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James Bond

Who?!?!?

Byrne To Be Bond Girl?
Australian actress Rose Byrne is poised to become Daniel Craig’s first ever James Bond girl.
There has been much speculation about the identity of Vespa Lynd, 007’s love interest in Casino Royale, Craig’s first movie as the world’s most famous secret agent. A number of famous females including Sienna Miller, Rachael Stirling and Natasha Henstridge have been linked with the movie, most recently Mission: Impossible III star Thandie Newton.
But a spokesperson for 26-year-old Byrne insists “it’s fairly certain” the brunette will be cast, according to Moviehole.net. Byrne has previously appeared in Troy as Brad Pitt’s love interest and Wicker Park.

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James Bond

Sweet!! She would be great!!

Theron Steps In As Bond Babe Favorite?
Charlize Theron has reportedly replaced Angelina Jolie as director Martin Campbell’s first choice for the latest Bond girl role.
The Monster star has bewitched Campbell and executives at Sony, according to website Scotsman.com, and now she’s the favorite to follow in the footsteps of Bond babes like Honor Blackman, Jane Seymour and Teri Hatcher.
If selected, the South African beauty would become the second actress to star in a Bond film following an Oscar win – Halle Berry appeared in Die Another Day after picking up a golden statue for her role in Monster’s Ball.
Jolie has reportedly been offered the role of Vesper Lynd in the new 007 adventure, Casino Royale, but suggested the character should be “toughened up.”

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James Bond

Personally, I will reserve judgement until I see the film.

Sean Connery OKs New James Bond
LONDON – Sean Connery thinks a blond Bond is just fine.
The former 007 says Daniel Craig is a “terrific choice” as the new British superspy.
Some eyebrows were raised in October when producers cast the sandy-haired, relatively unknown Craig in the next James Bond film, “Casino Royale.”
But Connery, 75, told British Broadcasting Corp. television that he approved.
“Craig’s a great choice, really interesting √≥ different,” Connery said in comments released Friday by the broadcaster. The full interview is due to air Monday.
“He’s a good actor. It’s a completely new departure,” he added.
The respect is mutual. Craig told a news conference in October that Connery was his favorite 007.
Connery was the first actor to play Bond, appearing in six films beginning with “Dr. No” in 1962 and ending in 1971 with “Diamonds Are Forever.”
Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan have also starred as the womanizing, gadget-loving spy.
Connery said he’d left the role in part “because I got really fed up with the space stuff and special effects. I just found it getting more and more influential in the movies.”
“Casino Royale” is due in theaters next November.

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James Bond

I have always thought of her as Pussy Galore!

Angelina Jolie Unhappy Over Role Offered For “Casino Royale”
007 movie producers are apparently trying to make Angelina Jolie happy, in hopes of snagging her as the next Bond girl.
According to Bang media, Casino Royale filmmakers have their sights set on the Oscar winning actress for the role of Russian agent Vesper Lynd, however the 30-year-old actress isn’t thrilled about the character.
Although Jolie recently admitted to a “lifetime ambition” of playing a 007 villain but after reading the script for the upcoming film, the Tomb Raider star feels the female character isn’t fierce enough. One insider says, “Angelina would rather play a baddie than eye candy.”

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James Bond

So what! Who was second choice?

Craig Was First Choice Bond
Daniel Craig was the producers’ first choice to replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, dispelling reports that the prestigious role had been turned down by other actors during the protracted selection process.
Producer Michael G. Wilson told Friday’s press conference in London that he spent two years searching for the new British superspy, and a host of contenders including Clive Owen, Hugh Jackman and Ewan McGregor were not offered the part in Casino Royale.
Wilson said, “(Daniel Craig) was the only one we offered the film to. There’s been some speculation that we offered it to other people but that’s not accurate.”
The 37-year-old, who will be the first blond Bond, is expected to portray a stripped down Bond in what is expected to be a darker exploration of the world of espionage. Craig added, “I want to take Bond somewhere he’s never been before.”

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James Bond

A bad choice for Bond is the number one reason, but here are two more reasons not to go and see it!

Moneypenny and Q Axed from ‘Casino Royale’
Producers of the forthcoming James Bond movie Casino Royale have axed the legendary Miss Moneypenny character.
Moneypenny, who has waved the suave super-spy off on some of his most perilous missions, been written out of the new film because she only fleetingly appears in Ian Fleming’s original novel.
Gadget-inventor Q, last played by John Cleese will also be absent from the new film – in which British actor Daniel Craig will play 007 for the first time.
The news is the biggest indication the new film will deviate substantially from the spirit of previous Bond adventures.
Co-producer Michael G. Wilson confirms, “Neither Miss Moneypenny nor Q will appear.
Neither of them are in the book. The film will update the novel but stick very closely to the storyline.”

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James Bond

To the surprise of no one (who reads this site)!

