97 replies to this topic

[MarJil]

Pussycat, I'll take a stab at this one. The difference between Brosnan in 1994, when he was cast, and AP now is one of degrees. Yes, Pierce was not an A list movie star at the time (one could argue that without Bond he still isn't), but in the two years or so before being cast as Bond he had been in two actual movies that were box office hits, one as a supporting actor and one as the lead. He was established as a Cary Grant type lead on a NETWORK TV series, not a syndicated niche type series, and his career was at least holding its own if not slowly growing. I won't take shots at AP's acting talent so that isn't part of my argument. It's just that it's pretty obvious his career is not really advancing like Pierce's was at that time (kind of a "what have you done for me lately" type argument), and I am not one who likes to speak too kindly of Pierce.

I'll give another example of what I mean. Say that Paramount decides it wants to revive the Indiana Jones series, but with a new actor to replace Harrison Ford. Who do you think they would choose to take over the role if they had the choice, a fresh faced up and coming American actor (say James Marsden from X Men for example) or an older actor who's claim to fame was starring in a syndicated niche TV series from the previous decade (I'd say that Kevin Sorbo would be AP's American equivalent)? If you look at it objectively, you have to admit that they would take the actor who's career is on the rise, not the older guy who is really not any better known.

[spynovelfan]

Good post, MarJil. Brosnan wasn't A-list before he became Bond, and he's not A-list now. But before being cast as 007, he had played sophisticated, suave, tuxedoed characters all over the place: Remington Steele, Noble House, Lark cigarettes, even the Alistair Maclean knock-offs (when he didn't have the moustache!), a Russian agent masquerading as a British playboy called James Stock in THE FOURTH PROTOCOL. Adrian Paul looks a lot like Connery when he was younger, but what roles has he been in? The part in Highlander knows martial arts, but the resemblance to Bond in the character is minimal.

Brosnan also had history with the role. Right back to when he met Cubby Broccoli during the filming of FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. Then he was offered the part, and we know what happened. So by the time it came round to GOLDENEYE, he'd been 'the guy who should play Bond' for many years in the minds of a good many people.

For a lot of people - EON included - Pierce Brosnan looked like he was born to play James Bond. Not so many people - despite your polls - actually want Adrian Paul in the part. He's also, what, four years younger than Brosnan? His time has gone, I'm afraid. At the height of Highlander's success was the only time he was a contender.

[Seannery]

There are definitely strong opinions on both side of this--Paul produces passion for and against. I'm not one for wishful thinking and I think he has a realistic shot as I have pointed out before Marjil, Adrian fits perfectly in with the Eon pattern(and a very successful pattern!) of picking a 40 something relatively obscure and struggling actor who is well cast and semi-known in the USA and who has been on their radar before. His age and youthful looks fits perfectly with Roger, Pierce and Tim. And spynovelfan, Highlander was in fact great Bond training ground like the Saint and Remington as a worldly sophisticated action hero with charm, humor and drama and to dismiss the polls is just wishful thinking. I may be wrong about him being picked BUT so could the other side. There is definitely a realistic shot. I'm content to wait and see.

[Sam Fisher]

Sennery is correct. All this conjecture is making my head spin.

And much thanks to Marjil for the brillant emphasis.

[willun]

I think Adrian, Would be a great pick For Bond
He looks the part, He has Sean Like qualities, And I think he did a great job on Highlander.
I just would not be happy with a younger Bond....

[spynovelfan]

  I think Adrian, Would be a great pick For Bond
He looks the part, He has Sean Like qualities, And I think he did a great job on Highlander.
I just would not be happy with a younger Bond....

Adrian Paul will be 46 in May. He's four years older than Brosnan was when he got the gig.

The only thing is... he's rubbisho.

[SeanValen00V]

Could he still be screen testing?

Adrian Paul's last stand for Bond.

I heard he was in London.

[Seannery]

Could he still be screen testing?

Adrian Paul's last stand for Bond.

I heard he was in London.

I wish this was so BUT Eon seems to be going younger than Adrian Paul. To me a great missed opportunity. Oh well, what can you do.