97 replies to this topic

[Seannery]

this man looks like a monkey nooo

That's funny YOLT But not true--if he does then Sean Connery also looks like a monkey. And in a way aren't we all monkeys--at least the same family!

Yes Connery too, and so as everyone, me too, sometimes look like as a monkey, but this man is really like a monkey. I wont see his performance if he is going to be 007.
007 is not a monkey

Whatever dude You would have to reject Connery then since they strongly resemble one another. Anyway that criticism doesn't even begin to make sense to me--but hey to each his own

[Seannery]

this man looks like a monkey nooo

No....is exactly right. He is dynamic looking not even close to a monkey. I tend to think that many of the people that criticise Adrian Paul, have not seen much of his work. How can you judge the man from one role, and as for charisma, if this man did not charisma the man would never have made "Parade Magazines" #1 choice for Bond. Some of you must have missed many of the later highlander episodes and know that his acting greatly improved from the first, otherwise he would not have the fan base he carries and it only continues to grow, since the series aired it's final episode almost eight years ago. Not too mention that "Highlander: the series" has been off and on the syndication road for the entire time since the season finale'. More on than off especially lately, they don't make DVD's of a television series that lasts six seasons unless there is someone out there to make a profit off of.

Comparisons to me are not important but, not too many of the Bonds have been too much alike, of course Sean Connery will always be my favorite, well unless someone who resembles him quite a bit takes his place, and Connery, I would say lean was not one of Seans attributes. I doubt a Mr. Universe could ever be considered lean, so I don't think Adrian Paul has anything to worry about there.

I think if you seriously think about it, you will realize that Adrian Paul would carry the part in a way none of the Bonds have before he has mastery in martial arts, he can use a gun, he can definitely wield a fine sword if the moment was called for, and woo the leading ladies like the best of them. Not to mention having the British accent down pat, and speaking three foreign languages profinciently.

I think Brosnan did extremely well as Bond, but now that he's gone I would like to see a man with a little more action capabilities. I think, bringing back the Sean Connery era would be a positive thing a more physical actor, one that can be aggressive, yet hold his cool, and be distinguished and debonair as well. In my honest opinion Eon would do well in the box office with Adrian Paul.


Lady M

Great points Lady M--thanks for bringing this debate back to a more civilized and reasonable tone. None of us are going to agree on any one candidate so hey lets go back and forth on them in the spirit of Bond fans that simply may disagree on specifics BUT remember we are in the Bond family overall--the family will disagree from time to time BUT it's still family.

[YOLT]

This monkey called Adrian can never ever become 007. Its just that simple

[Seannery]

This monkey called Adrian can never ever become 007. Its just that simple

Another brillant point YOLT

[Loomis]

Don't be so sure--we had a Adrian Paul poll here a while back in which he got over 50 to 60 percent thumbs up from our whole site.

Adrian Paul only managed to get 50 to 60 percent thumbs up in an Adrian Paul poll?

It was a selection of yes or no from our whole site to whether Adrian Paul could be a good Bond--the majority of our site gave him a thumbs up

I thought that was chiefly because Adrian Paul fans joined CBn specifically to vote in that poll and cheer their man on in discussions of his chances of becoming Bond? (I think there was some kind of "Is Paul the new 007?" rubbish rumour in the media at the time, which kicked it all off - "Paul is one of the five main candidates", or something like that.) I seem to remember CBn had an unusually high number of new members then.

[Seannery]

Don't be so sure--we had a Adrian Paul poll here a while back in which he got over 50 to 60 percent thumbs up from our whole site.

Adrian Paul only managed to get 50 to 60 percent thumbs up in an Adrian Paul poll?

It was a selection of yes or no from our whole site to whether Adrian Paul could be a good Bond--the majority of our site gave him a thumbs up

I thought that was chiefly because Adrian Paul fans joined CBn specifically to vote in that poll and cheer their man on in discussions of his chances of becoming Bond? (I think there was some kind of "Is Paul the new 007?" rubbish rumour in the media at the time, which kicked it all off - "Paul is one of the five main candidates", or something like that.) I seem to remember CBn had an unusually high number of new members then.

There was a little of that BUT the vast majority were those who were already here. And the Parade Poll he won was nation-wide in the USA. And I think you remember there a number of polls last year he either won or came in the top 3 or 4 at worst.