English actor Craig named as first blond Bond
LONDON (Reuters) – His name is Craig, Daniel Craig.
The English actor was named as the next James Bond on Friday, ending months of speculation over who would take over from Pierce Brosnan on Her Majesty’s secret service.
In typically flamboyant 007 style, the 37-year-old swept up the River Thames on a power launch to a news conference, escorted by Royal Marines boats.
The first blond Bond, wearing a blue suit and red tie, posed for photos in the shadow of Tower Bridge and told reporters: “I’m kind of speechless at the moment.”
The casting of one of cinema’s most iconic characters closes the successful four-film run of Irishman Brosnan, who was shaken and stirred not to be retained to make “Casino Royale,” the 21st Bond film, that starts shooting in January.
The 52-year-old described the decision by the Bond franchise makers to drop him as a “body blow.”
“I was looking forward to making it edgier and grittier, and for all of that to go down in one phone call was highly disappointing,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Craig was the hot favorite in the runup to Friday’s announcement, and his appointment was all but confirmed when his mother let the secret slip to a regional newspaper on Friday.
While little known in the United States, Craig will be more familiar to British audiences after appearing in the gangster caper “Layer Cake.”
He also played alongside Paul Newman in “Road to Perdition” and was poet Ted Hughes opposite Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sylvia Plath in “Sylvia.” But it is the Bond role that could catapult him into superstardom.
Other actors rumored to have been approached to play 007 include Britons Clive Owen and Jude Law, Australia’s Hugh Jackman and Croatia’s Goran Visnjic.
SIXTH BOND
Only five actors have played Bond since the first film, “Dr. No,” more than 40 years ago. Brosnan, Sean Connery and Roger Moore were well-loved mainstays as the secret agent, while George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton were less successful.
For the filmmakers, there is more at stake than how to prepare Bond’s Martini.
Not only is the character a national institution in Britain, but he is also one of history’s most profitable film franchises.
The 20 official Bond films have netted nearly $4 billion in global ticket sales, of which Brosnan’s four films grossed around $1.5 billion, industry figures show.
Media have reported that Sony Pictures Entertainment, the Hollywood backers of the new Bond film “Casino Royale” along with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc, were keen to keep Brosnan, mindful of his box office clout.
But Web sites devoted to all things Bond say producer Barbara Broccoli wanted fresh blood, with the plot of Casino returning to the start of the spy’s career and therefore requiring a younger actor.
New Zealand-born director Martin Campbell will helm Casino, as he did “GoldenEye” in 1995.
Brosnan first played Bond in “GoldenEye” and last appeared in “Die Another Day” in 2002.

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James Bond

7897 – Friday, baby! On Friday this will all be over!!!

“Casino Royale” backers set date to name new Bond
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – James Bond, 007, is back. Or, at least he will be on Friday.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, the Hollywood studio backing new Bond film “Casino Royale,”said on Wednesday that the actor who will portray the suave secret agent with a license to kill would be named at a news conference in London on October 14.
No further details were disclosed, and the mystery remains over who will star in the film franchise that has grossed nearly $4 billion at global box offices since the first Bond flick, “Dr. No,” hit the silver screen in 1962.
Reports in London have identified English actor Daniel Craig, who recently starred in the gangster film, “Layer Cake,” as the new Bond, but that could not be confirmed.
The new actor will succeed Pierce Brosnan, who first donned Bond’s tuxedo for 1995’s “Goldeneye” and ended his run with 2002’s “Die Another Day.”
Four others have portrayed Bond. Sean Connery and Roger Moore had successful outings as the secret agent while George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton bombed in the role.
“Casino Royale” is scheduled to begin production in January and is expected to be in movie theaters in the fall of 2006.

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James Bond

This is no surprise!!! He has been the favourite all along!

