4014 replies to this topic

[Dustin]

Well, it's also a bit surprising how Craig actually gets all these other jobs. It's no secret he should at least theoretically have one more go at 007. So any production considering to hire him should at least ask if there may be problems with his schedule. Obviously he's able to convincingly answer any such questions. That's what makes me think the book is closed.

[Orion]

He's probably aided by the fact that MGM, without financial aid, defintly aren't taking up his shedule for the next year. Also theres a good chance EON will have given Craig a window in which he can accept other work, as no actor can hold turn down jobs indefinitly just in case Bond 25 production might start. I imagine he was doing the same between QOS and Skyfall.

[SecretAgentFan]

What if the Studio distribution negotiations are becoming drawn out and it's in fact Eon that have suggested Craig do other work in the meantime? I don't really know the ins'n outs of the studio deal in the offing, but it occurs to me that if it means that Eon don't have a date B25, then freeing up Craig in the meantime would be the polite thing to do!  Probably wrong, but it's a thought!

 

EON certainly did not suggest Craig do other films.  They rather wanted him to commit to another film because that´s the leverage they have for MGM and potential distributors: We´ve got Craig!

 

Craig obviously did not want to return or say whether and when he would return.  Which threw EON and MGM a huge curveball because as a consequence they had to plan around him and get a Bond story going that could be tailored to him or a new actor.  Also, they had to go through the excruciating process of talking to other actors while always telling them: there is no certainty that we will not go back to Craig.

 

Meanwhile Craig had fun taking on other projects.

[Odd Jobbies]

That's definatrly the probable situation. But since none of us here know what's happening at Eon I just thought an alternative interpretation is possible, if not probable. For all we know there's a nasty crease in negotiations that has nothing to do with Craig. Doubtful, but who knows?

[Dustin]

Right now a lot of things will be in the air, most of them not even due to MGM, Craig or Eon. Any plans for a fast progress will now be put on hold until further notice. Perhaps some of that uncertainty was already in the air this spring and was the reason nobody rushed ahead to a deal with MGM? Impossible to say without inside knowledge.

At any rate now I suppose any major movement will only happen once the dust settles and everybody can get a clearer vision of circumstances for the next two or three years. I'd be very surprised to hear about progress on BOND 25 this year.

[SecretAgentFan]

You could be right.  

 

On the other hand, looking at the economic crises during the Moore years EON always went ahead, looking for other ways and venues to move on.  

 

I understand that Ireland has become a tax heaven for film productions and Hollywood already is adapting.  China and, yes, Germany would also be partners with money (Studio Babelsberg desperately needs new productions to be filmed there and would move heaven and hell to get Bond there).  For MGM it will very soon become crucial to get a new Bond film.

 

The question might be: does EON want to move ahead before the British mess is sorted out?  Would they risk leaving again (like they did with MOONRAKER)?  BB and MGW publicly urged people to remain in the EU.  Would they send a clear signal to the British government (whatever that may consist of) that the most valued British film production cannot be realized within a home country that destroys the conditions needed?

[Dustin]

The question might be: does EON want to move ahead before the British mess is sorted out? Would they risk leaving again (like they did with MOONRAKER)? BB and MGW publicly urged people to remain in the EU. Would they send a clear signal to the British government (whatever that may consist of) that the most valued British film production cannot be realized within a home country that destroys the conditions needed?

I could see something along these lines happening - only the backlash of British media would evidently scream red murder at any hint of such a move. I suspect as long as the definite step out has yet to come - and this could take years and involve indeed a second referendum after talks with the EU, or elections even - they will want to avoid the worst of what can expected in the aftermath of this.

What MGM will do meanwhile is anybody's guess...

[SecretAgentFan]

I don´t remember and couldn´t find anything about this - but do you know how the British media reacted when EON based production for MOONRAKER in France?

 

I imagine during that time they must have gone bonkers...

 

By the way - if the exit does take 2 years wouldn´t that even force any film production to start as soon as possible in order to benefit from the still existing conditions?

[Orion]

I'd be surprised if the press reacted all that much if there is something more interesting EON can bait them with. After all Casino Royale based it's production in Prague, at that barely got mentioned because having a new Bond was more interesting.

[Dustin]

I don´t remember and couldn´t find anything about this - but do you know how the British media reacted when EON based production for MOONRAKER in France?

I imagine during that time they must have gone bonkers...

By the way - if the exit does take 2 years wouldn´t that even force any film production to start as soon as possible in order to benefit from the still existing conditions?

I only remember German coverage about it; at the time it was mentioned, but hardly as anything central. No idea what Mail, Sun and their ilk made of it.

Could be a strategy to move ahead fast and grasp what subsidies and side effects are available as long as the music plays. But can they really move fast? Past experience makes me wonder, all the more since MGM doesn't show signs of getting serious yet.

I'd be surprised if the press reacted all that much if there is something more interesting EON can bait them with. After all Casino Royale based it's production in Prague, at that barely got mentioned because having a new Bond was more interesting.

