92 replies to this topic

[Stax]

http://www.hollywood...t_id=1002840141

[K1Bond007]

It's about time you posted Stax. Where have you been and why isn't your Blog updated?

Oh and.. continued initial response to Michell I don't know. He could be good I guess. I could name a couple other directors (non-big name) that I'd rather have for sure.

You missed this:
"the film is based on an original idea from Bond producer Michael Wilson"

Interesting. I wonder if it's using some of Dalton's 3rd or some of the other scrapped screenplays he wrote.

[Gobi-1]

Well it's not quite a confirmation, yet. The only film I've see that Michell has directed is "Notting Hill", but I enjoyed that very much. Hopefully we'll get an official confirmation soon.

[tdalton]

I found it interesting that they're looking for a writer to adapt Wilson's concept. If Haggis' script is as good as everyone's saying it is, why not bring him on as the sole screenwriter? And does this mean that Purvis and Wade won't be returning to the franchise? Honestly, I found the part about them looking for a screenwriter to be the most interesting part of the article.

Anyway, can't say that I'm excited about Michell directing a Bond film. Enduring Love and Changing Lanes were both bad movies. Of course, he could end up doing quite well with Bond 2.2, but there are so many better directors out there that it leaves you wondering why EON is (supposedly) looking to go with Michell.

[K1Bond007]

I found it interesting that they're looking for a writer to adapt Wilson's concept. If Haggis' script is as good as everyone's saying it is, why not bring him on as the sole screenwriter? And does this mean that Purvis and Wade won't be returning to the franchise? Honestly, I found the part about them looking for a screenwriter to be the most interesting part of the article.

I was under the impression that Bond 22 was already written and if they're going for a 2007 release you would think the majority of the script would already be done. I wouldn't be surprised if they're just using parts of his old screenplay to incorporate - like Dalton's 3rd which some ended up in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough, but I don't know.

Seems like an odd, yet interesting, throw in.

[tdalton]

I found it interesting that they're looking for a writer to adapt Wilson's concept. If Haggis' script is as good as everyone's saying it is, why not bring him on as the sole screenwriter? And does this mean that Purvis and Wade won't be returning to the franchise? Honestly, I found the part about them looking for a screenwriter to be the most interesting part of the article.

I was under the impression that Bond 22 was already written and if they're going for a 2007 release you would think the majority of the script would already be done. I wouldn't be surprised if they're just using parts of his old screenplay to incorporate - like Dalton's 3rd which some ended up in GoldenEye and The World Is Not Enough, but I don't know.

Seems like an odd, yet interesting, throw in.

You're right. I wasn't thinking that the script had already been done while replying to the article (I'm not sure why). I'm thinking that they're either going to push it back to 2008 or that the mention of searching for a writer simply means that they're looking for someone to come in and do what Haggis did for Casino Royale.

If they're just looking for someone to do what Haggis did for CR, then I hope that they consider someone like Steven Zaillian to do the re-write. He directed and adapted the original screenplay for Sony's All the King's Men, as well as having written the scripts for The Interpreter, Schindler's List, Hannibal, Gangs of New York, and Clear and Present Danger.

[JimmyBond]

Why not Wilson himself do the rewrite? He wrote the script for Licence to Kill almost by himself (Maibaum, if I believe correctly just came up with the story) and I consider that my favorite Bond film. I'd love for Wilson to put the writer hat on again!

[tdalton]

Why not Wilson himself do the rewrite? He wrote the script for Licence to Kill almost by himself (Maibaum, if I believe correctly just came up with the story) and I consider that my favorite Bond film. I'd love for Wilson to put the writer hat on again!

That would be a great idea as well.

[K1Bond007]

You're right. I wasn't thinking that the script had already been done while replying to the article (I'm not sure why). I'm thinking that they're either going to push it back to 2008 or that the mention of searching for a writer simply means that they're looking for someone to come in and do what Haggis did for Casino Royale.

