Screen Junkies » Bond 23

Javier Bardem Confirms He Will Piss Off Daniel Craig In Next ‘Bond’ Film

Wookie Johnson — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:05:10 +0000

The long will he, won’t he tease is over. Javier Bardem has finally confirmed that he will in fact play the villain in the 23rd James Bond film. Rumored to be called Skyfall, Bardem did not share much info but let’s just assume it’s about satellites or something. He tells Nightline’s Christine Amanpour:

Rhys Ifans In Trouble At Comic-Con, NOT In ‘Bond 23′

Joseph Gibson — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:25:50 +0000

Rhys Ifans

6 photosNew 'Amazing Spider-Man' Stills Show Spidey Is Maybe A Jerk

is apparently attempting a weekend-long campaign to be labeled in stories like this one as a “bad boy.” He did kind of a half-assed job though, since his “berating everyone from the security staff to the United States of America.” didn’t even get him arrested, contrary to a Comic-Con rumor that’s been floating around. It was basically just a slight altercation with security over a member of Ifans’ entourage, and Ifans’ desire to smoke a cigarette backstage before attending the The Amazing Spider-Man panel. You can’t cage this Rhys Ifans, United States of America/Comic-Con 2011 security staff!

Speaking of rumors, the one that Ifans had signed on to the next James Bond movie with Daniel Craig has also turned out to be false. When asked by MTV if the ‘Bond 23‘ rumor was true, he replied “No. I just have a license to kill.” Bad boy zing! No word on whether Ifans is still a possibility for the movie, or if he’s out (or was never in) for good. It’s probably for the best that he not be in it, since whoever heard of a character in a Bond movie smoking a cigarette? Somebody call security. (The Playlist)

Naomie Harris Could Be The Next Girl We Watch Bond Bang

Wookie Johnson — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:21:53 +0000

11 photosOlivia Wilde Looks Regal, Kinky In Disney Photo Campaign

Ten years ago when she starred in 28 Days Later, Naomie Harris was poised to become a breakout star. And then she didn’t. But now she might.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean hag has been offered an opportunity to shed her rotted teeth and dreadlocks and appear as a Bond Girl in Bond 23. Harris confirmed to Shadow and Act that she was indeed offered a role, though she didn’t specify which it would be. Some outlets report she’ll play Bond’s sexy sidekick but we’re not sure if that means she’ll be the female lead or just one of the many that the lothario spy will squirm around on top of while crying. Frieda Pinto, Olivia Wilde, and Megan Fox have also been rumored to be joining the project in the past few years. Alas, only one can take the role. I think a tickle-fight is the only fair way to decide. I’ll warm my fingers.

23rd James Bond Movie Gets Date, A Release Date

Joseph Gibson — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:21:12 +0000

The next movie in the James Bond series is something to look forward to, if you’re a fan of director Sam Mendes and/or product placement. So you might be interested to know that MGM has set release dates in America and the UK – and, our UK readers will get to see the movie two weeks before us Yanks: October 26, 2012 in the UK, and November 9, 2012 in the United States.

Links Away: From Vegas With Love

I gotta say, I’m really looking forward to this entry in the Bond series. Between Mendes (who may not be one of my favorite directors, but he’s unarguably a strong visual stylist) and Javier Bardem (in talks to play the bad guy), this may be one of the best Bond movies ever. And yeah, that is saying something, Mr. Negative. (Collider)

No, Mr. Bond, Anthony Hopkins Expects You To Die (Maybe)!

Joseph Gibson — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:57:32 +0000

It’s time for a Bond 23 rumor! This is a pretty tantalizing one, too – it’s being reported that none other than Mr. whatever-his-name-was in The Silence of the Lambs, Anthony Hopkins, is being discussed as the villain for the next James Bond adventure. Here’s a quote from an anonymous source, who later plunged to his death while on fire:

“The only stumbling block seems to be the number of films he is signing up for. There is a chance the character they want him to play could become a regular feature, like Blofeld back in the day.”

Now, stop me if this sounds crazy, but since Casino Royale was a “reboot” of the Bond series, couldn’t it be possible that rather than playing a character “like” Blofeld, he’s actually playing Blofeld? That could be a pretty cool idea, and casting a star like Hopkins would definitely be a change of pace for the character. We’ll see if Hopkins actually gets to stroke the cat or if this is just hot air. (via Moviefone)

If Sony Helps Sad Old MGM, We Get ‘Red Dawn’, ‘Cabin In The Woods’

Geoffrey Golden — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:14:09 +0000

MGM has been having troubles lately, what with their filing for bankruptcy and their current voyage down the yellow brick road of financial stability. Though Bond 23 and The Hobbit are greenlit, there’s been some question about Joss Whedon‘s Cabin In The Woods and the remake of Red Dawn. These movies have been completed for months, but they are not in front of eyeballs at the multiplex, cause of MGM‘s money troubles. Luckily, there’s a deal in the works that will save these films from a fate worse than a Commie invasion: sitting on the shelf for even longer than they already have.