[hrabb04]

I have never seen Highlander--the movies or the series. I have never even heard Adrian Paul speak. However, I have seen pics of him on this thread, and I have to say no to him as Bond. I know some of us would sell our own mothers to have another Connery, but this guy ain't it. He has direct to video written all over him. Is this post brilliant enough for everyone?

[Seannery]

I have never seen Highlander--the movies or the series.  I have never even heard Adrian Paul speak.  However, I have seen pics of him on this thread, and I have to say no to him as Bond.  I know some of us would sell our own mothers to have another Connery, but this guy ain't it.  He has direct to video written all over him.  Is this post brilliant enough for everyone?

Well it's better than YOLT But seriously if you never seen him act it is hard to judge. BUT hey who am I to tell anyone who they should like or not for Bond. It's just a movie and just opinion.

[YOLT]

[quote name='Seannery' date='14 February 2005 - 19:42'] [quote name='hrabb04' date='14 February 2005 - 20:37']I have never seen Highlander--the movies or the series.

[f1realtor]

Adrian Paul just flat out sucks at acting is ugly to boot. If anyone is going to make the leap from tv to Bond I rather it be Julian McMahon.

[spynovelfan]

There was a little of that BUT the vast majority were those who were already here.  And the Parade Poll he won was nation-wide in the USA.  And I think you remember there a number of polls last year he either won or came in the top 3 or 4 at worst.

Nation-wide? Nation-wide among Parade's readers, you mean. Which is how many? Isn't it a supplement to another paper. I've never heard of it. Is it a film magazine? Has EMPIRE had a poll recently?

I think Adrian Paul has a lot of die-hard followers, many of whom would want to see him finally get a career break and be Bond. They've been saying it since the early 90s. I don't think it means there's widespread appeal at all - Fabio has die-hard fans, too, and I'm sure if his fans decided he'd be great, they'd all be writing in to Parade. In response to my saying that Adrian Paul is not in the media anymore, you mentioned a big interview he did in 1997. That was nearly a decade ago. The guy's not even a has-been. He's a never-was and never-will-be. Why is it I feel that come 2025, Adrian Paul fans will still be saying he could do a two-picture deal as an older, wiser Bond?

[Daltonfan]

I think a major hindrance in Paul's campaign is that he's virtually unknown in the UK. Highlander wasn't a primetime tv show like The Saint or Remington Steele.

Edited by Daltonfan, 15 February 2005 - 09:37 AM.

[Seannery]

[quote name='spynovelfan' date='15 February 2005 - 10:19'][quote name='Seannery' date='14 February 2005 - 19:34']There was a little of that BUT the vast majority were those who were already here.

[Pussycat]

Been busy at work and haven't checked the site in a few days, so I was quite surprised to see this thread. Pleasantly so. I'm an Adrian Paul fan and a Bond fan. I've stated it before and I'll state it again since a new thread came up about it.....Adrian Paul would bring a sorely missed physically edgy type of charm and skill to Bond. And yes, he wants it! He's a Bond fan too and come on, even the "no to Paul" fans have got to appreciate the idea of a Bond actor who isn't ashamed to say "I would love to do Bond" rather than hedge about it, claiming they aren't sure it's the artistic direction they wish to go in...hmm?

Highlander was successfully syndicated and ran in over 80 countries. Come on people, that's a lot of viewers familiar with him! And I'm sure fellow Bond fan Seannery will not object to me correcting him, but it was the 2000 People mag that named him Sexiest Action Star. Hmm??? Action, Sexy.....sounds like Bond.

Adrian is a very good actor and one who takes his craft seriously and continues to study in workshops and with a coach. He is a consummate professional as stated by producers and directors he has worked for, and other actors who work with him. Nothing but praise is ever given for the amount of work and effort he is willing to put into a project.

I was surprised at the posts saying he lacks charm, because that is the one comment you never hear regarding him. One actress was quoted as saying "he is a charismatic" and you find yourself drawn to him. As for his film Endgame, yes they had script problems and editing problems and fights between the writers and the studio executives as to which direction the film should go in, but the one comment that continually came out of bad reviews on the film itself was "Adrian Paul appeared to be the only one earning his paycheck."

He hasn't been cast in the big Hollywood films, no, he hasn't. But he chooses independent films and scripts that appeal to him and give him an opportunity to stretch as an actor. He has been quoted as saying he has turned down some parts that paid more money because the role didn't appeal to him, yet flew off on a couple days notice to accept a small role in an independent because he liked the idea the director had or the script itself.

