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Reintroducing Moneypenny


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#1 Vanya86

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 07:58 PM

This is a product of the discussions on this board (special nod to JCH for inspiration) and 2 long bus rides. With the expanded role of M I thought it could be interesting to give Moneypenny a little more to do as well. I would give her a background that makes her quite computer savvy, maybe she was at GCHQ before being promoted to secretary to the head of the secret service. Anyway, this is what I came up with.

First scene after title sequence, Bond is summoned to M's office. On the way in he meets Miss Moneypenny for the first time, pleasantries are exchanged and then onto the meeting. M warns Bond about the dangers about pursuing Haines(please don't get too hung up on this detail, just an example) as he's too well connected and already suspicious after the death of his bodyguard, and advises him to follow other leads. Bond leaves disgruntled.
On his way out he starts talking with Moneypenny again. The start getting friendly and Bond invites to accompany him to a formal event, and she accepts enthusiastically. The event turns out to be a party hosted by Guy Haines in his country house. Once inside Bond coerces Moneypenny into breaking into Haines's computer to try and fine evidence linking him to Quantum. Once this is done Bond ditches her (safely at home) in order to pursue a lead they found, thus establishing the basis for the new relationship.

I really don't want this to turn into a casting thread (as there's already plenty of those), but I do have one name I would like to put forward: Emilia Fox
I first noticed her in Coupling, and I think she showed the intelligence and class needed for the role as well as being good with the more light heated, flirtatious side. Her work has mostly been British TV with a few drama films here and there, so she's not someone who would be too big for the role. She's also about the same age as Lois Maxwell when she took on the role, and for a position of responsibility like that I would be wary of going younger.

So, does this sound like a good way to bring back an old favourite?

#2 Agent J.Bond

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 08:12 PM

This is a product of the discussions on this board (special nod to JCH for inspiration) and 2 long bus rides. With the expanded role of M I thought it could be interesting to give Moneypenny a little more to do as well. I would give her a background that makes her quite computer savvy, maybe she was at GCHQ before being promoted to secretary to the head of the secret service. Anyway, this is what I came up with.

First scene after title sequence, Bond is summoned to M's office. On the way in he meets Miss Moneypenny for the first time, pleasantries are exchanged and then onto the meeting. M warns Bond about the dangers about pursuing Haines(please don't get too hung up on this detail, just an example) as he's too well connected and already suspicious after the death of his bodyguard, and advises him to follow other leads. Bond leaves disgruntled.
On his way out he starts talking with Moneypenny again. The start getting friendly and Bond invites to accompany him to a formal event, and she accepts enthusiastically. The event turns out to be a party hosted by Guy Haines in his country house. Once inside Bond coerces Moneypenny into breaking into Haines's computer to try and fine evidence linking him to Quantum. Once this is done Bond ditches her (safely at home) in order to pursue a lead they found, thus establishing the basis for the new relationship.

I really don't want this to turn into a casting thread (as there's already plenty of those), but I do have one name I would like to put forward: Emilia Fox
I first noticed her in Coupling, and I think she showed the intelligence and class needed for the role as well as being good with the more light heated, flirtatious side. Her work has mostly been British TV with a few drama films here and there, so she's not someone who would be too big for the role. She's also about the same age as Lois Maxwell when she took on the role, and for a position of responsibility like that I would be wary of going younger.

So, does this sound like a good way to bring back an old favourite?


Actually, that does sound like a good idea. However, I wouldn't go with Emilia Fox, her wooden acting disturbs me a little.

#3 DamnCoffee

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 08:14 PM

Interesting Idea.

I just had a thought the other night about Moneypenny's introduction, my idea was closer to The Spy Who Loved Me novel. With the kidnapped woman being Moneypenny.

#4 Pierce - Daniel

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 08:14 PM

I don't like your plotting in the film at all. Think about, M, the head of mi6, would never be allowed to order an agent to look into Guy Haines, as far as the Brisith Gov. is concerned Quantum dosen't exist, Haines is 100% clean. If M and Bond go after Haines there both putting their jobs on the line. Hense why that plot point would make for a far more interesting Bond 23, I do argre that the Haines subplot needs smoothing out after QOS.

Anyway...........as for having Moneypenny as more then just the receptionist at the desk in mi6 and she coming along for at least the first part of Bond's mission, like an 'Agent Fields Party Scene' then I'm rather up for that.
Just to develop the character more and like the DC films should do, go against the grain.

As for casting.....unknown please.

#5 Harmsway

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 08:20 PM

I don't think they should make a big deal out of Moneypenny at all. They should treat her in approximately the same way they treated Tanner. She's there, but with little or no fanfare.

