454 replies to this topic

[Qwerty]

Here's a pic of Craig looking positively Bondian, with darker hair.

Indeed, that is one of the best pictures I've seen of him so far.

[B5Erik]

I'm actually more open to the idea of Craig as Bond than I was a month ago. Hugh Jackman is still my choice for Bond (regardless of his actual chances to ge the role), but I'd be willing to give Craig a chance to prove himself as 007.

Interestingly, Craig came in last out of 9 potential Bond's in MSNBC's online poll (Brosnan was first, Jackman 2nd, Clive Owen 3rd). Not a very good omen for box office potential.

If they do give Craig the role, and the movie bombs, look for someone like Hugh Jackman next time - Sony won't greenlight the movie without a more commercially viable Bond IF Casino Royale is a box office disappointment.

Personally, I'm hoping that CR is a huge hit and keeps the series more grounded in reality, but who knows what will happen?

Edited by B5Erik, 12 October 2005 - 03:17 AM.

[Vodka Martino]

didn't Fleming write that Bond has blond hair? Or am I totally off?

Your second sentence is correct, Deth. Fleming was fond of reminding us readers about the " comma of black hair that fell just above Bond's eyebrow." Left or right eyebrow I don't remember...but if I did, then I would be a little too fanatical about the world of 007.


Vodka Martino

P.S.- I just checked Chapter 6 (entitiled "Death Warrant") of 'From Russia With Love' where General G of SMERSH reads aloud his file on James Bond. Yep, black hair.

[rnblover1971]

Juts looking at his appearance, I just can't picture Craig as a larger than life iconic figure like James Bond. I want Pierce Brosnan back. more than words can say. I don't think he's too old and I'll watch him the way I'll watch Indiana Jones 4 with a 70-year old Harrison Ford (yes I'm joking, I know he's 63 right now). ;-) The fact that he's Pierce Brosnan is enough to get the 10 bucks for my ticket.

However, I'm willing to give Craig the benefit of the doubt because way back in 1989, I recall that there was a protest over Michael's Keaton becoming Batman, because nobody thought that he as a comedic actor could pull off a dark and brooding character as the Caped Crusader and his alter-ego. Well, the rest is history: Not only did Batman become the highest grossing film of 1989 (and I don't think that was out of sheer curiosity for Keaton either), but Michael Keaton even returned for the sequel! And he quit intentionally on his own terms when he didn't like the direction the franchise was going in. Even to this day, I think of Michael Keaton more than Christian Bale when I think of Batman. He pulled it off and more...

I think Daniel Craig is in the same boat. There's a lot of backlash, but I'm willing to see him through for one movie.

[Vodka Martino]

This "news" today that Craig "is" Bond is kind of funny.  I've been championing him for Bond for so long on this site and others, but to be perfectly honest, I never thought they'd choose him.  I figured that there was probably a better chance of Connery returning to the role at the beginning of Craig's candidacy.  But, now that it looks like Craig is actually going to be the one stepping into the tux, I've got to say that I'm shocked that EON actually did it.  They had two options staring them in the face: 1. Go with a "safe" pick (i.e. Butler, Purefoy, Owen, Jackman, Brosnan) or 2. Go with someone completely different who bring the character closer to what Fleming described him as being (i.e.: Daniel Craig).  The fact that they went for the second option (apparently) still shocks me, but I have to say that I am glad for this change in direction, if all of this is true.

I couldn't have said it better myself, tdalton. If Daniel Craig is cast, then I'm all for it. The guy has the look of Fleming's Bond, much like Timothy Dalton did, and he has the acting chops to lend some credibility to yet another Purvis&Wade script. Oh dear, another Purvis&Wade script. You know, the aspiring screenwriter in me cringes when I think about some of the scenes in "Die Another Day"...but that's another story.
Still, Martin Cammpbell's sure-footed directing should probably save the day.
Just my 2c.

Vodka Martino

[trumanlodge89]

i agree... i think he wold be a bold choice, and with that in mind... why not give the man a shot?

[killkenny kid]

Welcome to the team, rnblover1971. But, as a Bat fan of 40 years I know Christian Bale. Who is this Keaton guy you are talking about?

