20 replies to this topic

[DamnCoffee]

So let's just say that Eon decided to refilm the Fleming books, very close to the source material. How would you update it? Who would you cast as the main characters?

Nearly finished Live and Let Die, totally dig it. I'm seeing Craig as Bond, naturally. As Mr Big, I'm seeing Forest Whitaker. I think he'd be great. Wright is still Leiter for me. I haven't really thought about Solitaire yet.

I thought it would be an interesting thread, anyone got any modern actors they could see in a modernised Fleming novel?

[TCK]

I've "my" whole cast of another On her Majesty's secret service in 1969, but not in a modern version, but I try.

James Bond - Hugh Jackman
Tracy Bond - Marion Cotillard
Ernst Stavro Blofeld - Ben Kingsley
Irma Bunt - Kathy Bates
Marc-Ange Draco - Sergio Castellitto
M - Brendan Gleeson

[Captain Tightpants]

The problem with some of the novels is that they are very much based in the 1950s and 1960s, so the stories might need some minor updates.

- In Live and Let Die, Mr. Big is selling gold coins to fund Soviet spy operations. Because the Soviet Union is dead, perhaps Mr. Big could be working for a foreign power like Division 39, the near-mythical North Korean bureau tasked with securing foreign currency for Kim Jong-Il (Division 39's existence has never been proven). Big would be selling off gold coins to fund a Mexican drug cartel. Possibly somehow working in the superdollar, counterfeit high-denomination bills of exceptional quality.

- A large part of Moonraker's plot hinges on Hugo van der Drache/Hugo Drax wanting to bomb London out of revenge for the Nazis' defeat at the end of World War II. That's obviously going to need to be updated. Instead, the update could be something along the lines of the original Tomorrow Never Lies draft. Angered that Yugoslavia has broken up, a Serbian war criminal who escaped prosecution (Hugo Drax, born Hugo Drachovic, or something similar) has decided that if Serbia cannot have Bosnia/Kosovo/Croatia/Slovenia, then no-one can; using his position as a weapons contractor, he plans to wipe those countries off the map.

- From Russia, With Love also hinges on the presence of the Soviet Union. Instead of Bond trying to retreive a Lektor, it could revolve around something like the Anna Chapman case.

- Dr. No revolves around No interfering with missile tests from Cape Carnaveral. Since that no longer happens, we need something else. I suggest an ablation cascade; No would be buying up the access codes to decommissioned satellites, then altering their courses so that they collide with active spy satellites, with the debris from the collision taking out other satellites. This would create a gap in satellite coverage, allowing the villains to move something across the world undetected.

- Thunderball definately needs updating, since the basic plot has been done dozens of times. Perhaps it could revolve around a sting operation using red mercury, a fictional substance pitched as being vital to the construction of a nuclear device or warhead, but actually a code to tip the Russian government off to anyone who might be trying to buy a nuclear device.

- On Her Majesty's Secret Service needs the presence of Blofeld to work. If Blofeld is not in it, then maybe the story could revolve around the Svalbard Global Seed Valut, which contains samples of grain seed and other crops that are vital to human survival; the project is a safeguard against an apocalyptic event to provide survivors with the ability to restart agriculture. The villains would have control over the seed vault, and plan to release an agro-weapon that will decimate crops, before selling the seed stocks on at a premium price once the plague has been contained.

- I think that You Only Live Twice is almost unfilmable, because the entire premise hinges on the Japanese government being unable to do anything about Blofeld, and also because of Japan's attitude towards suicide, which I think will be difficult to film simply because it's such a sensitive issue. Difficult as it is to film, it's not impossible - during the days of the Soviet Union, there was talk of a place called Laboratory 12, or Kamera ("The Chamber"), which produced poisons for the Soviet secret services. Perhaps Laboratory 12 could have lived on after the fall of the Soviet Union, as a private research facility which is actually producing chemical weapons.

- The Man with the Golden Gun might need a few updates, too. Bond could be tailing Scaramanga, and through Felix Leiter, discovers a connection to a missing federal witness; a woman who ran afoul of a sugar cartel in the Caribbean.

[superado]

So let's just say that Eon decided to refilm the Fleming books, very close to the source material. How would you update it? Who would you cast as the main characters?

Nearly finished Live and Let Die, totally dig it. I'm seeing Craig as Bond, naturally. As Mr Big, I'm seeing Forest Whitaker. I think he'd be great. Wright is still Leiter for me. I haven't really thought about Solitaire yet.

