Moviefone Editorial

Tag: bond-25

  • New ‘Bond 25’ Director Cary Fukunaga Is Still in ‘Shock’

    New ‘Bond 25’ Director Cary Fukunaga Is Still in ‘Shock’

    Netflix

    Film fans are still buzzing over today’s exciting announcement that director Cary Fukunaga will be taking over the reins of the James Bond franchise, and now, the filmmaker himself has given his first public comments about his sweet new gig.

    In an interview with IndieWire, Fukunaga still seemed to be struggling to process the news. Though his remarks were brief, the new “Bond 25” director made it clear that this was a longtime goal that had been fulfilled — and now, he needs to get to work.

    “I’ve wanted to do one of these [Bond films] for a long time, so that’s not new,” Fukunaga told IndieWire. “So right now it’s just kind of dealing with the shock that it’s real and the honor obviously and now the responsibility.”

    Though Fukanaga has been working steadily for many years, and has directed a number of high-profile, well-received film and television projects (the celebrated first season of HBO’s “True Detective,”  2011’s adaptation of “Jane Eyre,” 2015’s Idris Elba-starring war drama “Beasts of No Nation,” upcoming Netflix series “Maniac”), he’s still a bit of a left-field choice for the straight-laced Bond franchise. His name wasn’t among the rumored contenders after initial director Danny Boyle abruptly bowed out of the job (reportedly over disagreements with the studio), and he’s been known to clash with execs over creative control, too (see his own shocking exit from the “It” film).

    But the wildly inventive filmmaker is exactly the type of talent that the 007 franchise desperately needs. And with star Daniel Craig on his way out the door, the series is due for a martini-style shake-up anyway. We say, bring it on.

    The as-yet-untitled 25th outing of the James Bond franchise is set to hit theaters on February 14, 2020.

    [via: IndieWire]

  • ‘Bond 25’ Lands Cary Fukunaga as New Director, Sets New Release Date

    ‘Bond 25’ Lands Cary Fukunaga as New Director, Sets New Release Date

    Daniel Craig, Casino Royale, James Bond
    Sony Pictures Entertainment

    No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to THRIVE.

    “Bond 25” fell into a bucket of crap, but it’s coming out smelling like a rose. Daniel Craig‘s (rumored) final round as James Bond lost director Danny Boyle, but it just gained Cary Fukunaga.

    Cary Fukunaga!

    He directed the 2011 “Jane Eyre,” the entire first season of HBO’s “True Detective,” the drama “Beasts of No Nation,” and the new Netflix series “Maniac,” which premieres September 21.

    He’s not the most obvious choice to direct a Bond movie. (Then again, you could argue the same of Danny Boyle, and Sam Mendes.) But that’s what the Bond franchise needs right now, especially in a world where “Mission: Impossible” is showing it can stay fresh, John Wick is coming back with his own badass skills, and everyone is competing with multiple Marvel movies a year.

    Plus, with Daniel Craig obviously being tired and conflicted about being there, it’s good to have some fresh-eyed vision.

    That said, Fukunaga is going to need time to right the ship. Production has been pushed back to March 2019 for a new worldwide release date of February 14, 2020. (It was previously scheduled for October 25, 2019.) There was talk that Danny Boyle clashed with production on the script, so we’ll have to see how that turns out with Fukunaga at the helm.

    Announcements:

     

    https://twitter.com/PhilNobileJr/status/1042715436108996610

     

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  • ‘Bond 25’ Replacement Director Shortlist Includes Former Frontrunner and a Woman: Report

    ‘Bond 25’ Replacement Director Shortlist Includes Former Frontrunner and a Woman: Report

    Sony Pictures Entertainment

    “Bond 25,” the as-yet-untitled next outing in the venerable James Bond franchise, is set for a major overhaul after director Danny Boyle abruptly left the project last month. As producers scramble to search for a replacement, several frontrunners have apparently emerged.

    According to a report from Variety, there are currently three names in the mix for the coveted gig: Yann Demange, Bart Layton, and S.J. Clarkson. And from the sound of it, Demange and Clarkson are at the front of the pack.

    Demange’s name should already be familiar to Bond fans, since he was also among the frontrunners vying to direct “Bond 25” back when the flick was searching for a helmer the first time around. While things didn’t work out then, it looks like he may have another good shot, especially after Variety reports that he impressed longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson at their initial meeting earlier this year. They’ll now schedule a screening of his upcoming film “White Boy Rick” to assess his storytelling skills, according to the trade.

