Moviefone Editorial

Tag: skyfall

  • Amazon MGM Gains Creative Control of Bond Franchise

    Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2012's 'Skyfall.'
    Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2012’s ‘Skyfall.’

    Preview:

    • James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are ceding some control of the character.
    • Amazon MGM Studios will have more of a say on future plans.
    • The producers will still have some input going forward, but not what they had before.

    In his decades-long cinematic career (and before that, in the pages of author Ian Fleming’s books), James Bond has battled powerful villains, saved the world and gotten out of many a sticky situation using a combination of charm, wits, weaponry, gadgetry, or some combination of them all.

    But now it would appear that the world’s greatest secret agent –– even if he can’t seem to stop introducing himself by name to all and sundry –– has come across something even he can’t defeat: the ever-IP-hungry behemoth that is Amazon and, to some degree, the modern world, which makes his brand increasingly difficult to figure out.

    In a shocking turn of events, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the longtime stalwart step-sibling powerhouse producers behind the last couple of decades of Bond films, are relinquishing control of the franchise and handing more creative decision-making to Amazon MGM studios.

    It’s perhaps not as surprising as it might sound, though: In 2022, Amazon bought MGM for $8.5 billion, acquiring a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows alongside the rights to distribute all of the James Bond films and to develop spin-offs (such as the frankly less-than thrilling reality competition show ‘007: Road to a Million,’ which saw Bond fans answering trivia questions –– posed by Brian Cox, no less –– in search of cash prizes).

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    But a key part of that deal was that the producers kept creative control of the character, deciding on who would play the main role, hiring directors and other key choices, while stopping ideas they didn’t approve of.

    Yet it has seemed as though the pair were in something of a creative downbeat following the departure of Daniel Craig as Bond, with the character killed off in 2021’s ‘No Time to Die’ and little sign of forward movement.

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    Here’s what Broccoli previously told The Guardian on the past changes:

    “I go back to ‘GoldenEye’ when everyone was saying ‘the cold war is over, the wall is over, Bond is dead, no need for Bond, the whole world’s at peace and now there’s no villains’ –– and boy was that wrong! Daniel gave us the ability to mine the emotional life of the character… and also the world was ready for it.”

    And her comments on where they are with the next phase of the franchise from 2023:

    “I think these movies reflect the time they are in, and there’s a big, big road ahead reinventing it for the next chapter, and we haven’t even begun with that. Our focus is making the feature films. When we get going on a Bond movie it takes our full attention for three or four years so that’s our focus. We make the Bond movies for the big theatrical screen and everything about the Bond movies is for audiences to see around the world on that format, so we’ve not wanted to do television.”

    That seems likely to change going forward, as Amazon would clearly like to exploit new avenues.

    As per details of the historic new agreement, Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights. The three parties will remain co-owners of the iconic franchise but Amazon MGM will have creative control.

    Related Article: Bond Producer Barbara Broccoli Talks About the Challenges of Finding the Next 007

    Bond Shocker: The Studio and Producers Speak

    Daniel Craig as James Bond in 'Casino Royale.'
    Daniel Craig as James Bond in ‘Casino Royale.’

    Here’s Amazon MGM’s statement on the new deal from Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios:

    “Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment. We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honored to continue this treasured heritage and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

    This was Wilson’s comment:

    “With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”

    And finally, most crucially, Barbara Broccoli:

    “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.”

    Broccoli and Wilson stepping back is perhaps less of a surprise these days since she in particular has expressed frustration with the Amazon deal. And this way, the duo will have some small say in the future, but also enjoy what is surely a healthy payday.

    Bond: The Future?

    James Bond (Daniel Craig) prepares to shoot in 'No Time To Die,' a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film.
    James Bond (Daniel Craig) prepares to shoot in ‘No Time To Die,’ a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film.

    While Amazon might say as much as possible about respecting the franchise (and certainly has a powerhouse team in place to spur development), fans will naturally worry that there will be a multitude of spin-offs to dilute the idea of Bond.

    Bond, as a character, though, will always be compelling, especially as the Craig era proved you can evolve it to fit the changing times.

    Still, can ‘M:I6 Babies’ be too far off?