That's true, only since then apparently 'control has been taken back' and from what one can gather the pressure is already mounting not to badmouth this stellar plot twist too much lest one would be responsible for the results. If Eon turns its back on the UK this would no doubt be seen as one big two-fingered comment. And those parts of the media holding back on their "Treason!" headlines with Johnson and Farage would probably be glad to use them on Broccoli and Wilson. Yes, a new Bond will give them something to chew on - in addition. I wouldn't want to bet the new guy will have an easier time than Craig.

Honestly, I haven't the foggiest how this is going to proceed or how long this folly will take to sort itself out. Or not. But I don't see many investors - at least not the right kind of investors - committing themselves before reason and sanity show up again on the horizon in some form. Currently nobody seems to have even a vague notion what set of rules and conditions will shape Britain's economy in the near future. A fast production would perhaps make the most of the situation - only it's hard to see how that should happen.

[Toxteth_OGrady]

Today's tabloid update

 

http://www.mirror.co...-choice-8357848

[Toxteth_OGrady]

Wait there's more

 

http://www.standard....e-a3288416.html

 

 

“Bond needs an air of mystery – his public romance with Taylor has made him totally uncastable.”

 

[Surrie]

Wait there's more

 

http://www.standard....e-a3288416.html

 

 

“Bond needs an air of mystery – his public romance with Taylor has made him totally uncastable.”

 

 

I said it before, and I'll say it again. She is the anti-Christ. It now appears I'm not the only one who thinks so...

[S K Y F A L L]

Haters going to hate. God I'm a hater for that song!

[MajorB]

Now there's an infinite loop in the making!

[SecretAgentFan]

Does anybody believe that they will still be together in a few weeks?

[univex]

The question is: who cares?

 

But...no.

[SecretAgentFan]

I don´t care either.  But my irony is often lost on the internet.

[Odd Jobbies]

Does anybody believe that they will still be together in a few weeks?

 

Absolutely not!   He's planning to turn Miley Cyrus in August...

[Surrie]

Reported flurry of bets on James Norton. Odds now 3/1. 

[thecasinoroyale]

Why is this fan-fare still going when we've not even had official news whether Craig has even left or not? The media is getting out of hand with all this! This whole thing is fuelled on "sources" and "inside reports". I'm getting bored of all these names in the pot now following on from when 'The Night Manager' took audiences by storm and it was once a fantasy for Hiddleton to be Bond - now it's looking at doing deals to make him Bond!

 

And Taylor Swift involved? Well, she could kill two birds with one stone. Get Hiddleston in and we've got a Bond girl AND title song singer in one package. Done. Sign the contract Hilddleswift. 

 

[Surrie]

Why is this fan-fare still going when we've not even had official news whether Craig has even left or not? The media is getting out of hand with all this! This whole thing is fuelled on "sources" and "inside reports". I'm getting bored of all these names in the pot now following on from when 'The Night Manager' took audiences by storm and it was once a fantasy for Hiddleton to be Bond - now it's looking at doing deals to make him Bond!

 

And Taylor Swift involved? Well, she could kill two birds with one stone. Get Hiddleston in and we've got a Bond girl AND title song singer in one package. Done. Sign the contract Hilddleswift. 

 

 

Don't be blasphemous! 

[SecretAgentFan]

I guess Hiddleston is the new Clive Owen.

 

Next, please.

[sharpshooter]

Reported flurry of bets on James Norton. Odds now 3/1.

I'm paying these stories little attention. In a couple of days or weeks they'll be saying [insert name here] is the next red hot favourite.

[Surrie]

 

Reported flurry of bets on James Norton. Odds now 3/1.

I'm paying these stories little attention. In a couple of days or weeks they'll be saying [insert name here] is the next red hot favourite.

 

 

This is true. I'm just wishful thinking that the heat is off Hiddlestone. 

[# 11]

 

Reported flurry of bets on James Norton. Odds now 3/1.

I'm paying these stories little attention. In a couple of days or weeks they'll be saying [insert name here] is the next red hot favourite.

 

True. Although I think there's is something with James Norton. Remember Daniel Craig was also one day just reported in a list of three by the Sun, back in February 2005. No decision was made until October, but that doesn't mean that all rumours before that were false.

[Dustin]

It's always possible that right now only so few new bets come in that a couple of thousand quid could already be called a flurry. And nobody can be sure the bets that do get made aren't bait to keep the market machine ticking over. Every headline in this business doubles as an ad.

[MajorB]

"Every headline in this business doubles as an ad."

 

Extremely well put, Dustin.

[Quantumofsolace007]

I guess Hiddleston is the new Clive Owen.
 
Next, please.

And Hardy is the new Craig

[Odd Jobbies]

It's always possible that right now only so few new bets come in that a couple of thousand quid could already be called a flurry. And nobody can be sure the bets that do get made aren't bait to keep the market machine ticking over. Every headline in this business doubles as an ad.

Not only marketing bait for headlines, but also for the punters that'll lay bets because of those headlines, filling the bookies coffers. It's win-win, unless your a punter.