    As for the new names in the mix, Layton certainly has the experience in the heist film world, having helmed this year’s well-received crime drama “American Animals.” And Clarkson has the action angle covered, securing the director’s chair for the upcoming “Star Trek 4,” which will mark not only her feature directorial debut, but also the first time a female filmmaker has helmed a “Star Trek” movie.

    That latter achievement may give Clarkson the edge here, since if she lands the “Bond 25” job, she will also be the first woman to direct a Bond flick, too. The British director has already helmed a bunch of beloved TV projects, including “Orange Is the New Black,” “Jessica Jones,” “Ugly Betty,” “House,” and “Dexter.” It would be exciting to see her bring her unique point of view to a franchise that’s in desperate need of some new blood.

    Boyle was to have been that shot in the arm, but he backed out shortly before filming was to begin, using that old excuse of “creative differences.” Apparently he and screenwriting partner John Hodge butted heads with studio MGM over the script, which Boyle had insisted remain untouched. It seemed that everything was going smoothly — Variety reports that casting was just about to begin for a new Bond girl and villain — when the director decided to walk.

    Now, it’s unclear if the film will meet its scheduled November 2019 release date. At this point, it’s not looking great, but if one of these three candidates can claim the job in the coming weeks, it’s possible that the flick could still roll out as planned.

    Stay tuned to see how this one shakes out.

    [via: Variety]

  • Daniel Craig to Star in Rian Johnson’s Murder Mystery ‘Knives Out’

    Daniel Craig to Star in Rian Johnson’s Murder Mystery ‘Knives Out’

    Spectre
    MGM

    James Bond is taking a detour into a murder mystery.

    Daniel Craig is set to star in “Knives Out,” a murder mystery written and directed by Rian Johnson. Deadline reports the project will  go up for bidding at the Toronto International Film Festival.

    Craig can fit the project into his schedule this November, since production on “Bond 25” was thrown into chaos when director Danny Boyle left. Meanwhile, Johnson will slide the movie into his schedule just before embarking on directing a new “Star Wars” trilogy for Lucasfilm.

    The film id described as a modern day murder mystery in the classic whodunit style, infused with Johnson’s original voice that informed films from “Brick” to “Looper.”

    Johnson told Deadline he is an Agatha Christie superfan and for a decade, he has been figuring out how to make his own murder mystery. And then this summer, he penned a contemporary version of the locked door mansion murder mystery.

    Craig and Johnson haven’t worked together, though the actor did make a cameo in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

  • ‘Bond 25’ Won’t Make 2019 Release Date After Losing Director: Report

    ‘Bond 25’ Won’t Make 2019 Release Date After Losing Director: Report

    Bond GIF
    Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,

    In a win for “Wonder Woman 1984,” “Bond 25” will almost certainly move off the late October/early November 2019 release schedule.

    Director Danny Boyle left the upcoming “Bond” movie earlier this week from “creative differences,” just a few months before it was supposed to start filming. The movie already has a U.S. release date of November 8, 2019. That’s one week after the “Wonder Woman” sequel’s current release date of November 1, 2019. (The U.K. has a Bond release date of October 25, 2019.)

    But now “Bond 25” is expected to miss its current release dates, sources told The Hollywood Reporter. They said it’s possible “Bond 25” may not open until late 2020. Even before Boyle left, THR added, there was talk of pushing the movie to early 2020. No recent Bond film has opened in the summer, so apparently that’s why the expectation is now “late 2020.”

    MGM has yet to confirm that “Bond 25” will miss its current release dates. They may not confirm anything else on this subject until a new director is hired — which may come with a revised script, and a domino of other changes.

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  • Who Will Replace ‘Bond 25’ Director Danny Boyle?

    Who Will Replace ‘Bond 25’ Director Danny Boyle?

    Sony

    The movie world was both shaken and stirred by the news that director Danny Boyle had abruptly left “Bond 25” over the age-old issue of “creative differences.” Now, producers must start their director search all over again, though there are already a few candidates at the front of the pack.

    Several directors who could potentially be in the mix were previously frontrunners for the job back before Boyle snagged the gig. They include Denis Villenueve (“Blade Runner 2049“), David Mackenzie (“Hell or High Water“), and Yann Demange (“’71“).