#6 00Twelve

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 08:22 PM

I don't think they should make a big deal out of Moneypenny at all. They should treat her in approximately the same way they treated Tanner. She's there, but with little or no fanfare.

Word.

The "desirable" Miss Moneypenny. Nothing more.

#7 Judo chop

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 08:26 PM

I, too, like the minimalist approach. A simple introduction to the new office aid would suffice.

#8 jimbo bond 007

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 08:40 PM

I would go for the simple approach as well.

My thought would be perhaps just to have her name mentioned and not even see her. M presses the office intercom and asks Moneypenny to come in and then we cut away. Something like that perhaps?

I would consider something similar for Q as well. I have always wanted to see Bond in a firing range, not a crap hologram one like in DAD, but a real one. Bond could fire off a few rounds and then pass the gun back to an as yet unidentified man and just simply say 'thanks Q, same time next week?'

OK, the dialogue is not great, but I like the idea of them being underplayed intros.

#9 Vanya86

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 08:49 PM

I don't like your plotting in the film at all. Think about, M, the head of mi6, would never be allowed to order an agent to look into Guy Haines, as far as the Brisith Gov. is concerned Quantum dosen't exist, Haines is 100% clean. If M and Bond go after Haines there both putting their jobs on the line. Hense why that plot point would make for a far more interesting Bond 23, I do argre that the Haines subplot needs smoothing out after QOS.

That was sort of my point. M tells Bond to back off Haines and in response Bond pursues him off the books and after hours. Hence having a 'date' to do the computer stuff rather than bringing along a field operative trained in that area. But as I said Haines was just an example, could work for any UK based villain, I only went with Haines because its a built in plot device.
Also we now have Bond not only disobeying orders, but misappropriating M's secretary.

Edited by Vanya86, 05 December 2008 - 09:32 PM.


#10 Eurospy

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 09:22 PM

I'd also for a minimalist approach to Moneypenny in Bond 23 (with Gina Bellamn as casting suggestion).

With Q, I'd like a simple and brief scene reminiscent of FRWL.

#11 Pierce - Daniel

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Posted 05 December 2008 - 09:37 PM

No Q because of QUANTUM, instead Major Boothroyd. But...I'd really love to see Dan at some point to visit Q's lab. Even Dan said he was looking forward to it.

As for Miss Moneypenny....I hope they make the relationship more like Sean and Lois apposed to any of the other actors's relationship with thiers. There was just somethign about those two on the screen, but I guess Sean was the easiest Bond to fall in love with a bit.

As for her casting...

Keeley Hawes
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Edited by Pierce - Daniel, 05 December 2008 - 10:06 PM.


#12 Buckeyes1186

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Posted 08 December 2008 - 07:09 PM

I like your idea, Vanya. Sounds eerily similar to Chloe O'Brian on 24, though.

Generally speaking, I'd just like to see a thoughtful reintroduction of the character. Her role doesn't have to be super-essential to the plot, but I don't want it to feel shoehorned in just for the sake of it. Basically, treat her like they treated M in Quantum of Solace--beef up the role without making her clog up the plot.

I'm a huge Pushing Daisies fan, so my choice is Anna Friel:

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She's gorgeous in a girl-next-door type of way, a great actress, and the perfect age for the character.

Edited by Buckeyes1186, 08 December 2008 - 07:16 PM.


#13 SolidWaffle

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Posted 08 December 2008 - 09:06 PM

I love Pushing Daisies too, brilliant show, but I can't see her as Moneypenny.

#14 Pierce - Daniel

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Posted 08 December 2008 - 09:26 PM

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#15 Bradley De La Cloche

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Posted 08 December 2008 - 09:35 PM

No Q because of QUANTUM, instead Major Boothroyd. But...I'd really love to see Dan at some point to visit Q's lab. Even Dan said he was looking forward to it.

As for Miss Moneypenny....I hope they make the relationship more like Sean and Lois apposed to any of the other actors's relationship with thiers. There was just somethign about those two on the screen, but I guess Sean was the easiest Bond to fall in love with a bit.

As for her casting...

Keeley Hawes
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Yes please. :) :(

#16 Vanya86

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Posted 08 December 2008 - 10:55 PM

So much for not turning into a casting thread.
To be honest you want to avoid going too young, you need someone you can get some mileage out of (so to speak), but at the same time secretary to the head of Mi6 is a position of extreme responsibility, one that needs to be worked up to. It's not a role for someone fresh out of university, but someone with experience. I'd say ideally you're looking for someone around 30. Another problem is that some choices are too well established to be taking a part in something like this, you really want someone without international recognition. And Americans are right out.

If we could end the casting suggestions here that would be much appreciated. There are already other threads on that subject, what I was trying to start here was thinking about how to reintroduce the character.