He is a martial arts expert, knows fight choreography like the back of his hand, and can do comedy, drama and sexy charm with the best of them!

Adrian Paul can act and in fact many critics have stated the only reason Highlander The Series lasted six seasons was because Paul brought such depth to the character, such charm and pathos, that when the writers began giving him better material, he was able to take that and create a character that is still loved years after the series ended.

He would bring a wonderful new depth to Bond. I'd love to see the physical, charming Bond Adrian Paul could create.

I have been cheering for him for several years! I do worry about the "younger Bond" rumors though, and I'm not convinced the producers won't be talked into a much younger Bond, a mistake in my opinion.

[Atticus17F]

Adrian Paul would bring a sorely missed physically edgy type of charm and skill to Bond. And yes, he wants it! He's a Bond fan too and come on, even the "no to Paul" fans have got to appreciate the idea of a Bond actor who isn't ashamed to say "I would love to do Bond" rather than hedge about it, claiming they aren't sure it's the artistic direction they wish to go in...hmm?

Not this "no to Paul" fan. I know he'd 'love to do Bond' but the fact that Mr Paul needs to shout it from the rooftops only proves he does not possess the required elegance to 'do Bond'.

He hasn't been cast in the big Hollywood films, no, he hasn't. But he chooses independent films and scripts that appeal to him and give him an opportunity to stretch as an actor.

And that's why he's desperate to be James Bond?

He has been quoted as saying he has turned down some parts that paid more money because the role didn't appeal to him, yet flew off on a couple days notice to accept a small role in an independent because he liked the idea the director had or the script itself.

How noble and modest he is. Seriously, if artistic integrity is so important to him, why would he be interested in Bond? It's hardly Chekhov, is it?

He is a martial arts expert, knows fight choreography like the back of his hand, and can do comedy, drama and sexy charm with the best of them!

I take it you mean "the best" of his fellow z-listers? And, sorry, but I don't think all the martial arts guff means anything, either. None of the other Bonds were black belts in their spare time. Would it have helped if they were?

Adrian Paul can act and in fact many critics have stated the only reason Highlander The Series lasted six seasons was because Paul brought such depth to the character, such charm and pathos, that when the writers began giving him better material, he was able to take that and create a character that is still loved years after the series ended.

William Roache has played Ken Barlow in Corrie for 44 years. Fact.

He would bring a wonderful new depth to Bond. I'd love to see the physical, charming Bond Adrian Paul could create. I have been cheering for him for several years! I do worry about the "younger Bond" rumors though, and I'm not convinced the producers won't be talked into a much younger Bond, a mistake in my opinion.

I don't think there's any danger of the "Young Bond" thing happening. I don't believe Mr. Paul's age would count against him anyway. If anything's going to hold him back in his quest to be Bond, it

[Methos]

Pussycat has said it all for me, I'm afraid. How is it that a man with my screen-name has taken this long to post to this thread??? I've been a longtime advocate of Adrian Paul as Bond and noted his resemblance to Connery from my first viewing of 'The Gathering'. Despite the fact that I'm more of a Dalton fan, than a Connery fan...and further despite the fact that Owen is my first choice to succeed Brosnan, I would be very happy to see Adrian Paul utter the words "Bond, James Bond." onscreen. Seems to me that those amongst us who liken Paul to a monkey, favor more effeminate features in a man. Me, I'm as old fashioned as my screen-name and I like my heroes Masculine with a capital 'M'. I've seen very nearly every hour of 'Highlander' the TV series and rest assured naysayers, this man has the chops to play Bond.

[Pussycat]

Obviously you are not an Adrian Paul fan, Atticus. I accept that some people aren't and are respectful of their right to have that opinion; something we apparently don't share in common.

I have stood by, posted some, and mainly lurked for many months on this board and everybody has their "favorite" of past Bonds and "potential Bonds" but I'm constantly amazed at the negativity of some responses when it comes to Adrian Paul. He carried a syndicated action/drama show for six years in over 80 countries. Before that, he starred in or was a lead character in four other series, and one of those he not only starred in but produced as well. That's a lot of experience and hours behind the camera and in front of it.

He can act and fits the dark, handsome, sexy, athletic, charming look of Bond, is British and has been looked at before by EON. He has stated when asked that he would love to play Bond. He hasn't played any PR tricks where his name is suddenly halted on the betting books, nor has he come out and announced "he's it" like others have in the past. He keeps a very low-key profile because he prefers that and his quotes regarding Bond only come up in scheduled interviews over other work.