Sony and MGM are hammering out an agreement that might give Sony rights to distribute old and new projects, like Red Dawn and the upcoming Bond films. They would also co-finance upcoming Bond movies, because putting your money behind Bond is a safe bet. Especially when he goes all-in. Daniel Craig, you have one hell of a poker face.

We’ll see if the deal pans out, and if we get to see these movies. Or they might end up dead… in a Cabin In The Woods. Because they’re a bunch of stupid college kids. (Cinema Blend)

New Bond Villain Might Be Ralph Fiennes, Potter/Bond Crossover Anyone?

Geoffrey Golden — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:47:10 +0000

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named might very well get named as part of the new James Bond cast. Ralph “Voldemort” Fiennes could play a “darkly complex” character in the film, which either means he’s playing a villain, or he’s playing a guy you think is good, but in a surprise twist, ends up being a villain. I’d wait and see if the talks pan out, but I don’t know if I have that kind of English Patience. Cue rimshot.

This will be the 23rd James Bond film. It doesn’t have a title, but I’m thinking it’ll be something like: Live Until You Die, Never Die Twice or James Bond Goes To Camp. The source for these rumors about talks between Fiennes, Bond 23‘s producers and director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) are a British tabloid, which is about as reliable as my picks for the new movie’s title. So if you’re picking out which Harry Potter scarf to wear to the Bond 23 midnight premiere – slow your roll, muggle. (Cinema Blend)

Bardem Won’t Decide On ‘Bond’ Until He Reads Non-Existent Script

Penn Collins — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 23:45:21 +0000

To follow up on our piece yesterday, Javier Bardem has now personally confirmed that he has been offered the villain role in the 23rd James Bond installment. But don’t expect a decision too soon. He’s waiting to read the script to make a decision on whether or not to take the part. Here’s the tricky part – the script’s not done. A draft has been floating around, but the producers aren’t completely on board with the draft as is, so some tweaking is being done.

So when can we expect a decision from Bardem? Well, whenever the script is finished, then maybe three hours later if he’s a fast reader, or six hours later if he’s a slow reader. Seeing as how he seems to be a very smart guy, but English isn’t his first language, I would put the window in the three-and-a-half to four-hour range.

Bond enthusiasts have a reason to be optimistic, as director Sam Mendes has conveyed to Bardem the dynamic between Bond and this particular villain, and it sounds a little more complex than “good guy vs. inexplicably evil guy.” So even if Bardem doesn’t get on board, fans of the franchise can expect a little more depth in the relationship between Bond and his nemesis. (Collider)

Javier Bardem Almost As Busy As James Franco

Wookie Johnson — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:14:55 +0000

Prepare yourselves to see Javier Bardem with a really cool scar or a cat on his lap or something. The Biutiful Oscar nominee has been offered a role opposite Daniel Craig in Bond 23.

Bardem’s a busy guy. Last week he got nommed, ruined Penelope Cruz‘s vagina, and was offered the lead in The Dark Tower. There aren’t any details available about which character Bardem would play, but it’s likely he’ll play the lead villain considering James Bond isn’t really the type for bromance. The film is scheduled to shoot this fall with a planned release in November 2012.

Whether this gig will effect his involvement in The Dark Tower (and vice versa) remain unknown. I recommend just mashing up the two projects and make Roland Deschain into Bond’s nemesis this time around. It would save film and time and it’s not like MGM is in a position to say no. (Deadline)

Judi Dench To Collect Her Seventh ‘Bond’ Paycheck

Wookie Johnson — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:20:49 +0000

Good news! James Bond still has a stern boss!! Husky-eyed, aristotle, British old lady, Dame Judi Dench will once again reprise the role of M in Sam Mendes‘s take on the material. Originally joining the franchise along with Pierce Brosnan with GoldenEye, Bond 23 will mark her seventh performance as the character. M is Bond’s commanding officer within British Intelligence. She knows he’s always the man for the job, even if she doesn’t approve of his actions.

When approached for the role, Dench probably responded, “Of course, dear child. Why the heavens wouldn’t I? I did appear in The Chronicles Of Riddick after all.” (MI6)

Ready or Not, Here Comes ‘Bond 23′

Penn Collins — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:53:47 +0000

The on-again, off-again 23rd installment of the James Bond series is officially on with Sam Mendes directing. Variety reports that MGM has announced a release date of November 9, 2012 for Daniel Craig to return as the darker, more violent Bond than we have seen from the likes of that wimp George Lazenby. Earlier this week, it was looking uncertain that MGM would make their target date, but today’s release has the studio looking towards their planned date. Production is expected to start late this year, though no filming locations have been disclosed.

