Quantum of Solace --the new James Bond film 2008!

[GeraldFord]

Daniel Craig boosts Bond franchise
Actor invigorates long-running action film series
By DANNY GRAYDON
Daniel Craig in 'Casino Royale.'
 
LONDON -- The name of the production company behind the phenomenally successful James Bond franchise, EON, is an acronym that stands for "Everything Or Nothing." Suitably, the inferred notion of huge risk was never more apparent than two years ago, when the legendary brand, then recently acquired by Sony after a long association with MGM, underwent a radical transformation.
Daniel Craig was cast as the sixth incarnation of the death-proof superspy -- replacing the popular (and profitable) Pierce Brosnan -- causing an uproar from hardcore fans who balked at the prospect of a Bond who lacked the suave, handsome elegance a la Brosnan and Roger Moore (and sports blonde hair, no less). Rumors that the franchise would also make a concerted withdrawal from its signature gadget-driven fantasy (which some critics saw as having reached its apex with 2002's "Die Another Day") caused further discord among the faithful.

However, the result, "Casino Royale" -- the series' 21st film and the first proper adaptation of Ian Fleming's 1953 novel that introduced 007 -- saw the gamble pay off in magnificent style: Critics hailed the grittier-than-ever, character-driven film as one of the very best of the series, resulting in nine BAFTA nominations; Craig was feted for his dynamic performance; and, most pertinently, audiences were enthralled, giving the film a franchise-best financial haul of just under $600 million worldwide.

Moreover, "Casino Royale's" success highlighted a valuable realization for production partners Sony and EON: "What we found is that you can strip away a lot of the bells and whistles, but it still feels uniquely like a Bond film," notes Sony co-chairman Amy Pascal. "Throughout the history of the franchise, the actors, tone and style of the films have changed, but the fundamental essence of what makes Bond endures."

Notably, Craig managed to capture that essence while radically departing from his predecessors. "He is a key factor in all of this," says EON head Barbara Broccoli. "We were very excited that the response to Daniel was so strong." Consequently, adds the producer, "'Casino Royale' has set a new standard, and it's now a question of meeting those expectations for the next one and delivering a film that is emotional and dramatic as well as action-packed."

Currently in pre-production for a December start date and a targeted November 2008 release, Bond 22 will retain "Casino Royale's" trio of scriptwriters -- franchise vets Neil Purvis and Robert Wade along with Oscar winner Paul Haggis ("Crash," "Million-Dollar Baby") -- who will fashion an original script that, according to Broccoli, "will continue the path of Bond trying to find out who was behind the Le Chiffre operation. That's as much as we're going to say."

Haggis elaborates, but only slightly: "I can tell you it starts right where 'Casino' left off. Yes, Bond will be going after the organization that we hinted at." So, Bond 22 will be part of an arc, but will the hero now be the fully fledged 007, or will he still be growing into it?

"It will be the same Bond you saw in 'Casino,' " Haggis says, "a very human and flawed assassin, a man who has to navigate a morally complex and often cynical world while attempting to hold onto his deep beliefs of what is right and wrong."

Craig, speaking recently to the Chicago Sun-Times, echoes Haggis: "He also has to deal with revenge because he has lost the girl. Bond is still maybe too headstrong, and he doesn't make all of the right decisions."

As with "Casino," the absence of traditional supporting elements like gadget-master Q and Miss Moneypenny will continue: "Certainly, there may come a point where those beloved characters return, but," Broccoli says, "at the moment, they're not in 22."

If original Fleming material has run dry, the author's spirit is very much present. "You're always looking back at Fleming for inspiration," notes Broccoli's EON partner Michael G. Wilson, "all the writers do. Without getting specific, maybe there will be references to certain episodes. The approach to it is that Fleming is very much in the fabric of it."

To shepherd the new installment, Sony and EON have settled upon Marc Forster, director of such intimate dramas as "Monster's Ball," "Finding Neverland" and the upcoming "The Kite Runner." "I've always been a fan of Bond," the filmmaker says, "so this has been a childhood dream of mine. Daniel Craig is a fantastic actor, and it becomes more character-driven just because of him. That inspired me to be part of this. It's important that the action is good, because I want it to be exciting, but it's important to me to never lose that connection to Bond and the emotional arc he goes on. "

"We have always believed that great filmmakers can always work in multiple genres," Broccoli says. "(Forster) is certainly a great filmmaker and a great storyteller. ... It will not only pack a dramatic punch, but also deliver on the action."

