger Moore (until Fleming liked Connery enough to make Bond Scottish) so far has been correct, but that's not the point.

I'd have to say Brosnan would be my first choice.  But if he's gone, I'd go with Clive Owen.  

I think that Owen would best fit the desired mood that Martin Campbell has described for the new film.  He has a certain slickness to him, though not as much as Brosnan...which is perfect, I suppose, for Casino Royale.

Paul Haggis to Rewrite Casino Royale

http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=11007

-Zavier

Latest dirt on 007 doings

http://www.moviehole.net/news/6241.html

-Zavier

Brosnan is back as 007

http://www.moviehole.net/news/6248.html

-Zavier

And suddenly, the thought that studio execs behave like children sometimes returns to my consciousness.

Brook has a Royale appointment

Kelly Brook ["Smallville", "Three"] has been asked to audition for the forthcoming James Bond flickeroo, "Casino Royale", according to the site. The producers are reportedly keen on her because of her, um, body.

Indian actor is Casino Royale villain

-Zavier

I've kind of been avoiding this thread since I've been hearing so many different stories but this seems actually official and I've seen this on several different and credible sites.

The new James Bond is British actor Daniel Craig

It's official.

The new James Bond is British actor Daniel Craig

The official announcement was made in London at noon at a press conference, to which the 37-year-old actor arrived via a military boat on the Thames River.

-Zavier

I'm not the biggest Bond fan but I love seeing new actors taking on iconic characters, like Brandon Routh as the new Superman. I love to see what new elements they can bring to these characters.

I think Daniel Craig will make a brilliant Bond. He's definately different than Pierce Brosnan, which is a good thing because I think the series needs to change in order to keep up with the times. Craig looks rugged but sophisticated. He has some sort of edge to him that I think Brosnan never had. I can't wait to see what he does with the character.

I'm looking more forward to Casino Royale than I did to the Brosnan films, because apparently its going to be a very different Bond movie this time around. You only have to look at Daniel Craig to see that! Personally, I'd like to see an edgier, grittier Bond film, with less gadgets and more character-focus.  

Lara Croft Vs. James Bond?

ngelina Jolie might be re-teaming with her “Tomb Raider” co-star Daniel Craig for his next movie. You get what that means, right? Yatzee – She’d be the 00-Bond Babe for Sony’s “Casino Royale”.

The net’s in a frenzy now – naturally, since the fun of guessing who the next 007 will be is over – trying to speculate who’ll straddle the suave super-agent in the impending blockbuster, with Jolie’s name coming up the most. Seems producers think the future Mrs Pitt could be a perfect match for the renowned lady killer. Me thinks they’re just looking for a big name to compliment Craig’s ‘not so big name’.

If Director Martin Campbell nods in approval, Jolie would be putting on the stilettos of Russian double agent Vespa Lynd.

Also up for the role – Craig’s real-life love Sienna Miller, twenty-something spunky Jessica Alba, and, according to Dark Horizons, Cecile De France ("High Tension").

So they've changed her name from Vesper to Vespa -- what's the point? And given away the biggest twist in the novel, that she's a Russian double agent. Have they also given away that she killed herself because she couldn't handle James falling for her while she is simultaneously lying to him about her position and that she couldn't handle loving him and being with the circuit trying to kill him? Or maybe they just changed that part. Why not, right?

George, you being this sites Bond expert, what do you think of the decision to go with Daniel Craig as Bond?

-Zavier

To be honest, I am still catching up on my movie watching, so I haven't seen Daniel in anything. I just double-checked his IMDB, and sure enough. I have not seen a single movie this guy has been in.

For his look, anyone's look is changeable. Based on just the pictures I've seen, he may be able to pull it off just fine. His hair will need to be dyed black, but that's no big deal. What he's got going for him are that he is English and he is the right age.

I think we'll just have to wait and see if his acting chops are up to the challenge. I'm going to watch some of his stuff and see what I think of his acting.

Yesterday, I read an interview with director Martin Campbell over on http://www.latinoreview.com and he said the second half of the film will basically be taken directly from the book. I've been trying to get a copy of Casino Royale, but I can't find one anywhere!  

If you can find one, it's clear why it took off so well. It provides a great intro to the James Bond character. Ian Fleming always puts Bond through hell in the books. More so than is ever done on screen.

I wonder if they'll include the scene with fishing line tied around Bond's family jewels...

LOL! That scene was discussed in the interview as well, I think Martin Campbell is considering using it!

Martin Campbell Reveals 007 Details here

-Zavier

Already this sounds a lot more interesting than most of the other Bond films.

Getty Images has posted the first pictures of Daniel Craig on the set of Casino Royale

-Zavier

According to FILMINK: Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron have rejected offers to star in the latest Bond film Casino Royale. Apparently Naomi Watts is next on the producers hit list and if she knocks it back, Jessica Simpson will be in the running to play Russian (accent alert!!!) femme fatale Vesper Lynd.

Ahh!  Ok that's better.  I think my heart just stopped for a second.  

Jessica... Simpson...

I will personally sell my DVD collection, purchase a plane ticket and weaponry, and execute everyone involved with this film Boondock Saints style if they dare have her as the bond girl.

Quoted from tomson Maybe they're saying "no thanks" because most previous Bond women's careers stall after their Bond gig.

Yeah, that's what the article said about Denise Richards and Halle Berry.

What about Terri Hatcher?  She's still got something going for her right now.  Even if it is TV...

And Famke Janssen has a little thing called X-Men that she is in too.  

You could probably add Rosamund Pike to the list of "where are they now" Bond girls however.  I don't think her perfomance in Doom really screamed comeback.    