    (L to R) James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Dr. Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) drive through Matera, Italy in 'No Time To Die,'
    (L to R) James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Dr. Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) drive through Matera, Italy in ‘No Time To Die,’

    List of James Bond Movies:

    Buy James Bond Movies On Amazon

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  • Every Sam Mendes Movie, Ranked

    Olivia Colman and Sam Mendes on set of the film 'Empire of the Light.'
    (L to R) Olivia Colman and Sam Mendes on set of the film ‘Empire of the Light.’ Photo by Parisa Taghizadeh, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

    English filmmaker Sam Mendes won an Oscar for Best Director for his directorial debut, ‘American Beauty’ in 1999 and since then has gone on to direct a gangster movie, a World War I film, 2 James Bond Movies, and some of the most acclaimed films of the last 20 years.

    His new movie, ‘Empire of Light’ is one of his most personal films, with elements drawn from his own childhood growing up in England in the early 1980’s.

    In honor of its release, Moviefone has ranked every movie filmmaker Sam Mendes has ever directed, including his latest.

    Without further ado, let’s begin!

    9. Spectre (2015)

    A cryptic message from Bond’s (Daniel Craig) past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M (Ralph Fiennes) battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

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    8. Jarhead (2005)

    Jarhead is a film about a US Marine Anthony Swofford’s (Jake Gyllenhaal) experience in the Gulf War. After putting up with an arduous boot camp, Swofford and his unit are sent to the Persian Gulf where they are eager to fight, but are forced to stay back from the action.

    Swofford struggles with the possibility of his girlfriend cheating on him, and as his mental state deteriorates, his desire to kill increases.

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    7. Away We Go (2009)

    Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski in 'Away We Go.'
    (L to R) Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski in ‘Away We Go.’

    Verona (John Krasinski) and Burt (Maya Rudolph) have moved to Colorado to be close to Burt’s parents but, with Veronica expecting their first child, Burt’s parents decide to move to Belgium, now leaving them in a place they hate and without a support structure in place.

    They set off on a whirlwind tour of of disparate locations where they have friends or relatives, sampling not only different cities and climates but also different families. Along the way they realize that the journey is less about discovering where they want to live and more about figuring out what type of parents they want to be.

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    6. Revolutionary Road (2008)

    A young couple (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet) living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.

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    5. 1917 (2020)

    At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers (George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers.

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    4. Empire of Light (2022)

    Colin Firth and Olivia Colman in "Empire of Light.'
    (L to R) Colin Firth and Olivia Colman in “Empire of Light.’ Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

    A love story set in and around an old cinema on the South Coast of England in the 1980s. Starring Oscar-winners Olivia Colman and Colin Firth.

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    3. American Beauty (1999)

    Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), a depressed suburban father in a mid-life crisis, decides to turn his hectic life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter’s (Thora Birch) attractive friend (Mena Suvari).

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    2. Road to Perdition (2002)

    Mike Sullivan (Tom Hanks) works as a hit man for crime boss John Rooney (Paul Newman). Sullivan views Rooney as a father figure, however after his son (Tyler Hoechlin) is witness to a killing, Mike Sullivan finds himself on the run in attempt to save the life of his son and at the same time looking for revenge on those who wronged him.

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    1. Skyfall (2012)

    Daniel Craig as James Bond
    Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2012’s ‘Skyfall.’

    When Bond’s (Daniel Craig) latest assignment goes gravely wrong, agents around the world are exposed and MI6 headquarters is attacked. While M (Judi Dench) faces challenges to her authority and position from Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, it’s up to Bond, aided only by field agent Eve (Naomie Harris), to locate the mastermind behind the attack.

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  • Best Movies Celebrating Their 10th Anniversary

    Francis Ford Coppola‘s Oscar-winning classic ‘The Godfather‘ celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. That made us think, what other films are celebrating anniversaries this year?

    In this 4-part series we will take a look at the best movies celebrating their 40th, 30th, 20th, and 10th anniversaries this year.

    Finally, let’s countdown the best movies that released in 2012 and are celebrating their 10th anniversaries.

    Let’s begin!

    10. The Hunger Games (2012)

    Directed by Gary Ross, every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

    Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson). If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. The world will be watching.

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    9. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

    Directed by Drew Goddard, five college friends (Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams) spend the weekend at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods. The film also features Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford, Amy Acker, and Sigourney Weaver.

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    8. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

    Directed by Wes Anderson, and set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ tells the story of two twelve-year-olds (Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward) who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness.

    As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. The movie also stars Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman.

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    7. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

    Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the movie chronicles the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May, 2011.