Sounds eerily similar to Chloe O'Brian on 24, though.

Generally speaking, I'd just like to see a thoughtful reintroduction of the character. Her role doesn't have to be super-essential to the plot, but I don't want it to feel shoehorned in just for the sake of it. Basically, treat her like they treated M in Quantum of Solace--beef up the role without making her clog up the plot.


Well in this day and age you can never be truly original, you can draw parallels anywhere if you look hard enough. Moneypenny's personality and relationship with Bond would be suitably different to avoid any real comparisons.

But I honestly think that just bring her in isn't enough. With the way the films are right now I think they need to show her first meeting with Bond and build the relationship up from there. I'll admit that what I came up with was taking that to the extreme, but she needs to more of a role than sitting at a desk and flirting with Bond.

Edited by Vanya86, 11 December 2008 - 05:22 PM.


#17 Buckeyes1186

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Posted 09 December 2008 - 04:30 AM

But I honestly think that just bring her in isn't enough. With the way the films are right now I think they need to show her first meeting with Bond and build the relationship up from there. I'll admit that what I came up with was taking that to the extreme, but she needs to more of a role than sitting at a desk and flirting with Bond.

While I agree that they should give her more to do, I certainly wouldn't overdo it. I've always believed that characters like M, Moneypenny and Q should never be integral parts of the films' plots. The few times when they've overstepped (like with M in The World is not Enough), the results have been decidedly poor. They shouldn't relegate Moneypenny to one scene, like they usually do, but at the same time, I wouldn't waste too much emotional investment on her. Show her being useful throughout the film. Y'know, doing her job.

It's a fine balance with M, Q, and Moneypenny. If the way they've handled M in the reboot is any indication, we don't have anything to worry about.

And my apologies for helping turn this into a casting thread. It was not my intention.

Edited by Buckeyes1186, 09 December 2008 - 11:04 PM.


#18 Tarl_Cabot

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Posted 09 December 2008 - 04:37 AM

I read an interesting post on AICN about Moneypenny:

they had the perfect girl to play her(Mrs. Moneypenny) with the gorgeous Gemma Arterton in Quantum, Miss Fields should've been the new Moneypenny. She only got 5 minutes of screen time, and did nothing except :( Bond and trip the creepy henchman in the stairs. Total waste. Her having already :)ed Bond would have been a good way to explain why Moneypenny is always fawning over him whenever she sees him.


I love this idea.

#19 DamnCoffee

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Posted 09 December 2008 - 10:27 AM

That is quite interesting, because the moment Arterton was cast we were absoloutly convinced that she was the new Moneypenny.

#20 SecretAgentFan

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Posted 09 December 2008 - 11:05 AM

I like your idea, Vanya. Sounds eerily similar to Chloe O'Brian on 24, though.

Generally speaking, I'd just like to see a thoughtful reintroduction of the character. Her role doesn't have to be super-essential to the plot, but I don't want it to feel shoehorned in just for the sake of it. Basically, treat her like they treated M in Quantum of Solace--beef up the role without making her clog up the plot.

I'm a huge Pushing Daisies fan, so my choice is Anna Friel:

Posted Image

Posted Image

She's gorgeous in a girl-next-door type of way, a great actress, and the perfect age for the character.


Excellent idea!

Basically, I´m more in favor of "Moneypenny" having only one or two scenes per movie. Otherwise she will become too much of the main Bond girl.

#21 Vanya86

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Posted 09 December 2008 - 10:24 PM

While I agree that they should give her more to do, I certainly wouldn't overdo it. I've always believed that characters like M, Moneypenny and Q should never be integral parts of the films' plots. The few times when they've overstepped (like with M in The World is not Enough), the results have been decidedly poor. They shouldn't relegate Moneypenny to one scene, like they usually do, but at the same time, I wouldn't waste too much emotional investment on her. Show her being useful throughout the film. Y'know, doing her job.

It's fine balance with M, Q, and Moneypenny. If the way they've handled M in the reboot is any indication, we don't have anything to worry about.

But could it not also be argued that Q's expanded role in Licence to Kill was his finest hour?
I certainly don't want to turn Moneypenny into a Bond girl and I think Bond sleeping with her at all would go completely against her character. There needs to be a flirtatious relationship and a hint of sexual tension, but not taken too far.
Maybe It would be better to take my original idea down a notch and use her more as an ally within the service, helping Bond gain access to information he shouldn't have or keeping his superiors off his back while he peruses off the book targets. But overall it's her relationship with Bond needs to be what defines the character. I suppose there is a danger in giving her too big a role first time out as it would inevitably have to be cut down for future films, which could cause problems for the actress.