I thought it would be an interesting thread, anyone got any modern actors they could see in a modernised Fleming novel?

By modernizing yet keeping close to the source material, I don't think the Daniel Craig "flavor" necessarily or is even plausibly the natural outcome. I believe these two conditions are close to being mutually exclusive. On this note, keeping Casino Royale close to the source material would not have worked and the extensive changes made to it was artistically successful. Granted, as gripping and compelling the recent two movies have been, it doesn't automatically equate to "Fleming," because fundamentally, DC is not the same James Bond of the novels, in terms of attitude, behavior, demeanor and physical appearance. If there's strong merit to retain the original elements in a modern retelling very close the source material, why dispose of a blonde, Texan Leiter, for example? Forest Whitaker would be a fantastic Mr. Big just as Mads Mikkelsen made an interesting, contemporary interpretation of Le Chiffre, though not bearing any recognition with the character of the novel...which is perfectly okay. Whitaker would provide interesting texture to the role, but Mr. Big of the novel is more sedate and innately imposing, necessitating someone with muted gravitas than an eccentric personality...maybe Lawrence Fishburne? For Solitaire, I've always envisioned Ava Gardner in the role, particularly because of her enigmatic yet intriguing portrayal of The Barefoot Contessa; physically, she has the complexion of a Haitian colonist stock of French-descent, but are there any actresses among those well-known (a necessary condition for exercises of conjecture like this) that fits the bill?

Edited by superado, 14 November 2011 - 06:40 AM.

[DamnCoffee]

M - Brendan Gleeson

I've always thought that Brendan Gleeson would make a rather good Hugo Drax, actually. His face keeps popping up when i'm listening to Moonraker.

[Captain Tightpants]

Alright, here's my idea for a reimagined LIVE ADN LET DIE:

Dublin, Ireland -- The Eurozone debt crisis is starting to really bare its fangs. While Italy and Greece hold the world's attention, spiralling unemployment and the troubled economy have seen a kind of renaissance in Ireland. Disaffected youth are reviving the idea of the Irish Republican Army, guided by hardliners that have been quiet for the last few years, but have remained true to the cause. Acting on intelligence that the new IRA are gathering strength, MI6 seek to prevent an unstable situation from deteriorating any further. During a raid on an IRA stronghold, Bond finds several antique gold coins that attract MI6's attention. They have come from a treasure buried by Sir Henry Morgan in the 17th Century, and MI6 believe that this is how the IRA are trying to fund their operations, holding gold in reserve to safeguard against the perilous state of the Euro. Further investigations reveal that these coins have steadily been put on the market in closed auctions. M sends Bond to find out more.

São Paulo, Brazil -- Bond travels to Brazil and uses a cover identity to attend the auction. His plan is to find the seller, and cut off the supply to Ireland. Bond notices that many of the coins are being purchased by a man named Ariel Carpenter. Suspecting that Carpenter is a middleman for the Irish, Bond follows him - only to walk into the middle of a sting operation. Bond's life is saved by Felix Leiter, who is present at the sting. Felix reveals that Carpenter is a DEA agent, and the auction is a part of an ongoing operation. Felix and the DEA are targeting Buonapart Ignace Gallia, alias Mr. Big, because of his involvement with the Mexican drug cartels. Big has been selling gold coins at auction to fund the cartels, particularly with paying off Mexican officials. The DEA has become aware of the plan, and has positioned themselves as the buyers of these coins. Using equipment seized in a raid, the DEA have been producing "superpesos", high-quality forgeries of high-denomination pesos. The plan is to bankrupt the cartels. There's just one small problem: it's not working. The cartels have a second source of income.

Los Angeles, USA -- In California, a new Scientology-like religion is gaining popularity with Hollywood starlets. The leader of this little cult wants to expand to an international scale, but his operations are disjointed. The cult relies on powerful drugs to brainwash its members, but their supply comes from two local yokels who have so far managed to avoid capture out of sheer stupidity. They supply drugs as needed, but cannot cope with the volume that would be needed for an expanded operation. The cult has done a deal with a cartel to supply the needed drugs in exchange for a cut of the income once the cult expands. Bond travels to Los Angeles when he finds a connection through Mr. Big, who arranged the deal. Posing as a talent and PR manager for troubled actors, Bond manages to infiltrate the cult. Bond plants evidence suggesting that the cult leader is doing a deal with a gang of Vietnamese snakeheads, and then leaks it to the Mexicans. The Mexicans over-react and take down the cult.