    The film stars Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, James Gandolfini, Mark Duplass, John Barrowman, Édgar Ramírez, Scott Adkins, Jeremy Strong, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt and Frank Grillo.

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    6. Looper (2012)

    Directed by Rian Johnson, in the futuristic action thriller ‘Looper,’ time travel will be invented but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past where a looper, a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is waiting to mop up.

    Joe is getting rich and life is good until the day the mob decides to close the loop, sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. The movie also features Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, and Jeff Daniels.

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    5. The Avengers (2012)

    Directed by Joss Whedon, when an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins!

    The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and Tom Hiddleston as Loki.

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    4. Django Unchained (2012)

    Directed by Quentin Tarantino, with the help of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), a freed slave (Jamie Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio).

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    3. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

    Directed by David O. Russell, after spending eight months in a mental institution, a former teacher (Bradley Cooper) moves back in with his parents (Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife but soon falls in love with his dance partner (Jennifer Lawrence).

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    2. Skyfall (2012)

    Directed by Sam Mendes, when James Bond’s (Daniel Craig) latest assignment goes gravely wrong, agents around the world are exposed and MI6 headquarters is attacked.

    While M (Judi Dench) faces challenges to her authority and position from Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, it’s up to Bond, aided only by field agent Eve Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), to locate Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem), the mastermind behind the attack.

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    1. Argo (2012)

    Directed by Ben Affleck, as the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, Tony Mendez (Affleck), a CIA ‘exfiltration’ specialist concocts a risky plan that involves a Hollywood make-up artist (John Goodman), a producer (Alan Arkin), and a fake movie production to free six Americans (Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Christopher Denham, Scoot McNairy, Kerry Bishé, and Rory Cochrane) who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador (Victor Garber).

    The film also features Bryan Cranston, Kyle Chandler, Titus Welliver, Chris Messina, Bob Gunton, Richard Kind and Philip Baker Hall, and won Best Picture at the 2013 Academy Awards.

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  • 19 Times Daniel Craig Was the Best James Bond Ever

    19 Times Daniel Craig Was the Best James Bond Ever

  • Every James Bond Movie, Ranked From ‘Dr. No’ to ‘Spectre’

    Every James Bond Movie, Ranked From ‘Dr. No’ to ‘Spectre’

  • The Best James Bond Actors, Ranked

    The Best James Bond Actors, Ranked

  • ‘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.

  • Action Movies With Practical Stunts Are the Way to Go. Here Are Our Favorites

    Action Movies With Practical Stunts Are the Way to Go. Here Are Our Favorites

    Paramount Pictures

    Special effects technology has advanced to the point where there’s pretty much no idea too crazy that it can’t be brought to life on the big screen. But just because you have all that power doesn’t necessarily mean you should use it. That’s been one of the lessons of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise over the years.

    These movies prove that the best way to stand the test of time is to do things the old fashioned way and use practical effects over fancy computers.

  • ‘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.

  • Daniel Craig’s ‘Bond 25’ Paycheck Is Insane

    So much for Daniel Craig saying he’d rather “slash” his wrists than play James Bond again.

    Craig will reportedly cash a $25 million paycheck for “Bond 25,” reports Variety. It’s one of the biggest movie star paydays in Hollywood history, according to the trade magazine.

    Variety also revealed the salaries for other stars, including Dwayne Johnson, who comes in second behind Craig with a $22 million payday for the upcoming “Red Notice.” Vin Diesel scored $20 million for “The Fate of the Furious,” while Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence picked up $15 million a piece for the “Barbie” movie and “Red Sparrow,” respectively.

    Robert Downey, Jr., according to Variety, picked up $10 million for about 15 minutes of screentime in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” (It’s good to be RDJ.)

    “Bond 25” — all but confirmed to be Craig’s last as 007 — has been kept under wraps. We have no idea what the story is, other than Bond doing the usual “fighting bad guys around the world” thing.

    No official word from long-time Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson as to who will be directing Craig’s next/final mission, but all signs point to Danny Boyle (“Trainspotting”) stepping in behind the camera.
    Craig’s last outing, 2015’s “Spectre“,” was a financial hit but a creative disappointment. It fell short of the box office and critical praise of “Skyfall,” the franchise’s most successful entry. Here’s hoping that Craig goes out on a better note than the one “Spectre” left for audiences.

    “Bond 25” is set to hit theaters November 8, 2019.