Why such intense dislike over this candidate? Jealousy?

[Atticus17F]

Obviously you are not an Adrian Paul fan, Atticus.  I accept that some people aren't and are respectful of their right to have that opinion; something we apparently don't share in common.

Pardon? At what point have I had a pop at you or any of Adrian's fans? Of course you're entitled to your opinion, just as I'm entitled to mine.

I have stood by, posted some, and mainly lurked for many months on this board and everybody has their "favorite" of past Bonds and "potential Bonds" but I'm constantly amazed at the negativity of some responses when it comes to Adrian Paul. He carried a syndicated action/drama show for six years in over 80 countries. Before that, he starred in or was a lead character in four other series, and one of those he not only starred in but produced as well. That's a lot of experience and hours behind the camera and in front of it.

Are you talking about that tacky Highlander thing? I think that managed to creep into the schedules over here, once ... it was on around 1am, tucked away on some sci-fi channel, if I remember rightly. Nobody seems to know what happened to it.

He can act and fits the dark, handsome, sexy, athletic, charming look of Bond, is British and has been looked at before by EON.

I think Mr. Paul himself might have mentioned that once or twice. I've a feeling that he may have fallen victim to some cruel practical joke by Eon. They've been known to invite lots of starry-eyed no-hopers for an audition (Lewis Collins, Clive Robertson, Martin Kemp, et al). They'll never get the job but it gives the Eon staff a good giggle when they watch the audition tapes at the Christmas party.

He has stated when asked that he would love to play Bond. He hasn't played any PR tricks where his name is suddenly halted on the betting books, nor has he come out and announced "he's it" like others have in the past.  He keeps a very low-key profile because he prefers that and his quotes regarding Bond only come up in scheduled interviews over other work.

He prefers to keep a low profile? Isn't a low profile inevitable when you're a nobody? Please don't try and tell me that he's a very private man, likes to maintain his privacy, etc.; have you seen his website? The doughnut never shuts up about himself, treating the public to his thoughts and opinions on everything under the sun - usually under a very low profile headline such as "ADRIAN SPEAKS!" Good grief ...

The scary thing is, his website is one media outlet that he actually has some control over. Can you imagine what he'd be like given a proper spot on the world stage? All those opportunities to talk about himself? Christ, you'd have to drag him away!

Why such intense dislike over this candidate? Jealousy?

No. He's a tosser.

Edited by Atticus17F, 16 February 2005 - 02:53 PM.

[Seannery]

Ultimately my philosophy is to agree to disagree. Debating is fun as long as we don't all get too sensitive or too harshly attacking another person or drag it on forever. Live and let live Big deal if we don't all agree on any one candidate--it's only a freaking movie ultimately. It would be awfully boring if we all agreed on things in this site

[Atticus17F]

Fair enough. It's all moot, anyway. We know who the serious contenders are and Adrian Paul isn't one of them.

[Seannery]

Fair enough. It's all moot, anyway. We know who the serious contenders are and Adrian Paul isn't one of them.

You are entitled to your opinion even if it is wrong We will all find out soon enough anyway--well I hope it is soon!

[Pussycat]

Atticus, as for fan sites, they are built around what the fans want to see and hear.

Believe me, I've been in the Adrian Paul fandom for 7 years and the majority of his fans feel he keeps to himself way too much!

As for speaking about himself; why do you think fans go to an actor's website?

As a fan, I would find it disappointing to go there and find information on someone other than him.

[Seannery]

Well pussycat not everyone likes all the same people--we all like who we like. What can you do?

[MarJil]

There Can Be Only One.....


person who if cast as James Bond would make me skip the movie, and it is Adrian Paul.

Seriously (ok, I am serious about not going to it if AP is cast, but I digress) this whole topic reminds of a thread on another site concerning one young Luke Mably. There are a few fans of his who just will not let go of the fact that their guy is not (how shall I say this politely) a viable option. I will not insult your guy, I'm sure his friends love him, he's a great guy, he helps old ladies across the street, yada, yada. But he is 46 years old, and judging by some of the photos that were posted earlier, he is starting to look it (I haven't seen a picture of him in some time, or seen him on TV, or movies, OR ANYTHING for that matter!). Maybe 10 years ago he was a possibility, but not anymore. If you took Luke Mably and AP, had them both do the part and then use CGI to morf them together, maybe you've got something, but I have a feeling that EON figures it might be cheaper to hire just one actor to do the job, one who is the right age and can handle the all facets to the role.