Bond favorite emerges, but 007 mystery persists
LOS ANGELES/LONDON (Reuters) – The makers of the next James Bond movie are doing their best to keep the identity of the man who will play 007 a secret but a new favorite emerged on Tuesday: English actor Daniel Craig.
Just days ahead of an expected official announcement, Craig was named as the first “blond Bond” in a report in the Daily Mail. The paper said Craig even underwent a screen test wearing a tuxedo and passed with flying colors.
British bookmaker William Hill closed wagers on Bond after bettors rushed to back Craig thanks in part to the report.
Hill had taken bets on no less than 39 pretenders for the part, several “winners” have been named in recent months and media and Bond Web sites have been awash with gossip.
At U.S.-based online movie ticket seller Fandango.com, fans gave Craig only a one percent shot at being 007. Englishman Jason Statham, star of “Transporter 2,” topped the Fandangolist with a 33 percent chance.
Dozens of others have been mentioned as possible successors to current Bond Pierce Brosnan, including Britons Clive Owen and Jude Law, Australia’s Hugh Jackman and Croatia’s Goran Visnjic.
With shooting of the 21st Bond film, “Casino Royale,” due to begin in January, speculation has only intensified. A delay in announcing the casting has been portrayed as a crisis that could cause costly production delays.
Craig’s agent in London declined to comment, and a spokesman for Sony Pictures Entertainment, which will release the film, said the company did not comment on rumors.
“The decision hasn’t been made yet. They are casting and that takes however long it takes,” was the reply from an EON spokeswoman clearly tiring of fielding the same question.
Only five actors have donned 007’s tuxedo since the first film, “Dr. No,” more than 40 years ago, when Scotsman Sean Connery played the suave secret agent with a license to kill. For the filmmakers there is more at stake than how to prepare Bond’s martini (shaken, not stirred).
THE BOND BRAND
Not only is Bond a national institution in Britain, but he is also one of history’s most profitable film franchises. It has netted nearly $4 billion in ticket sales of which Brosnan’s four films grossed $1.5 billion, industry figures show.
Hollywood producers and directors familiar with casting an iconic action hero like Bond say a relative unknown was most likely to take over.
Avi Arad, who runs Marvel Studios with its “Spider-Man” and “X-Men” movies, said the main criterion for his heroes was simply an ability to act, and that big stars were unnecessary for such a strong brand name as Marvel.
The same could be said of Bond or Batman.
“It’s such an iconic franchise and such a huge part of American culture,” John Papsidera, casting director for “Batman Begins,” said of the caped crusader.
“Inherently, (the filmmakers) felt the audience would be there as long as we didn’t screw it up.”
In the end, Christian Bale, who honed his acting skills in independent films like “The Machinist” and “American Psycho,” was chosen and proved a critical and commercial hit as Batman.
Brosnan has said he would be willing to play Bond for a fifth time, and experts believe that Sony, mindful of the Irishman’s box office clout, would welcome him back.
But Web sites devoted to all things Bond say producer Barbara Broccoli wants fresh blood, with Casino Royale returning to the start of the spy’s career on Her Majesty’s secret service.
James Page, director of Bond Web site (www.mi6.co.uk), agreed Brosnan was likely to be replaced with a lesser known actor. “They did this with Sean Connery originally. Roger Moore was the only (Bond) actor who came in with any stature in the film industry,” he said.

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James Bond

I say let the kid who played Napoleon Dynamite play him!!

007 secret safe so far as James Bond casting looms
LOS ANGELES/LONDON (Reuters) – Aptly enough for the world’s most famous spy, the decision on who replaces Pierce Brosnan as the next James Bond remains a mystery just weeks, possibly days, ahead of an official announcement.
Shooting of the 21st Bond film, “Casino Royale,” is due to begin in January, and British media and countless Bond fan sites have for months been reporting leaks, rumors and gossip about who will be next to don the “007” tuxedo.
Some media portray the delay in casting as a crisis that could cause costly production delays.
Only five actors have played Bond since Sean Connery took on Dr. No over 40 years ago. Dozens of actors have been linked with the role in recent months, including Englishmen Clive Owen and Jude Law, Australia’s Hugh Jackman and Croatia’s Goran Visnjic.
Daniel Craig is a favorite as the finishing post nears.
For the filmmakers there is more at stake than how to prepare a martini (shaken, not stirred).
Not only is Bond a national institution in Britain, but one of history’s most profitable film franchises. It has netted nearly $4 billion in ticket sales of which Brosnan’s four films grossed $1.5 billion, industry figures show.
The next film’s Hollywood backers, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and EON Productions, which is making “Casino Royale” next year, have remained silent on who will take over as the super-spy.
“The decision hasn’t been made yet. They are casting and that takes however long it takes,” was the reply from an EON spokeswoman clearly tiring of fielding the same question.
Producers and directors familiar with casting an iconic action hero like Bond say a relative unknown is most likely.
Avi Arad, who runs Marvel Studios with its “Spider-Man” and “X-Men” movies, said the main criterion for his heroes was simply an ability to act, and that big stars were unnecessary for such a strong brand name as Marvel.
BRAND, NOT THE MAN
The same could be said of Bond or Batman.
“It’s such an iconic franchise and such a huge part of American culture,” John Papsidera, casting director for “Batman Begins,” said of the caped crusader.
“Inherently, (the filmmakers) felt the audience would be there as long as we didn’t screw it up.”
In the end, Christian Bale, who honed his acting skills in independent films like “The Machinist” and “American Psycho,” was chosen and proved a critical and commercial hit as Batman.
Brosnan has said he would be willing to play Bond for a fifth time, and experts believe that Sony, mindful of the Irishman’s box office clout, would welcome him back.
But websites devoted to all things Bond say producer Barbara Broccoli wants fresh blood, with “Casino Royale” returning to the start of the spy’s career on Her Majesty’s secret service.
James Page, director of Bond website (www.mi6.co.uk), agreed Brosnan was likely to be replaced with a lesser known actor.
“If it’s not Daniel Craig, it will be someone the public doesn’t know,” he said. “They did this with Sean Connery originally. Roger Moore was the only (Bond) actor who came in with any stature in the film industry.”
When asked who his choice would be, Arad named Australia’s Julian McMahon, who played the villain in the Marvel movie “Fantastic Four.”
Of course, the decision is not only that of filmmakers.
According to trade magazines, Owen is one of several actors approached for the role who turned it down. Bale told Reuters in May he agonized over whether to accept the Batman role, knowing it would mean losing his cherished anonymity.