[Vodka Martino]

i agree... i think he wold be a bold choice, and with that in mind... why not give the man a shot?

Exactly, truman. I was a little uneasy about EON wanting to go with a young Bond. It all smacked too much of paranoia over the Bourne films and "Batman Begins". I didn't mind the idea of a 28 year old Bond, but whenever I thought about Henry Cavill up for the role at the age of 22, all I could think of was James Bond...licenced to drive.
I think Daniel Craig should do a great job if the rumours are true. Since Clive Owen opted out and Gerard Butler not being mentioned lately, then Craig would be a good choice. As long as the script aint crap.


Vodka Martino

[triviachamp]

Most of the media seems to think that Craig has been officially signed. I wonder if this means that this is true or they are just jumping the gun a wee bit!

[neversaynever]

This story is getting A LOT of airtime and print space. It is beign much more widely reported than any of the previous rumours about "X is the new Bond!". (I don't know why - it doesn't seem to be more credible than any of the other reports.) It seems to me that if it is not true, then given how much publicity this story has had, when the real announcement is made, there are going to be a lot of people (I mean those who are not hard core Bond fans) scratching their heads thinking "wasn't Daniel Craig announced as Bond?" Eon is doing damage to the Bond franchise by dragging out this decision and allowing all these rumours to be circulated as fact. JUST MAKE THE BLOODY DECISION AND ANNOUNCE IT!

[cvheady007]

Craig is NOWHERE near my favorite for Bond...if you read my posts, you know that I would love to see Pierce return for Royale, and I really don't care who takes the mantle afterwards, as long as he has EoN approval.

I am watching Layer Cake this week to prepare...but here's the thing: Craig can play Bond, but NOT in Casino...as I posted earlier, bring back Pierce for Royale...let him "resign" at the end, and let Craig play Bond in 2007. Most people that post here obviously have not read the book, but if they did, they would "get it"...I am saddened that the "People's Choice" (check msn's vote, check pretty much anywhere) Pierce Brosnan is not the favorite for Casino Royale.

Give it to Pierce...I don't care who is in Bond #22.

[cvheady007]

This story is getting A LOT of airtime and print space.  It is beign much more widely reported than any of the previous rumours about "X is the new Bond!".  (I don't know why - it doesn't seem to be more credible than any of the other reports.)  It seems to me that if it is not true, then given how much publicity this story has had, when the real announcement is made, there are going to be a lot of people (I mean those who are not hard core Bond fans) scratching their heads thinking "wasn't Daniel Craig announced as Bond?"  Eon is doing damage to the Bond franchise by dragging out this decision and allowing all these rumours to be circulated as fact.  JUST MAKE THE BLOODY DECISION AND ANNOUNCE IT!

There IS a lot of airtime for this...and you know what? It might be true. BUT I think that the reason I view it as more credible now is because we are at crunch-time. This is the end. This is where it all comes into play. The prediction was that the new Bond would be leaked early, so that there would be an announcement. Everybody predicts Craig, so I am ready for that announcement. Is it my fave? No. BUT - he has my support, because I pledge to support whomever is chosen.

[K1Bond007]

Most people that post here obviously have not read the book, but if they did, they would "get it"...

I guess you'll have to explain this to me. I've read the book and I apparently don't "get it"? Nothing about Craig, I just don't get why Brosnan, in your opinion, is so right for the role after reading Casino Royale? To date, I've never pictured Brosnan in a James Bond novel; however that only includes Fleming, Amis, Wood, and half of Gardner. Brosnan is almost on the opposite spectrum, IMHO, as far as Fleming's Bond goes.

??

[cvheady007]

Most people that post here obviously have not read the book, but if they did, they would "get it"...

I guess you'll have to explain this to me. I've read the book and I apparently don't "get it"? Nothing about Craig, I just don't get why Brosnan, in your opinion, is so right for the role after reading Casino Royale? To date, I've never pictured Brosnan in a James Bond novel; however that only includes Fleming, Amis, Wood, and half of Gardner. Brosnan is almost on the opposite spectrum, IMHO, as far as Fleming's Bond goes.