Personally, I just think those girls that you don't see anymore are just plain done, it has nothing to do with being a Bond girl.  They are not wanted or needed anymore.  Move on.    

To tell you the truth, I've haven't seen a Bond film beyond Roger Moore's era. I simply lost interest.  

Casino Royale Villain Confirmed here

-Zavier

Not sure if you guys already know this, but http://www.latinoreview.com has up a review of the Casino Royale script. It seems pretty good! Just wanted to let you know...  

I wish brosnan was still bond, he was great.

"Casino Royale" teaser poster is now online and can be seen here

-Zavier

Another lesser known Bond girl who continued to have a career (at least a small one) is Tanya Roberts who was on That 70's Show for awhile. She was in A View To A Kill in 1985.

And yeah, I'm with you Tomson. I'll be there and buy the DVD even if it sucks. I figure if I have Never Say Never Again in my collection along with the other 20, I might as well have this one too. The poster says nothing except it exists, but shows a little more than mot Bond teaser posters do. At least we got a face instead of title and 007. Well, on that note, I wonder why it only hs "7". The 00 is significant in that it details something about his job. You can't just drop that.

The teaser trailer is now up,  here

-Zavier

Looks pretty sweet. Like an action movie. At least the lack of 0's made sense. They tied it into the title. Ah, November 17th, why must thou torment me so?

This looks really great. I've only sean a few Bond films and I'm not a huge fan, but this looks good.

Looks like Craig will be the right choice considering the direction they're taking with the series.  I have faith in Martin Campbell and I hope Craig does well.

This looks so cool.  It seems more like an R rated bond, i wonder if they had the guts to do that.  Either way I am really looking forward to this:D

I saw Layer Cake with Daniel Craig a few weeks ago and based on that, I'm sure he'll do a great job as Bond.

Aston Martin has unveiled Bonds new car for Casino Royale, check it out at their official site

I've always wondered why Bond doesn't drive a Bentley like he did in the books. We've got Aston Martin again, but of most of the series, it was a Bentley. Weird...

Quoted from George I've always wondered why Bond doesn't drive a Bentley like he did in the books...

Bentley

Aston-Martin

Mr. Fleming didn't get everything right....

It's just a car. But I'd much rather have a truck if I were 007. ha ha.

I've actually found the Bentley to be quite the nice vehicle. I've looked at several on the Internet, but I can understand the look is more Bond-ish. Then again, if Bentley (the manufacturer that makes the Rolls Royce) were commisioned to make a vehicle for a Bond film, I can't help but wonder what they would come up with. After all, the Bentley is an expensive luxury vehicle, meaning the engine is likely comparable to the Aston Martin in speed and performance.

The official website has been launched, here(click "enter site")

At the site, you can learn about the film, download wallpapers, a screensaver and AIM icons. Then you can switch sides by clicking "Dealer" for an assignment, access to M's computer to review James Bond's dossier, photos and videos. You can even play a poker game by clicking on the chips on the table.

-Zavier

For those of you who hate poor quality, imbedded java players; the teaser trailer can now be seen in glorious quicktime here

-Zavier

Variety reports that Sony Pictures showed 20 minutes of Casino Royale at the Cinema Expo International in Amsterdam (spoilers ahead):

The footage showed off Craig as a grittier Bond, with scenes of more intense, visceral hand-to-hand combat than 007 has tackled in recent pics. One black-and-white scene flashed back to Bond's first ever (brutal and hard-to-pull-off) kill as an agent, as well as his (much more sleek and signature) second assassination.

Also introducing the pic was one of the new Bond girls, Caterina Murino, and the reel featured some sultry scenes between her and Craig. For any gearheads, Bond's new ride also got some screen time, as did high-octane chase scenes, including one of Craig following a baddie up and down a construction site with aerial jumps and twists.

-Zavier

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced yesterday that, that Chris Cornell, the singer/songwriter behind Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog, has written, in collaboration with Bond composer David Arnold, and will perform the main title song entitled "You Know My Name," for the new James Bond adventure Casino Royale.

-Zavier

Moviefone has your first look at the new theatrical trailer for Casino Royale. Simply amazing.

-Zavier

Im hoping to see this one in theathers, just because i've never seen a bond film at the movies.



and even though it's old news, im a dissapointed they didn't give the role of Bond to Jason Isaacs. he is an emesnly talanted actor and i enjoy his work very much. oh well, maybe after craig gets bored with bond.

Head over to Ain't it Cool News, they have opening title song of the next Bond film. The song is called “You Know My Name” and it’s from Chris Cornell of Audioslave. I'm not sure how long it'll remain up. The song is played over the Casino Royale trailer that was released a couple of weeks ago.

-Zavier  

I ain't the biggest audioslave fan, but it aint bad.  You can here the entire song if you follow the link they provide.  I still think Aview to a kill and Live and let die are the best Bond songs, but this is better then the last couple, but I did like the world is not enough one by Garbage, that one was cool. :)

The World Is Not Enough was an awesome song. I got it to listen to once and it found its way onto my playlist, so I'm enjoying it.

You Know His Name is a good song as well, I think. I'm glad they've got a guy doing it again. I'm not sexist or anything, it's just that they haven't had a male sung James Bond theme since The Living Daylights in 1987. That was almost twenty years ago, so its good.

I can't wait for this flick. It's gonna rock the house. The trailers look awesome. It looks real, gritty, intense and emotional, which is pretty far removed from Die Another Day, although I did like that one as well. I'm a huge Bond fan and this is definately at the top of my must see list for 2006.


Cheers, Chism.