Adds Pascal: "Marc is an incredibly sophisticated filmmaker with great visual style and a lot of energy. The pairing of Marc and Daniel is very exciting, and it was in keeping with the new direction of the franchise to bring in a fresh and original talent like Marc."

Certainly, the pervading air of confidence confirms that the relationship between Sony and the world's most famous film franchise has started out on firm footing.

"What's great about Sony is that they are truly with you through thick and thin," Broccoli observes. "They really want to be partners and are a valuable part of the whole enterprise. They have the passion for it, but will also spend the time when it's needed and do whatever needs to be done. They are very committed to the partnership. We couldn't ask for anything better."

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117971501.html?categoryid=2670&cs=1

[von]

I want to post because I support your thread, but I think we're a bit premature in having one for Bond 22. That said, I've been a lifelong Bond fan and Daniel Craig kicks ass, especially after that puff Pierce Brosnan.

[LeftToDecay]

I've never been huge fan of any of the Bond Flicks.
Still, holy shit, Daniel Craig truly nails the role. I had no idea it is even posible to play the part THAT well. He was amazing pick for Bond.

[Jessica]

Everyone always said the one real actor who would nail it would be close to how fleming himself would have been..

[freedom78]

Very excited.  After the bloated corpse of a film that was Die Another Day, Casino Royale made me love the series again, and I can't wait to see what they come up with for #22.

[GnFnR87]

sick!!

First Bond 22 Set Photo

The first photo of Daniel Craig on the set of Bond 22 has been revealed. The Casino Royale star filmed scenes for the anticipated follow-up in Siena, Italy, in a balcony window overlooking the "Madonna dell'Assunta Palio di Siena" traditional horse race. A big tourist draw, the race pits 10 neighborhoods against each other, with horses and their jockeys often tumbling during the action.

[Izzy]

I just hope success doesnt go to their head...

...i dont want From Russia with Love again

Bond acting mysterious is fine in between explosions, but PLEASE dont turn this into a film the Oscar crowd will like

[Bobarcord]

sick!!

First Bond 22 Set Photo

The first photo of Daniel Craig on the set of Bond 22 has been revealed. The Casino Royale star filmed scenes for the anticipated follow-up in Siena, Italy, in a balcony window overlooking the "Madonna dell'Assunta Palio di Siena" traditional horse race. A big tourist draw, the race pits 10 neighborhoods against each other, with horses and their jockeys often tumbling during the action.

Don't think that was actual filming he was their for the race . But thought it was just researching it.

I know they hired the stunt coordinator of the Bourne movies for this one. 

[Robman?]

sick!!

First Bond 22 Set Photo

The first photo of Daniel Craig on the set of Bond 22 has been revealed. The Casino Royale star filmed scenes for the anticipated follow-up in Siena, Italy, in a balcony window overlooking the "Madonna dell'Assunta Palio di Siena" traditional horse race. A big tourist draw, the race pits 10 neighborhoods against each other, with horses and their jockeys often tumbling during the action.

Don't think that was actual filming he was their for the race . But thought it was just researching it.

I know they hired the stunt coordinator of the Bourne movies for this one. 

that cool, as long as they dont hire the same camera operators. Thats the only thing I hate about the bourne films, the shoddy camera work during action scenes that prevent you from understanding whats going on.

[GeraldFord]

Daniel Craig has been signed on for four more films as James Bond, according to trade paper, The Hollywood Reporter. MGM chairman and CEO, Harry Sloan yesterday revealed the news at the Forbes MEET II conference.

 
Daniel Craig as James Bond
Sloan referred to franchises as ?the base of any studio?, before revealing Craig is signed up as Agent 007 right through until Bond 25. MGM also plans on making follow-ups to Fame, Death Wish and 1999?s The Thomas Crown Affair, which starred ex-007, Pierce Brosnan.

The details of Craig?s contract have not been publicly disclosed, but the success of last year?s Casino Royale prompted the studio to renegotiate his fee for his first three Bond films, making him Britain?s highest-paid actor.

Pierce Brosnan signed on for a three-picture contract, with an option for a fourth, which became his final turn in the role. However, Timothy Dalton made just two 007 movies when his three-picture deal lapsed in the early 1990s.

Daniel Craig?s second James Bond film, the yet-to-be-titled Bond 22, is due out next year. Sony are eying a 2010 release date for Bond 23.

Meanwhile, Harry Sloan predicts the potential Writers Guild strike, which could occur as early as next week, will not take place.