Guadaljara, Mexico -- While the Mexicans are distracted by the cult, Bond and Felix carry out an operation in Mexico, exposing the "superpesos" as forgeries. In one fell swoop, the DEA is able to pick up the corrupt Mexican officials and leave the cartels in the lurch with millions of dollars in useless currency. Big, however, escapes. He decides to return to the Irish with the rest of the antique coins, hidden in a fish tank containing exotic and poisonous fish. Bond gives chase and plants a limpet mine (pilfered from a cartel stronghold) on Big's yacht. It explodes, killing the IRA members on-board. Big is injured, but survives. He falls into the water, where he is devoured by a school of barracuda.

[coco1997]

Very cool, Captain.

[Captain Tightpants]

Thanks, coco.

As for who I'd cast in the film, I'd say Chewitel Ejiofor as Mr. Big. Ever since I saw him as the Operative in SERENITY, I've thought he'd be perfect for the role:



I don't really know who I'd cast in the other roles.

[Pussfeller]

Ejiofor would make a good Quarrel. He might mature into a good Mr. Big, but for the moment he's far too young and handsome. When I first read LALD, I imagined Laurence Fishburne or perhaps Forest Whitaker as Mr. Big.

[DamnCoffee]

Alright, here's my idea for a reimagined LIVE ADN LET DIE:

Dublin, Ireland -- The Eurozone debt crisis is starting to really bare its fangs. While Italy and Greece hold the world's attention, spiralling unemployment and the troubled economy have seen a kind of renaissance in Ireland. Disaffected youth are reviving the idea of the Irish Republican Army, guided by hardliners that have been quiet for the last few years, but have remained true to the cause. Acting on intelligence that the new IRA are gathering strength, MI6 seek to prevent an unstable situation from deteriorating any further. During a raid on an IRA stronghold, Bond finds several antique gold coins that attract MI6's attention. They have come from a treasure buried by Sir Henry Morgan in the 17th Century, and MI6 believe that this is how the IRA are trying to fund their operations, holding gold in reserve to safeguard against the perilous state of the Euro. Further investigations reveal that these coins have steadily been put on the market in closed auctions. M sends Bond to find out more.

São Paulo, Brazil -- Bond travels to Brazil and uses a cover identity to attend the auction. His plan is to find the seller, and cut off the supply to Ireland. Bond notices that many of the coins are being purchased by a man named Ariel Carpenter. Suspecting that Carpenter is a middleman for the Irish, Bond follows him - only to walk into the middle of a sting operation. Bond's life is saved by Felix Leiter, who is present at the sting. Felix reveals that Carpenter is a DEA agent, and the auction is a part of an ongoing operation. Felix and the DEA are targeting Buonapart Ignace Gallia, alias Mr. Big, because of his involvement with the Mexican drug cartels. Big has been selling gold coins at auction to fund the cartels, particularly with paying off Mexican officials. The DEA has become aware of the plan, and has positioned themselves as the buyers of these coins. Using equipment seized in a raid, the DEA have been producing "superpesos", high-quality forgeries of high-denomination pesos. The plan is to bankrupt the cartels. There's just one small problem: it's not working. The cartels have a second source of income.

Los Angeles, USA -- In California, a new Scientology-like religion is gaining popularity with Hollywood starlets. The leader of this little cult wants to expand to an international scale, but his operations are disjointed. The cult relies on powerful drugs to brainwash its members, but their supply comes from two local yokels who have so far managed to avoid capture out of sheer stupidity. They supply drugs as needed, but cannot cope with the volume that would be needed for an expanded operation. The cult has done a deal with a cartel to supply the needed drugs in exchange for a cut of the income once the cult expands. Bond travels to Los Angeles when he finds a connection through Mr. Big, who arranged the deal. Posing as a talent and PR manager for troubled actors, Bond manages to infiltrate the cult. Bond plants evidence suggesting that the cult leader is doing a deal with a gang of Vietnamese snakeheads, and then leaks it to the Mexicans. The Mexicans over-react and take down the cult.

Guadaljara, Mexico -- While the Mexicans are distracted by the cult, Bond and Felix carry out an operation in Mexico, exposing the "superpesos" as forgeries. In one fell swoop, the DEA is able to pick up the corrupt Mexican officials and leave the cartels in the lurch with millions of dollars in useless currency. Big, however, escapes. He decides to return to the Irish with the rest of the antique coins, hidden in a fish tank containing exotic and poisonous fish. Bond gives chase and plants a limpet mine (pilfered from a cartel stronghold) on Big's yacht. It explodes, killing the IRA members on-board. Big is injured, but survives. He falls into the water, where he is devoured by a school of barracuda.