In the past recasting much loved characters such as Moneypenny has proved problematic, I think expanding the role and giving the actress more to do (not to mention casting a good actress who has chemistry with Craig) could help endear her to the audience.

Edited by Vanya86, 09 December 2008 - 10:24 PM.


#22 Buckeyes1186

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Posted 09 December 2008 - 11:15 PM

But could it not also be argued that Q's expanded role in Licence to Kill was his finest hour?

Personally, I always preferred Q in small doses, so I thought his role in LTK was a bit too much. Desmond Llewellyn was amazing, though, so I don't want to sound like I'm dissing him.

I certainly don't want to turn Moneypenny into a Bond girl and I think Bond sleeping with her at all would go completely against her character. There needs to be a flirtatious relationship and a hint of sexual tension, but not taken too far.
Maybe It would be better to take my original idea down a notch and use her more as an ally within the service, helping Bond gain access to information he shouldn't have or keeping his superiors off his back while he peruses off the book targets. But overall it's her relationship with Bond needs to be what defines the character. I suppose there is a danger in giving her too big a role first time out as it would inevitably have to be cut down for future films, which could cause problems for the actress.

In the past recasting much loved characters such as Moneypenny has proved problematic, I think expanding the role and giving the actress more to do (not to mention casting a good actress who has chemistry with Craig) could help endear her to the audience.

So are you proposing that Moneypenny becomes more of a Mary Goodnight-type character? When I think of it that way, I like the idea quite a bit more.

#23 DamnCoffee

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Posted 09 December 2008 - 11:21 PM

It would be interesting for Moneypenny and Bond to go on a mission, but when they come to have sex, they're rudely interrupted. Then she's sent back to England for her own safety. :(

#24 Vanya86

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Posted 10 December 2008 - 06:39 PM

So are you proposing that Moneypenny becomes more of a Mary Goodnight-type character? When I think of it that way, I like the idea quite a bit more.

Well honestly no, for that I'd rather they introduce Loelia Ponsonby, Bond's secretary (and Goodnights's predecessor) from the novels. It could be interesting to she her in the films, she'd help so show a little more of the inner workings of Mi6. We might even get to see Bond's office for the first time since '69.
But Moneypenny is, was, and always will be M's secretary, I just wanted to show her as someone who would go out of her way to help Bond with the Mi6 bureaucracy, someone he can really rely on.

It would be interesting for Moneypenny and Bond to go on a mission, but when they come to have sex, they're rudely interrupted. Then she's sent back to England for her own safety. :(

I can't see M ever approving of that, she'd never allow Moneypenny out on an official mission. But Bond could bring her along for a little off the books computer work, which was more or less the premise of my original idea.

#25 Bradley De La Cloche

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Posted 10 December 2008 - 06:52 PM

We might even get to see Bond's office for the first time since '69.


We saw it in Die Another Day, right before the VR target practice scene. :(

#26 Eurospy

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Posted 10 December 2008 - 06:54 PM

I'm a bit divided.

There is a certain mystique to those supporting characters that should indicate that they work better in small doses.

On the other hand, they have done a good job in expanding M's role, in a logical and functional way. Maybe the same could be applied to Q & Moneypenny wihout stepping over the line and make corny intros of the characters.

#27 JimmyBond

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Posted 11 December 2008 - 05:09 AM

We might even get to see Bond's office for the first time since '69.


We saw it in Die Another Day, right before the VR target practice scene. :(


Well it was the VR scene, but you're right. We did see it in DAD.

#28 Eurospy

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Posted 11 December 2008 - 01:15 PM

We might even get to see Bond's office for the first time since '69.


We saw it in Die Another Day, right before the VR target practice scene. :(


Well it was the VR scene, but you're right. We did see it in DAD.


Just to point out a minor detail which I found interesting. I recently heard an "old" interview (Voices of Krypton site) where the webmaster interviewed Brosnan back in the Goldeneye press junket days.

During that interview, Brosnan says that he'd like to show the audience that side of the character, a glimpse at his personal life, where we would see his flat/penthouse, for example, further in the series.

#29 sharpshooter

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Posted 11 December 2008 - 02:41 PM

It would be interesting for Moneypenny and Bond to go on a mission, but when they come to have sex, they're rudely interrupted. Then she's sent back to England for her own safety. :(

I can see where you’re coming from; creating that tension between them that then translates into the office setting.

#30 007Bond007

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Posted 24 December 2008 - 10:14 PM

Interesting Idea.

I just had a thought the other night about Moneypenny's introduction, my idea was closer to The Spy Who Loved Me novel. With the kidnapped woman being Moneypenny.

Good idea, but i dont no if the fans are ready for her yet, i heard that they were bringing back Q. they should only introduce one at a time.