Keep watching the new-look CommanderBond.net for the latest news on Bond 22 and beyond.

http://commanderbond.net/article/4617

[GeraldFord]

Looks like Quantum of Solace is the name of the film!

[GeraldFord]

[ben9785]

I always supported Daniel, but he really did deliver with "Casino Royale".
All the best to him for the next one. Now that he's really settled into the role, I have great expectations for him.

[freedom78]

A tangential story I thought you might enjoy:

Swiss create Bond-like underwater car
?sQuba? concept set to make a splash at Geneva Auto Show


GENEVA - OK, so the Swiss have invented a car that runs on land and underwater. But did they REALLY have to make it a convertible?

It?s called the ?sQuba,? and conjures up memories of James Bond?s amphibious Lotus Esprit from ?The Spy Who Loved Me.? That fictional vehicle traveled on land and, when chased by bad guys in a helicopter, plunged into the water and became an airtight submarine ? complete with ?torpedoes? and ?depth charges.?

But ?Q? isn?t responsible for this one.

The concept car ? which unlike Bond?s is not armed ? was developed by Swiss designer Rinspeed Inc. and is set to make a splash at the Geneva Auto Show next month.

Company CEO Frank Rinderknecht, a self-professed Bond fan, said he has been waiting 30 years to recreate the car he saw Roger Moore use to drive off of a dock.

The sQuba can plow through the water at a depth of 30 feet and has electrical motors to turn the underwater screw.

You?ll have to break out the wetsuit, however.

The car has an open top, meaning that the two passengers are exposed to the elements.

?For safety reasons, we have built the vehicle as an open car so that the occupants can get out quickly in an emergency,? said Rinderknecht, 52.

Passengers will be able to keep breathing underwater through an integrated tank of compressed air similar to what is used in scuba diving.

The sQuba?s top speed on land is about 77 mph, but it slows down to 3 mph on the surface of the water, and 1.8 mph underwater.

Working with engineering specialists, Rinspeed removed the combustion engine from a sports car and replaced it with several electrical motors. Three are located in the rear ? er, aft ? with one providing propulsion on land and the other two driving the screw for underwater driving.

?We always want to do cars that are outrageous, which nobody has done before. So we thought, ?Let?s make a car dive,?? said Rinderknecht, whose innovative company has made transparent, flying and voice-activated cars in previous attention-grabbing displays at the Geneva Auto Show.

The company calls the sQuba the first real submersible car. Unlike military amphibious vehicles, which can only drive slowly on a lakebed, the sQuba travels like a submarine ? either on the surface or submerged.

The interior is resistant to salt water, allowing the skipper to drive into a lake or the sea.

?Many concept cars introduce important new technology,? said John Cabaniss at the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers in Washington. ?Anything to improve the efficiency of a vehicle, streamlining or reducing the weight of materials, while maintaining strength ... is put into concept cars first.?

continued

[GeraldFord]

As reported by CommanderBond.net earlier this month, the newest edition of Total Film magazine features 21 different limited edition James Bond covers as well as 36-page section on the 007 films which includes an interview with Craig regarding the newest in the series, Quantum of Solace, due out this November.

CBn Forum member ?craigbegins? has already picked up the magazine and informed us of a few new Quantum details:

According to producer Michael G. Wilson, this film will see the gunbarrel fans are most familiar with returning. ?We?ll probably go back to the traditional style,? he said.

Wilson also commented on the press favourite of Amy Winehouse as a possible singer for the film?s title song. When asked about her chances, he replied: ?She could do a wonderful job. We?ll have to wait and see if she can do it.?


Daniel Craig is James Bond in Quantum of Solace
Craig?s interview also revealed a few details: ?We?re not out to make some bold political statement,? the actor said, ?but there is something in this movie that we?re keen to put across: a twist. I don?t want to say too much about it, but yes, if you?re going to make a spy movie then you have to refer the world outside. The odd thing is, the way the spying and intelligence world is behaving right now, it?s beyond any movie plot.?

The full interview can be found in the newest edition of Total Film magazine. So go out there and pick one (or 21!) up.

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

[GeraldFord]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owwEwNIuxbo&feature=related

[mrlee]

LMAO NINA NANA. i love that womans name. she brings laughter every tea time for me.

[GeraldFord]

http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/02/59017/index.html

[GeraldFord]

Just saw Casino Royle again...great film. Really looking forward to QOS. Daniel Craig is the best bond since Mr. Moore.

[GeraldFord]

Cool interview with DC.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24465584#24464705

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&vid=fd0f5b3f-0592-4d52-b281-8ad620ad0440