[Seannery]

There Can Be Only One.....


person who if cast as James Bond would make me skip the movie, and it is Adrian Paul.

Seriously (ok, I am serious about not going to it if AP is cast, but I digress) this whole topic reminds of a thread on another site concerning one young Luke Mably.  There are a few fans of his who just will not let go of the fact that their guy is not (how shall I say this politely) a viable option.  I will not insult your guy, I'm sure his friends love him, he's a great guy, he helps old ladies across the street, yada, yada.  But he is 46 years old, and judging by some of the photos that were posted earlier, he is starting to look it (I haven't seen a picture of him in some time, or seen him on TV, or movies, OR ANYTHING for that matter!).  Maybe 10 years ago he was a possibility, but not anymore.  If you took Luke Mably and AP, had them both do the part and then use CGI to morf them together, maybe you've got something, but I have a feeling that EON figures it might be cheaper to hire just one actor to do the job, one who is the right age and can handle the all facets to the role.

Hey Marjil you came over from AJB just to argue some more with me about Adrian Paul! Welcome! I've answered your points ad naseum over at AJB so i'll make this short--Eon has hired 40 something actors ever since Roger who was also 46 when he took over the role. And like I have mentioned to you before he definitely looks young for his age just like Roger and Pierce do too--so I even further don't see your point there. I'm not even close to an Adrian Paul fan just a Bond fan who thinks he would be best cast person for the role--and there are other Bond fans who think the same. And of course some who agree with you too. Everyone has their favorites. I'm sure I won't convince you and you won't me and everyone else is set in their ways also. And as you know we all go over and over the same battles. I just wish Eon would make a decision and put us out of our misery already!


If you want to argue this on even another site why don't we both sign up at mi6 and have a go at it over there too

[MarJil]

Yeah, Seannery, I saw this topic, saw your fingerprints all over the place, and had to say something. I'd follow through the gates of Hell if it would keep Adrian Paul out of the Bond role. Not that I'm comparing this place to Hell, it's actually a better site to post than AJB.

I'm actually through arguing about AP's suitability though, because I just think the subject is moot. From now on I'll just "comment" on whether it's realistic that he can get the role. My point now is that people can get it in their heads that one person should be the one to play Bond, be it AP, Luke Mably, or whoever, and they don't really pay attention to reality. I'd say that from everything I've read and heard, AP has about the same chance of getting the Bond role as Luke Mably, and there are others like them who people are touting that have a slim chance if any. Some may be good in the role, but won't get it because of circumstance (too young, too old, too famous, or not famous enough,etc.) and others are just not suited for it. You know where I stand on that.

Thanks for the welcome to the neighborhood. Looks pretty nice around here.

[Seannery]

You're welcome Marjil I'll just say this--you could very well be suprised about who Eon picks and I have given the reasons before so I won't get into it again. Lets wait and see and if my boy is looking good for it which is quite realistically possible then we shall continue this

[Mister Asterix]

It would be awfully boring if we all agreed on things in this site

I agree.

[Sam Fisher]

Keep dreaming.

Adrian Pauil is a B-list actor. In no way,shape, or form will Eon touch A.P. because he's tainted goods. I like Highlander as much as the next person but to go from that to James Bond? NO WAY! It's impossible to say the least because the road to the A list is long and hard and alot of reputation has to be earned back. Besides Adrian is almost 50. He may look youthful and all but for MGM/Eon that's the cut off age.


And while I'm on the subject; Connor MacLeod rules and could have...more like should have handed Duncan his butt to him if the script for HL4 had been wrtiggen devently.

Edited by Sam Fisher, 17 February 2005 - 10:06 PM.

[Pussycat]

I think I'll have to agree with Seannery that we aren't going to change anyone's mind or opinion on the subject of Adrian as Bond. Obviously we see something in him that you don't. That's okay. However, I would like to ask you what it is about Pierce's filmography before he was cast as Bond that indicates he was on that elusive and oh, so talked about A-list and not the B?

I like Pierce and I wanted Pierce for Bond and was a Remington Steele fan, but I also remember the time period and Pierce was not an A-list actor when he was cast as Bond.

As for Chris as Connor, hey, I love Connor too, but I'm afraid even Chris Lambert will tell you that Adrian can kick his butt any day of the week! Before filming Endgame, he's on tape as saying, "hey, I need six years of practice before I go up against him!" LOL