Most thrilling about this trailer, besides the action and the women is Javier Bardem‘s hair. The man is a treasure when it comes to absense of silly wig vanity. He’s right up their with Samuel L. Jackson and those Kitty Wigs cats.

While talking with Time Out, Craig frankly addressed the fact that Quantum of Solace was doo-doo.

“On Quantum, we were fucked. We had the bare bones of a script and then there was the strike and there was nothing we could do. We couldn’t employ a writer to finish it. You swear you’ll never get involved with shit like that, and then it happens!” Craig even reveals that he ended up writing some of the scenes himself, in collaboration with director Marc Forster. “And a writer I am not…”

Take notes, Michael Bay.

“ I really think this one is better even than Casino Royale“, Craig enthuses. “[Director] Sam Mendes has lived with Bond all his life, and he grew up with Bond in the same way I did. We have exactly the same reference points, we both like the same Bond movies, and we both like the same bits in the same Bond movies we like. We sat down and we just rabbited for hours about Live And Let Die or From Russia With Love, and talked about little scenes that we knew from them. That’s how we started talking about it. That’s what we tried to instill in the script. He’s been working his arse off to tie all these things together so they make sense… in a Bond way!”

You can’t get mad at a guy for wanting to go the extra mile to ensure that his movie about a missile-defusing pussy-crusher makes sense. Make us proud, good sir. (Empire)

John August (Corpse Bride) wrote the most recent adaptation for Columbia Pictures, which is reportedly faithful to the original Garth Ennis comic. At one point, Sam Mendes was attached to direct, but he bailed for Bond. That’s what we know for sure, because the Caruso story is only a rumor. At this point, a Preacher adaptation has been “in the works” since 1998, and was at one time going to be an HBO mini-series directed by Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider). So… anybody awesome wanna direct this instead? (/Film)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

_{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)

^{Our sentiments exactly.}

Looks like MGM‘s brokeassedness will cost them a lot more than just The Hobbit. The studio’s historic James Bond series is also reportedly out this bitch. Production has halted on the upcoming Sam Mendes-directed Bond 23, and that it may not begin again. In fact, it could be years before we see Bond on the big screen again. Which means we’ll have to spend our time mercilessly blowing up our friends with proximity mines. Which gets old after the first few hundred times. From the UK Daily Mirror:

Production crew were told in April the £132million blockbuster, starring Daniel Craig, had been postponed amid “financial problems” at debt-ridden movie studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which co-funded the film.

But now it has confirmed the movie has been axed – and it could be years before the secret agent with a licence to kill is back on the big screen.

Bond has been MGM’s golden ticket for years on end. If they can’t scrape together assets to make another blockbuster, it’s unlikely they’ll weather this storm. Better keep those Daniel Craig popsicles in the freezer for now, lame housewives and weird dudes. They’re scary collector’s items now.

^{"HIGH-FIIIIIVE!!!"}

Sam Mendes and Adam Shankman may lay down their gladii and exit the battle arena, Disney has offered Oz, the Great and Powerful to director Sam Raimi. There’s no word yet whether Raimi will take the gig, and a few details may need to be worked out before he comes on-board.

Robert Downey Jr. was once attached to this project to play the titular Oz, a Kansas carnie who carves a niche for himself in the magical land, but his name hasn’t come up in recent reports. Another potential issue is Mitchell Kapner’s script. Though it’s probably due for revision, early reviews say it is pretty dumb (although it involves flying monkeys). And finally, and this will certainly be a sticking point for Raimi, where does Bruce Campbell fit into this? Can he be a snarky palace guard or can he appear Dorf-style as a rebellious Munchkin with a take-charge attitude? You know, the type that other Munchkins want to be and women want to change. These are the types of questions you need to ask studios before you sign sh*t. (Vulture)

After Steve Jobs announced the release of the iPhone 4 today, he premiered the new commercial "FaceTime" directed by Sam Mendes of American Beauty and Road to Perdition fame. The spot showcases the video conferencing capabilities of the new slimmer device. You can now help your friends decide on what outfit to wear, or watch from across the world as your baby takes her first steps. Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to sound depressing. This is advanced technology. Show me a smile!

Check out the spot at Apple HERE.

_{Spread your apps for Papa.}

Sam Mendes is transitioning from directing Academy Award winning movies such as American Beauty to directing commercials for Apple’s new iPhone. He’s currently shooting this week for commercials that will air after Steve Jobs announces the new "gimme gimme!" device on June 7th. According to Engadget, the series of commercials are being referred to internally as the Mammoth / N90:

A trusted source has confirmed to us that the ads will feature at least one spot where a mother and daughter are having a video chat conversation using the new front-facing camera that’s been spied on the face of that iPhone floating around Vietnam and Northern California.

Mendes joins the ranks of David Fincher, Ridley Scott, and Errol Morris, who have all directed commercials for Apple. I’m not saying Apple is extorting these talented helmers, but is it so hard to believe that Fincher and Scott didn’t properly dispose of a production assistant’s body in the past? Steve Jobs has eyes and ears everywhere… **Puts on tin foil hat. Smears Cheetos dust on video chat camera** (/Film)

_{"You ain’t got nothin’, Mendes."}

The glittered gloves are off and the jazz hands are flyin’! "You Think You Can Dance" judge and Hairspray director Adam Shankman wants the job of making Oz, the Great and Powerful faaaaaaaaaabulous. Sam Mendes is currently circling the project, but Shankman brought his slap and tickle fight to Twitter. He’s retweeting the tweets of his fans, who I have just dubbed "Shankmaniacs!" (exclamation point necessary), and building up a strong front. Good Charlotte singer Joel Madden is one impressionable tweeter on Team Shankman. That guy loves Chicken Nuggets, so Shankman probably has the gig on lock.

(Vulture)