This turnaround is something of a surprise, considering that producer Michael G. Wilson had expressed a number of concerns regarding “a lot of ideas floating around” with the script from Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan. Apparently, MGM found a way to put those concerns to rest, probably because they really, really need the revenue that their Bond sugar daddy can provide.

With that in mind, it’s probably no surprise that further details aren’t available, as this has every symptom of a “shoot first, ask questions later,” decision to get production rolling, then figure out those pesky script and logistical issues on the fly. Fortunately, they have two years to figure those issues out, but still, a suspect start for the next episode in the widely-loved series.

Another Case of ‘Bond 23′ Blue Balls

Col. Longshanks — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:45:39 +0000

Turns out Kate Winslet is a huge Bond tease. Not long ago, the actress told The Daily Mail that she was planning on moving her family back to England while her ex-husband, Sam Mendes, directed the next Bond film. MGM was even aiming to have the movie in theaters November 2012. Sorry you got all aroused, but this project isn’t ready to be touched.

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli told Total Film (via MI6), “Well, our timeline’s a littl up in the air what with the situation at MGM, so we have to be flexible. We just don’t know enough about the situation to comment, but we know it’s uncertain.”

Peter Morgan, Neal Purvis, and Robert Wade are all working on a script, with the hopes that someone someday might actually shoot it. Sounds like the producers don’t even know what’s being put on the page. Wilson said, “You know, often at this stage, I find myself saying, ‘Oh, we’re gonna do this and that’, then six months from now you’ll say, ‘That isn’t in the film at all – you told me it was…’ I think we’re at the stage where a lot of ideas are floating around that sound very good, but whether they make the final cut, who knows?”

Why worry about a final cut when you can’t even get bloopers in the can? So right now, don’t count on another Bond film until MGM figures out its shit. By that time, Justin Bieber will be old enough to play him. I meant that as a joke, but now I’m stuck with the haunting realization that it could happen. (ThePlaylist)

Kate Winslet Claims Her Ex Will Direct ‘Bond 23′ Next Year

Col. Longshanks — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:27:14 +0000

Just like that scene in A Christmas Story.

Kate Winslet is saying things about her ex-husband’s affairs. The British actress told The Daily Mail that she is looking to move her children back to London as Sam Mendes, her former hubby, directs the newest Bond film. Shooting could begin as early as the end of next year. How quickly we go from canceled, to November 2012 release, to convincing Mendes to direct again.

“Sam is doing the next Bond film, all being well, and we’ll all be in England if that happens. It’s such a massive commitment for him and it’s not fair for him to commute backwards and forwards to New York from London. It would be impossible. The children will be there with me.”

It’s nice that she’s being so accommodating. Fathers need their children around to lift their spirits, and vice versa. You hear that, Dad! As far as Winslet appearing in the film herself, she shouted, “No! [But] I can see us working together again — that’s the way it is.” I guess you could say there’s a BOND between them that can’t be broken. …Nailed it. (ThePlaylist)

Broke-Ass MGM Would Really Like ‘Bond 23′ In Theaters November 23, 2012

Col. Longshanks — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:12:05 +0000

_{James Bond has met his match — Super Glue.}

MGM recently filed for bankruptcy, and you know what that means. It’s time for them to make movies! Don’t ask me how the government works because I cannot enlighten you. The Hobbit is finally scheduled to begin filming in February, and now it looks like MGM’s other huge franchise, the James Bond series, is picking up steam maybe but who the hell knows for sure.

The studio aims to have the next Bond film in theaters November 2012, though a few minor problems lay in the project’s path. MGM needs a partner with the ever important financial means to fund the movie. Also, it’s not known if Daniel Craig has time in his schedule, or if currently-signed-on-director Sam Mendes wants to deal with this back and forth B.S. anymore. The only thing we know for certain is, MGM needs to get a second job cleaning office buildings at night to put food on the lion’s table. (ThePlaylist)

‘Bond 23′ Delayed Indefinitely

Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Economic hard times haven’t only hurt 85% of everyone you know, forcing them move back with their parents and job hunt to no avail for 14 straight months. No. The deflation has als taken its toll on cocksure British spies who get laid pretty much constantly and introduce themselves in needlessly redundant ways. The cash-strapped MGM has announced that development on Bond 23 has been halted indefinitely.

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have issued this statement:

Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have suspended development on ‘Bond 23′ indefinitely. We do not know when development will resume and do not have a date for the release of ‘Bond 23.’

That sucks. I hate it when a film franchise isn’t afforded the opportunity to be sequeled into oblivion to the point where the plots and villians all melt together into one homogenized, exploding blur. Stories like this really need to spread their wings, y’know? And has no one taken into consideration the feelings of the poor TBS Superstation? Now they’ll likely never get to celebrate ’23 Days of Bond’ properly. (Coming Soon)