15 replies to this topic

[Derringer]

I'm surprised Adrian Paul has not been mentioned as a possible Bond. He did an excellent job in the Highlander TV series, and the movie Highlander End Game. He's also a real martial artist, and this would add to the fighting scenes.

[Tarl_Cabot]

He's too old now, that's why. I believe he's 44.He was a candidate in '94, so I've heard. I don't think Paul is much of an actor-I don't think Pierce is Alec Guiness either but he's much better than Adrian Paul.Anyway,he had the look for it but I saw Highlander:Endgame and I was not convinced he belonged on the big screen, certainly not James Bond. Lazenby wasn't a trained actor but he had youth and self assurance on his side...

[Derringer]

Oh, well I don't think he is too old. His age may not be right, but the guy keeps in shape, and this certainly helps in maintaining one's youth, unlike Moore who I believe let himself slide into fatdom. Paul's performance on the TV series and in End Game was good enough for a Bond role. None of the Bond actors are/were really great, including the young Connery, IMHO. However, I believe Connery aged into one of the finest actors in the world.

I think Adrian Paul would really add to the fighting scenes also. While I prefer Kuk Sool Won as a martial art, his particular style of Kung-Fu would suffice.

Cheers

[Tarl_Cabot]

"None of the Bond actors are/were really great, including the young Connery, IMHO."

I disagree.Timothy Dalton was a grad of the prestigious Royal academy of dramatic art; he has done lots of classical roles on film and stage. He is a fine actor, the best actor ever to play Bond.Sean was well trained and so was Roger as well.Brosnan had a lot of TV experience...

"I think Adrian Paul would really add to the fighting scenes also. While I prefer to Kuk Sool Won as a martial art, his particular style of Kung-Fu would suffice."



I agree Adrian Paul looks great for his 40's and his Martial arts skills would make Bond more credible as a dangerous guy. I'd rather hire a good actor who looks the part and is the right age, 35-40. Any Bond star can spend 4 months training for advanced technique fighting scenes.They should Bond #6 through a Bond boot camp and make him learn various skills, like matt Damon did for Bourne Identity.

Cheers*

[Derringer]

TC,

Well we differ on the acting stuff, but do you really think 4 months is enough to pass off as a martial artist? Even if it's just acting?

I checked your profile, and I would think that as a martial artist you would opine that it is not enough time. I certainly don't think it's enought time [I'm a 1st degree in Kuk Sool Won]. I have always thought it looks cheesey when they bring in stunt doubles to do this type of work. As an example they use Sophia Crawford [a UK martial artist] to double for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. One can always tell that it's not Buffy.

Cheers.

[Pal]

I find it strange that nobody has mentioned that he is Sean Connery's son. Keep in mind that, that is what somebody told me. He had proof, I don't. But he looks exactly like his father and he is Scottish as well. But to answer your question, I don't think he'd be a good Bond because he is too emotionless and he is very serious. Sometimes moreso that Dalton. He doesn't seem to possess the class that it takes to be James Bond either. He is a very rugged person and yes, he will be closer to 50 after Brosnan steps down.

[Derringer]

Pal,

Adrian Paul is Sean Connery's son? I don't think so. Your source must have been pulling your leg. I read a bio/interview on Paul in Kung-Fu magazine a while back. English father, Italian mother.

Cheers.

[iain]

He would have made a very good Bond. I remember watching the Highlander tv series and thinking just that. But if he is 44 now, that would make him 50 or so by the time Pierce calls it a day. The next Bond will be about 40 when he gets the role, so we need to narrow our aim to somebody in his mid thirties at the moment.

[Tarl_Cabot]

"I checked your profile, and I would think that as a martial artist you would opine that it is not enough time. I certainly don't think it's enought time [I'm a 1st degree in Kuk Sool Won]."

Derrenger:
It depends on how much time is invested in those 4 months.If you're an actor and have all day, everyday for 4 months to train I believe you can develop the flexibility, fitness level and skill to *pass on film* as a competent martial artist, providing you have a great teacher and are commited.

I did Kung Fu (shaolin 5 animals) when I was 18 for 6 months and stopped. I started again (wu-shu)at 31 and I was 30 lbs overweight and very out of shape;I thought I was too old and would not be able to do certain things. After about 4 months I was pretty limber again;I stuck with it after a month of intense soreness and I eventually surprised myself.I could kick high and do wide, fast crescant kicks and other kicks pretty well. It was humbling to start up again since I was in such poor shape.Eventually I lost 30 lbs and at 32 I was in the best shape of my life.That's after 6+ months of 3 days a week, hr classes( I stopped drinking regular soda and also biked in addition to Kung Fu to lose the weight). Now If I trained 3,4,5,6 hrs a day, 6 days a week? I could be in amazing shape in 4 months time. Matt Damon and Keanu Reeves did it-They aren't Bruce Lee clones but we wouldn't expect James Bond to fight like Bruce lee...Actors, when they aren't working, have plenty of time to workout. That's why so many celebrities in their 30's and 40's look so good compared to the average citizen-they have the time. So, yes I think the next Bond can be hired and aquire the skills to elevate Bond's danger pedigree.

[Derringer]

TC,

Good story. Mine is similar. I dropped from 200 lbs. down to 160. Best shape of my life. I'm 45 now [the Brits think we gringos are all fat anyways]. Well, okay I guess you are right about the 4 mos. for the actors.

Cheers.

[BONDFINESSE 007]

he is to old now for bond...oh well thats how it goes

[Tarl_Cabot]

Thanks. Congrats! I was 195 and went to 160 eventually. I felt 5 years younger.Martial arts is the best workout. I can't stand the gym, yawn!

Tell me about "Kuk sool wan"? That's sounds like Thai...

cheers*

[TheSaint]

Just because he resembles Connery doesn't qualify him to play Bond.

[Tarl_Cabot]

"Just because he resembles Connery doesn't qualify him to play Bond."

I agree. Looks aren't everything.

[Derringer]

TC,

It's Korean. Check out www.kuksoolwon.com

Cheers.

[Tarl_Cabot]

Thanks