    Unfortunately, two of them are tied up with other projects at the moment. Villenueve is prepping his “Dune” remake, starring Timothee Chalamet, while Demange is directing “Lovecraft County,” Jordan Peele‘s new HBO series. Mackenzie seems to have some room in his schedule, however, now that he’s wrapped the Netflix epic “Outlaw King.”

    One interesting option is Christopher McQuarrie, the director of recent hit “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” According to Variety’s Justin Kroll, McQuarrie’s name is already in the equation, though that’s just a rumor at this point.

    As for names that are being floated apropos of nothing (hey, that’s what the internet is for, right? Let the wild speculation commence!), Christopher Nolan seems to be a popular choice to take over Boyle’s chair. And critic Mark Harris suggested that a woman be given the keys to the franchise, with commenters chiming in to declare Kathryn Bigelow and Michelle MacLaren natural candidates.

    Whoever takes over will likely be working with an existing script from longtime Bond screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (“Casino Royale,” “Quantum Of Solace,” “Skyfall,” “Spectre“). Though if any of the above candidates boards the project, expect them to add their own stamp to the screenplay.

    “Bond 25” is currently slated to hit theaters on November 8, 2019. Stay tuned to see if/when that changes.

    [via: Deadline, Collider, Justin Kroll/Twitter, Twitter Moments]

  • ‘Bond 25’ Loses Director Danny Boyle

    ‘Bond 25’ Loses Director Danny Boyle

    Sony

    James Bond will return, just not with director Danny Boyle.

    The official James Bond Twitter announced Tuesday that Danny Boyle has parted ways from Daniel Craig‘s next 007 movie, the currently untitled “Bond 25.” Why? See below:

    Ah, that ol’ chestnut of creative differences.

    Back in March 2018, Boyle revealed his intention to direct the follow-up to “Spectre” later this year — a commitment contingent on whether or not long-time Bond producers Broccoli and Wilson approved of the script written by John Hodge, the screenwriter behind (amongst others) Boyle’s “Trainspotting,” “Shallow Grave,” and “The Beach” (Boyle and Hodge developed the initial story idea together.)

    THR says that the script for the film will be the one written by Bond veterans Neil Purvis and Robert Wade, who have been with the franchise since Pierce Brosnan‘s 1999 film, “The World Is Not Enough.” They have also scripted/co-written all of Craig’s outings.

    Purvis and Wade’s script was written prior to Boyle and Hodges coming on board. It was put on a shelf, according to Deadline, as Boyle and Hodges wrote theirs. The intent there being that should Hodges script be delivered and not approved by the producers, they would go with Purvis and Wade’s draft and find a new director. (Variety reporter Justin Kroll is already floating a rumor that the producers have already turned to “Mission: Impossible — Fallout” writer/director Christopher McQuarrie.)

    Production was set to begin on the film December 2018.

    “Bond 25” — which is expected to be Craig’s last mission as the super spy — is slated to hit theaters Nov. 8, 2019. No word yet if this latest set back will force the release date to change.

    Universal will distribute the film internationally, while MGM and Eon Productions will handle domestic.

  • Pierce Brosnan Wants Tom Hardy as the Next James Bond (for His ‘Wiggle’?)

    Hardy. Tom Hardy. What do you think of him as the next 007?

    Pierce Brosnan told The Daily Mail’s Event Magazine that he himself was “never good enough” as James Bond, with the exception of “GoldenEye.” He talked about the tearful call he got from Barbara Broccoli after doing “Die Another Day,” when she told him he was done. He said it took him years to get over it.

    But he is over it. Now he’s talking about his role in the upcoming “Mamma Mia!” sequel, and the future of James Bond.

    The Daily Mail asked Brosnan whom he believes will inherit the role after Daniel Craig, and — in their words — “even whether such a misogynistic hero can exist in post-#MeToo Hollywood.”

    Here’s Brosnan’s answer:

    “Bond is Bond and you can’t change that. I think a woman could play Bond but it wouldn’t be James Bond. Daniel Craig has been an incredible Bond. He’s very physical, he looks lethal. You genuinely believe this is someone who could kill a man. He’s complained about doing the part because he’s put himself through a lot physically, but he will do the next movie, and then I think Tom Hardy could be a good Bond. I’d be happy to see him do it. You need an actor who can put a bit of wiggle into it – that’s what makes Bond.”