??

OK - and if you can't picture Brosnan as Fleming's Bond, you may end up at a loss...but the reason I see it is because Bond is ready to resign at its conclusion. The STORY fits perfectly... Brosnan "retires" as James Bond, 007, and the question is out there - will Bond return?

Yes...

Daniel Craig is Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in 2007's Property of a Lady...

[Eye Of The Tiger]

Craig is NOWHERE near my favorite for Bond...if you read my posts, you know that I would love to see Pierce return for Royale, and I really don't care who takes the mantle afterwards, as long as he has EoN approval.

I am watching Layer Cake this week to prepare...but here's the thing: Craig can play Bond, but NOT in Casino...as I posted earlier, bring back Pierce for Royale...let him "resign" at the end, and let Craig play Bond in 2007.  Most people that post here obviously have not read the book, but if they did, they would "get it"...I am saddened that the "People's Choice" (check msn's vote, check pretty much anywhere) Pierce Brosnan is not the favorite for Casino Royale.

Give it to Pierce...I don't care who is in Bond #22.

I say give it to Pierce...And I do care who is in Bond 22, and it should never be Daniel Craig! Daniel Craig is just wrong for the role of James Bond. Bond#6 should be someone like Hugh Jackman or Christian Bale. But not until Bond-22.

BRING BACK PIERCE BROSNAN!!!

[Stax]

I'd like the poster who said a "majority" view Craig's casting negatively to provide proof of that alleged majority. Has there been a Zogby poll we're not aware of? On what exactly are you basing your opinion? That's a pretty sweeping, declarative statement to make without any evidence to support it. At best, you could say Craig is a divisive choice. But you're way too early to go and speak for everybody.

[Eye Of The Tiger]

I'd like the poster who said a "majority" view Craig's casting negatively to provide proof of that alleged majority. Has there been a Zogby poll we're not aware of? On what exactly are you basing your opinion? That's a pretty sweeping, declarative statement to make without any evidence to support it. At best, you could say Craig is a divisive choice. But you're way too early to go and speak for everybody.

I'm not the one who posted the link to the poll. But there is a poll on something like CNBC (not sure that's what it's on though) and something like 73% of the votes are that Daniel Craig would be a bad choice as James Bond.

Which should be obvious anyway!

[cvheady007]

I'd like the poster who said a "majority" view Craig's casting negatively to provide proof of that alleged majority. Has there been a Zogby poll we're not aware of? On what exactly are you basing your opinion? That's a pretty sweeping, declarative statement to make without any evidence to support it. At best, you could say Craig is a divisive choice. But you're way too early to go and speak for everybody.

I'm not the one who posted the link to the poll. But there is a poll on something like CNBC (not sure that's what it's on though) and something like 73% of the votes are that Daniel Craig would be a bad choice as James Bond.

Which should be obvious anyway!

Eye - I need your confidence that Pierce will come back to re-emerge...like...NOW!

Yeah, Craig is dead last number 9 of 9 on a poll of who should be in Casino Royale.

#1? Pierce Brosnan.

[killkenny kid]

Last nite I saw Layer Cake. It blew me alway. And I was very impressed with Mr. Craig. This can be a bold choice. He has all the right stuff, (no I still want PB.) for a new direction. But, I have heard this "new direction" jazz for years. Do you actually think at this stage in the game. That Eon is going to take a risk, and GO BOLD. After all these years of fantasy Bond, we all going to get a down and gritty Bond. They took a step with Dalton, and pulled back. I don't think they have the nerve.

[Loyal Terrior]

Craig is NOWHERE near my favorite for Bond...

But gotta give the guy a chance IF he becomes Bond.

[cvheady007]

Last nite I saw Layer Cake. It blew me alway. And I was very impressed with Mr. Craig. This can be a bold choice. He has all the right stuff, (no I still want PB.) for a new direction. But, I have heard this "new direction" jazz for years. Do you actually think at this stage in the game. That Eon is going to take a risk, and GO BOLD. After all these years of fantasy Bond, we all going to get a down and gritty Bond. They took a step with Dalton, and pulled back. I don't think they have the nerve.

