21 replies to this topic

[Mister Asterix]

[mra]Is Villiers, M

[Qwerty]

I was thinking perhaps this would be the "combination" character you mentioned, Mr. *.

Whatever the case, as long as the final screentime for the MI6 staff doesn't go overboard this time...

[JimmyBond]

Are you worrying cause they could have just used the character of Moneypenny in this film? Or because you think this character might replace Moneypenny in future films?

If you're worried about the latter I doubt they're getting rid of the character completely, I'm sure we'll see her next film.

[Andrew]

Are you worrying cause they could have just used the character of Moneypenny in this film? Or because you think this character might replace Moneypenny in future films?

If you're worried about the latter I doubt they're getting rid of the character completely, I'm sure we'll see her next film.

Slightly off topic but I'm glad they have left out Moneypenny. She really would have no place in this film and wouldn't fit.

[Righty007]

My understanding is that Miss Moneypenny, Q, and Bill Tanner are at MI6 HQ. We don't see them because there is no scene at MI6 HQ. Villiers' job is to aide M on MI6 matters when she's outside of the headquarters.

[JimmyBond]

My understanding is that Miss Moneypenny, Q, and Bill Tanner are at MI6 HQ. We don't see them because there is no scene at MI6 HQ. Villiers' job is to aide M on MI6 matters when she's outside of the headquarters.

Makes sense to me.

[K1Bond007]

I don't even think it's a possibility that he's M's secretary - I can't imagine Miss Moneypenny having the role of waking M to inform her of something. Doing this no doubt suggests some sort of higher ranking official who would get the information more first hand (i.e. not a secretary). Thus, IMHO, Villier's is either a Charles Robinson type or he may be the Chief of Staff. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if in more recent drafts he's renamed as Bill Tanner.

Seems kind of ridiculous to create a whole new role like this and ignore both Moneypenny and Tanner. I can understand replacing Robinson though.

My line of thinking anyway.

[Tanger]

My thinking is that it's Tanner renamed. Since Tanner was recently seen in the Brosnan era maybe they are trying to sever the links. Also, wasn't the first actor to play Tanner (in FYEO) named Villiers? Could be a link.

[marktmurphy]

Seems kind of ridiculous to create a whole new role like this and ignore both Moneypenny and Tanner. I can understand replacing Robinson though.

Well, we all know Robinson was pretty bland so not worth bringing back; Moneypenny is essentially a comic relief character and wouldn't fit (plus is always very deferential to Bond) and Fleming's Tanner is Bond's mate, and in this script it appears to be important that Bond has no allies in MI6: it seems important that he is regarded with suspicion by the staff. The only reason I can see for bringing back Tanner if they have to change his opinion of Bond is Michael Kitchen; a great actor, but arguably he is a little too old for the role now.

[Santa]

I like both Tanner and Robinson, although both for different reasons , and I actually think they were one of the better things to come out of the Brosnan era but I agree they shouldn't be overused. I'm hoping Villiers will be an additional character as fits the plot and the others could be used again in later Bond films. That would keep some sense of continuity without overplaying their part.

IMVHO

Edited by santajosep, 12 February 2006 - 03:56 PM.

[Loomis]

I'm sure that Moneypenny will be reintroduced in BOND 22, along with Q, and complete with some suitably "interesting" backstory. Consequently, BOND 22 will in a sense be another "origin story" for the Bond universe, just like CASINO ROYALE.

Well, maybe not "just like" CR - not so much of an origin story. But you get my drift, I'm sure.

[trumanlodge89]

i was always puzzled by M's lack of staffers in the films. for being such a high ranking official, M should have way more people working under him or her than we have seen.

[Bring Back Valentin]

Another reason [insert MI6 staff member here] is being left out is so that the story can focus exclusively on Bond. With a new lead in an origin storyline, I think it's a good idea that they left out distractions (for lack of a better term) that could take the focus, if even for one scene, off of Bond.

They can bring them all right back in 22, no harm done.

Edited by Bring Back Valentin, 13 February 2006 - 12:32 AM.

[Gabe Vieira]

My thinking is that it's Tanner renamed. Since Tanner was recently seen in the Brosnan era maybe they are trying to sever the links.

That was my thinking, as well. It's still the character of Tanner, just replaced to update the serise. Also, with all new the characters and themes being introduced in the film, there will probably be less a focus on the MI6 staff. That could be Bond 22.

Also, wasn't the first actor to play Tanner (in FYEO) named Villiers? Could be a link.

James Villers. Verry good, Tanger.

[Mister Asterix]

Also, wasn't the first actor to play Tanner (in FYEO) named Villiers? Could be a link.

James Villers. Verry good, Tanger.

Possible, though as I’ve said in other threads I think it more likely he is named for Fleming’s friend, artist and supercharger maker, Amherst Villiers whose name does appear in the book.

[Gabe Vieira]

Also, wasn't the first actor to play Tanner (in FYEO) named Villiers? Could be a link.

James Villers. Verry good, Tanger.

Possible, though as I've said in other threads, I think it more likely he is named for Fleming's friend, artist and supercharger maker, Amherst Villiers whose name does appear in the book.

Ah, good job, Mr *. Since we don't know that Villers is actually replacing Tanner in Casino Royale, I'd too have to say that the name came from Amherst Villiers.

[ACE]

[quote name='Mister Asterix' post='517253' date='13 February 2006 - 17:25']
[mra]Possible, though as I

[Blofeld's Cat]

My thinking is that it's Tanner renamed. Since Tanner was recently seen in the Brosnan era maybe they are trying to sever the links. Also, wasn't the first actor to play Tanner (in FYEO) named Villiers? Could be a link.

This thought had occured to me too, Tanger.

[K1Bond007]

Also, wasn't the first actor to play Tanner (in FYEO) named Villiers? Could be a link.

Michael Goodliffe was the first to play Tanner (TMWTGG), not James Villiers, although the possibility of the character being named after James Villiers is just that.

[Gabe Vieira]

Also, wasn't the first actor to play Tanner (in FYEO) named Villiers? Could be a link.

Michael Goodliffe was the first to play Tanner (TMWTGG), not James Villiers, although the possibility of the character being named after James Villiers is just that.

Well, Michael Goodliffe was uncredited and James Villiers was the first one to play Tanner and be credited for the role. The honor should go to Goodliffe here.

[Simon]

My thinking is that it's Tanner renamed. Since Tanner was recently seen in the Brosnan era maybe they are trying to sever the links.

It's a thought, but if link severing was on the agenda, they'd have removed Dench - still quite the most unbelievable bit of casting thus far, continuity and linkage-wise.

[Loomis]

(Dench is) still quite the most unbelievable bit of casting thus far, continuity and linkage-wise.

Ah, but only if you think CASINO ROYALE is part of the same series as the films DR. NO - DIE ANOTHER DAY.

No one ever seems to mention this apart from me, but isn't the biggest believability stumbling block about Dench in CR her age? Still, she looks great for it, and it is all about acting, after all, I suppose.