    By “wiggle” he probably meant a twist, or Hardy’s own unique unpredictable take. But we’re choosing to believe he literally meant Tom Hardy’s wiggle because that mental image is delightful.

    Tom Hardy has had a very eclectic career thus far, but he’s shown that he’s not averse to major franchises — from Bane in “Batman: The Dark Knight Rises” to his upcoming turn in the Spider-Man spinoff “Venom.”

    This isn’t the first time Hardy’s name has come up for 007. In 2015, he was asked if he’d consider the role; here’s what he told Sky News:

    “I think anybody would consider doing Bond, wouldn’t they?”

    Daniel Craig still has the job for “Bond 25,” but Pierce Brosnan’s endorsement certainly can’t hurt Tom Hardy when it comes to Bond 26.

    Pierce Brosnan’s “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” opens in theaters July 20th. Tom Hardy’s “Venom” opens October 5th. Daniel Craig’s “Bond 25” opens November 8, 2019.

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  • ‘Bond 25’ Reportedly Wants Helena Bonham Carter for Villain, and We’re Shaken

    Bond, meet Bellatrix?

    Helena Bonham Carter — next to be seen in “Ocean’s 8” this week, and then as Princess Margaret in “The Crown” Season 3 — is reportedly the top choice to play the next Bond villain in what we’re all calling “Bond 25” until told otherwise.

    That said, the rumor comes via the U.K. tabloid The Mirror. So as much as we’re shaken-not-stirred by the idea, it’s nowhere near official.

    And yet it’s not exactly shocking to think “Bond 25” would want HBC. She’s magic — and not just in “Harry Potter” movies.

    This Mirror report said she’s No. 1 on producers’ wish list, and an insider even name-dropped her competition:

    “Everyone thinks Angelina Jolie is going to get the part but bosses want Helena more. At the moment they are just finalising the cast.”

    Angelina Jolie vs. HBC — which would you pick? Both are amazing, and Angelina already worked with Daniel Craig in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” … but we’d give the edge to HBC.

    Director Danny Boyle and company may end up throwing fans a curve ball, but for now it looks like we have our villain frontrunners. There’s still a decent amount of time to decide, with production set to start in December.

    Daniel Craig is said to be making serious bucks for his fifth James Bond movie, which is scheduled for release in theaters on November 8, 2019.

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  • ‘Bond 25’ Director, Shooting Date Confirmed

    James Bond has found a new home, and a new director.

    “Bond 25” has finally confirmed Danny Boyle for director, with Universal Pictures set to distribute the 2019 release internationally, reports Deadline. The film starts shooting December 3, 2018.

    MGM, through its distribution deal with Annapurna, will handle domestic distribution for the hotly-anticipated sequel. Daniel Craig’s next Bond film — rumored to be his last — will be the first 007 adventure since “Die Another Day” 16 years ago to kick off with the MGM logo. (Craig’s four previous Bond adventures were released by Sony.)

    Boyle was one of several directors in the running in recent months, and he has been the obvious frontrunner leading up to tonight’s confirmation. So how did he get the job?

    “MGM and Danjaq weighed several directors,” according to Deadline, “but then Boyle had his great idea and said he would direct, only if his concept was the one they went with.” He had his “Trainspotting” partner, John Hodge, write a script that seems to have pleased everybody.

    Several studios (minus Disney) have been chasing down the rights to distribute the next entry in the lucrative franchise since Sony’s deal expired with 2015’s “Spectre.” Paramount, Warner Bros., and even Sony were jockeying for the gig, but Universal ultimately won out.

    As Deadline reports: “While the distribution fee is expected to be on the modest side, landing the James Bond franchise is an enormous ‘get’ for Universal and [parent company] Comcast. It is among the biggest global franchises and comes at a time when those are more prized than ever, and when scale is everything. It is also important because international is where 007 traditionally earns most of its grosses.”

    Long-standing Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a statement: “We are delighted to announce that the exceptionally talented Danny Boyle will be directing Daniel Craig in his fifth outing as James Bond, in the 25th installment of the franchise. We will begin shooting ‘Bond 25’ at Pinewood Studios in December, with our partners at MGM, and [are] thrilled that Universal will be our international distributor.”

    Story details are (pun so intended) for your eyes only, but fans will see for themselves when the untitled Bond movie hits U.S. theaters November 8, 2019.