HEY - I am ALL FOR BOLD...cast Goran.

Bring back Pierce Brosnan. Casino Royale is a project he wanted to do, it is something I have wanted to see for years (as I am sure most REAL Bond fans have), and he is someone who can do the story right...have him "resign" at the end, and leave it "up in the air"...

It's perfect.

Hell, I'll even sign on for a SMALL percentage as another screenwriter.

I am going to watch Layer Cake this week...but honestly, it doesn't matter how I feel about it...I still want Pierce Brosnan for Casino Royale. It just has a ring to it. He wants it, and I want it....and millions others clearly do, too.

[rnblover1971]

Welcome to the team, rnblover1971. But, as a Bat fan of 40 years  :o I know Christian Bale. Who is this Keaton guy you are talking about?  :D

Thanks killkenny. Glad to be here. I'm big Bond-fan myself, but I've always been frequenting other sites.

Anyway, remember when Batman and Batman Returns came out in 1989 and 1992 respectively? Michael Keaton was Batman back then.

Truthfully, I'm quite surprised that you haven't heard of him, knowing that he was the character for two movies. But that's okay. I'll oblige you by refreshing your memory.

Anyway, just to keep the main topic of the thread going, I really do hope it's not Craig. But knowing that Brosnan wants the role again, I can't help but advocate him, really!

When Roger Moore retired, at least there was closure because we knew that he and Cubby made the decision on his terms and he resigned from the Secret Service gracefully with all the retirement benefits, such as coming back to record commentaries for his movies! We couldn't say we wanted him back because he had already made his decision to retire.

To me, Brosnan isn't getting a good severance package. And the possibility that Craig could be Bond is a slap in the face. He was fired, and shouldn't have been, in my opinion.

[cvheady007]

He knows who Keaton was - it was just a joke...but good post, nonetheless. Pierce should be back, no questions asked. Daniel Craig is a sub-par replacement, as are many others, and Brosnan is the only man who should set foot in the tux as 007 in Casino Royale.

[killkenny kid]

[quote name='rnblover1971' date='11 October 2005 - 23:56'][quote name='killkenny kid' date='11 October 2005 - 19:54']Welcome to the team, rnblover1971. But, as a Bat fan of 40 years

[Eye Of The Tiger]

I'd like the poster who said a "majority" view Craig's casting negatively to provide proof of that alleged majority. Has there been a Zogby poll we're not aware of? On what exactly are you basing your opinion? That's a pretty sweeping, declarative statement to make without any evidence to support it. At best, you could say Craig is a divisive choice. But you're way too early to go and speak for everybody.

I'm not the one who posted the link to the poll. But there is a poll on something like CNBC (not sure that's what it's on though) and something like 73% of the votes are that Daniel Craig would be a bad choice as James Bond.

Which should be obvious anyway!

Eye - I need your confidence that Pierce will come back to re-emerge...like...NOW!


Yeah, Craig is dead last number 9 of 9 on a poll of who should be in Casino Royale.

#1? Pierce Brosnan.

Sorry, I just spotted your post now.

Well I had said that I would not make anymore posts guaranteeing that Brosnan will be back (even though I'm sure he will be) but since you ask...

I really truly believe that this Daniel Craig thing is a hoax, possibly floated out there by EON themselves? That way when the public react neggatively to Craig (and as we can clearly see, they are) that it will make it clearer to everyone that they need to bring back Pierce Brosnan.

[Lord Kemsley]

Here's a pic of Craig looking positively Bondian, with darker hair.