Very nice! Although, no Bond getting ripped through the water with Solitaire? Would've been nice to see Craig's Bond do that scene.

[The Shark]

The key hauling was already done in FYEO.

[Peckinpah1976]

I see no point in updating the novels; I seem to recall that's already been done....

If remakes were to come about, they'd need to be period versions for me.

[TCK]

I see no point in updating the novels; I seem to recall that's already been done....

The titles were the same, but that's all. Live and let die, Moonraker, The spy who loved me or You only live twice have never been really adapted.

[Blabbermouth]

Been ages since I posted on here, but some years ago I suggested this cast for LALD:

Mr. Big: Tiny Lister (Gone for his amazing size)
Solitaire: Monica Belluci (maybe to old now)
Felix Leiter: Matthew McConaughey
The Robber: Billy Bob Thornton
Quarrel: Delroy Lindo

and this for Moonraker:

James Bond - Daniel Craig
Sir Hugo Drax - Ron Perlman (looks like Drax, even age wise and an underrated actor)
Gala Brand - Rachel Weisz (beutiful and a very good actress)
Willy Krebs - Christopher Fulford (looks creepy enough)
M - Cieran Hinds

[DamnCoffee]

Kept seeing this guy as Ernie Cureo, when I was reading Diamonds. Mark Sheppard.

Edited by Mharkin, 28 November 2011 - 09:28 PM.

[dinovelvet]

So let's just say that Eon decided to refilm the Fleming books, very close to the source material. How would you update it? Who would you cast as the main characters?

This thread has some takes on that question :

http://debrief.comma...nd-the-remakes/

[DamnCoffee]

Cheers Dino! An interesting read!

How about Imelda Staunton for Rosa Klebb?



Interesting that the character description of Dolores Umbridge, is almost the same as Klebbs. Stout, toad like features, etc. Staunton could be great for Klebb. She was a pretty good Umbridge!

Edited by Mharkin, 04 December 2011 - 09:47 PM.

[DamnCoffee]

Interesting choice for Kerim, keep seeing this guy when I'm reading From Russia with Love.

[Guy Haines]

The one Bond novel I would like to see on screen with its screenplay close to the original is Moonraker. I realise, however, that having a villain try to destroy London in 2012 or beyond because his side lost the Second World War might be a hard sell.

However.... suppose we had an ultra hard line Russian/East European communist who had to flee the new eastern Europe - or, possibly, the son of such hardliner - who settles down in the UK and, after the financial crisis of 2008 and all the pain and suffering caused thereafter, decides to strike a blow against capitalism (and at the same time cash in his chips!) by quite literally, physically, destroying the City of London or Wall Street.

Method? Poetic justice really. Something like Richard Branson's "Virgin Galactic" project, only on a larger scale - the "Moonraker", a private spacecraft on its first flight for extremely wealthy passengers, who have paid millions for a ten minute hop into space, live on TV, - only to be plunged back down towards Earth, crashing into the very place where all their money is held, so fast that no air force can prevent it. Oh, and there's a nuclear device on board to boot. Meanwhile "Drax" has made his point and is safely on his way to Cuba or wherever.

Only Bond has his suspicions about Drax because, as per the book, his gambling has come to the attention of MI6 - but also the media, in the shape of journalist Gala Brand, who has been delving into Drax's affairs and is convinced that the benevolent tycoon who rose without trace after the collapse of communism isn't all he seems - especially since her journalist colleague Tallon has been found dead just days before the Moonraker's first passenger flight, having been "on to something" concerning the Moonraker.

As to how the catastrophe is averted - well, I'm still thinking about that!

[TCK]

And what do you think about those guys as Jack and Seraffimo Spang, in Diamonds are forever ?

http://en.wikipedia....i/Brothers_Quay

[Captain Tightpants]

Kept seeing this guy as Ernie Cureo, when I was reading Diamonds. Mark Sheppard.

Yeah, Sheppard is pretty good. He keeps popping up everywhere - I first saw him as Badger in "Firefly", and since then, I've spotted him in "Dollhouse", "Leverage" and "Chuck" and a few other television shows.

Speaking of "Leverage", how about Timothy Hutton in a role?

http://daisyzworld.t...9d00d970c-320wi

Maybe as Jack Spang.