Daniel Craig, or Daniel Cray (as Martin Campbell calls him), looks nothing like James Bond. And, with this photo, his image just gets worse. Who are we kidding? The guy looks like Vladimir Putin with a cheap toupee. Moreover, he looks too pale and sickly-looking and has a fat face. Fleming would've been aghast had he been alive today. In the books, Fleming leaves the impression that Bond is somewhat lanky and sharp featured. In From Russia With Love, when the Russian generals study one of Bond's photos, they see a "dark, clean-cut face with a three-inch scar showing whitely down the sunburned skin of the right cheek." The well tanned face reminds us of Bond's comment in "Casino Royale" that he favors the tropics. More importantly, this image of Bond is a throwback to the stereotyped image of a British officer in colonial India or Burma--a dedicated civil servant, imperialistic and with an aristocratic flair. Moreover, Fleming's Bond is Royal Navy to the hilt, and something of a snob with his penchant for gold-banded cigarettes rolled in Grosvenor Square. In contrast, Daniel Cray has an odd problem looking confident in evening wear.

There is the well known story that, For "Dr. No," Broccoli and Saltzman asked the novelist for his suggestions, and Fleming put forward actors such as Roger Moore and David Niven. In his autobiography, "When the Snow Melts," Cubby Broccoli states that the first actor he considered was Cary Grant (Grant was already in his late 50s). With these actors, the producers, as well as Fleming, envisioned the debonair, urbane type. As for Daniel Cray: however the filmmakers pile the make-up on his grusome mug, he'll never fit the part. But, hey, you get what you pay for; and if the goal of the Eon controllers is to lose money, then they certainly made the right choice. (As for my own survey, I showed Daniel Cray's photo to my co-workers this morning, and all of them--both men and women--burst in laughter. One woman even cracked, "he looks like a boiled egg!")

[K1Bond007]

Most people that post here obviously have not read the book, but if they did, they would "get it"...

I guess you'll have to explain this to me. I've read the book and I apparently don't "get it"? Nothing about Craig, I just don't get why Brosnan, in your opinion, is so right for the role after reading Casino Royale? To date, I've never pictured Brosnan in a James Bond novel; however that only includes Fleming, Amis, Wood, and half of Gardner. Brosnan is almost on the opposite spectrum, IMHO, as far as Fleming's Bond goes.

??

OK - and if you can't picture Brosnan as Fleming's Bond, you may end up at a loss...but the reason I see it is because Bond is ready to resign at its conclusion. The STORY fits perfectly... Brosnan "retires" as James Bond, 007, and the question is out there - will Bond return?

Yes...

Daniel Craig is Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 in 2007's Property of a Lady...

Bond practically gets pissed off and wants to quit after every novel and even some short stories, most notably The Living Daylights. Dalton (TLD) and Lazenby already played the "I'm gonna quit" card and in LTK Dalton actually did so.

I really don't picture Brosnan as a novel Bond. As a film Bond, sure. I liked Brosnan even with the last two crappy films, but he's not a Fleming Bond at all. He's far from. If I picture anyone from the films, I either picture Dalton or Connery.

[Atticus17F]

I showed Daniel Cray's photo to my co-workers this morning, and all of them--both men and women--burst in laughter. One woman even cracked, "he looks like a boiled egg!"

Brilliant. She should have her own show.

[zencat]

I showed Daniel Cray's photo to my co-workers this morning, and all of them--both men and women--burst in laughter. One woman even cracked, "he looks like a boiled egg!"

It's going to be a long [censored]ing year if you guys continue to voice your opinions of Craig based solely on photographs. I really hope at some point you will actually watch a movie with the man and try and come up with some intelligent arguments as to why he would or wouldn't make a good 007 (as the majority of long-term CBn members are doing), instead of continually posting knee-jerk reactions and snide comments about his appearance. Enough is enough already.

[Eye Of The Tiger]

Yeah, I know I'm gonna catch a lot of flack for saying this, but I don't really care if the movie version of James Bond looks like the book version of James Bond!

The truth is that the movie version of James Bond has always been a guy that woman find attractive, and men would not mind looking like themselves in some cases.
The public has come to expect that no matter what Ian Fleming described. And the majority of the general public have never read an Ian Fleming novel, and don't give a damn what Fleming described in his books. If they were ever going to worry whether or not the movie version of James Bond looked like Fleming's book version it should have been back in 1962. But since the public have always expected a guy who is considered to be good looking, and who is tall and has dark hair, that is what EON should feel obligated to give them!

"Always give the people what they want." And they don't want someone like Daniel Craig, or a baby-Bond either!