If they're just looking for someone to do what Haggis did for CR, then I hope that they consider someone like Steven Zaillian to do the re-write. He directed and adapted the original screenplay for Sony's All the King's Men, as well as having written the scripts for The Interpreter, Schindler's List, Hannibal, Gangs of New York, and Clear and Present Danger.

I think they may be looking for another Haggis. It was rumored to be Tom Stoppard who is co-scripting The Bourne Ultimatum, if you recall. I wouldn't say it's going to be a major rewrite and I don't think the movie is going to be delayed. They've either always intended since starting CR to do Bond 22 in 2007 or they were going to go back to the regular 2 year gap. The fact that we're talking directors already kind of sends signals that in all likelihood it'll be 2007, but that's just me.

[Loomis]

Why not Wilson himself do the rewrite? He wrote the script for Licence to Kill almost by himself (Maibaum, if I believe correctly just came up with the story) and I consider that my favorite Bond film. I'd love for Wilson to put the writer hat on again!

That would be a great idea as well.

I'm under the impression (sorry, no source to cite) that he's not actually allowed to, under the terms of a deal struck with MGM following the "failure" of LICENCE TO KILL. Although it would seem curious if this "ban" is still in place all these years and "successful" films later. Anyone able to throw any light on this?

[Stax]

Thanks for the kind words. I've been swamped. I miss posting here! And don't tell my boss about my blog falling behind.

Edited by Stax, 17 July 2006 - 07:58 AM.

[Kingdom Come]

If Wilson does write the next one or his idea/ideas are added to the already written script by P & W then it will be a the end of the series. Willie should never have written any of em - as he was NOT a writer before he started and it showed.

[crashdrive]

So far our Bond Director Predictions List (posted the 13th of February 2003) holds up. First Martin Campbell (who was number 5 on the list) and now Roger Michell (number 8). Of course he first has to sign the dotted line, but if the Hollywood Reporter is writing about it, this probably means he is very close to signing. Qudoz to Loomis who always reminded me to keep an eye on Michell. Good call Loomis yet again

So what do I think of this choice? Well, unlike several people on this board, I love Changing Lanes. I thought it was an excellent character thriller with great acting en thrills. Notting Hill is also one of the best in its genre. And it's a big plus that Michell has such a great working relationship with Craig. Maybe the reason why he hasn't signed on sooner was because he wanted to be sure Craig would be in the next Bond film.

As for Wilson writing the next one, I'm all for it. He has done some excellent work. Let's just hope the next outing will be a little lighter than Casino. Give the lad a break

[MarcAngeDraco]

Apart from having worked with Craig before (Enduring Love, The Mother), I really don't see why Michell would even be considered...

[Skudor]

I can't really remember much about Changing Lanes... but the interesting bit for me is that is sounds more and more likely that we'll see B22 in 2007. With news popping out that Craig is signed again, and now a director possibly close to a deal... all sounds very interesting.

[Harmsway]

Robert Michell? Well... okay. At least Bond 22 has a director attached now, which means it really is moving forward for a likely 2007/8 release. But I'm very unimpressed with that choice.

[Simon]

Liked Changing Lanes, and even liked Arnold's score in this film.

Must agree it is an odd choice but not wishing to pigeonhole...

[Vauxhall]

Good to have some 'confirmed' news on BOND 22 if true. I guess it would mean that Broccoli, Wilson and Michell would be able to start on pre-production for BOND 22 very soon Start looking at locations, actresses and working on the script draft with Purvis and Wade. Interesting that Wilson is said to have come up with the original idea. If it is based on his story from 1990/1991, that may suggest a setting in the Far East, but I'm sceptical of that. I would imagine that it would be a development of the CASINO ROYALE plot, as previously reported.

[Bon-san]

From the linked article:

'U.K.-based helmer Roger Michell is in negotiations to direct the follow-up to "Casino Royale," which has a working title of "Bond 22."

Columbia Pictures, which is producing "Casino Royale" and "Bond 22" alongside MGM, declined comment.'

Not exactly what I would call a confirmed report, but interesting nonetheless.

[Loomis]

So far our Bond Director Predictions List (posted the 13th of February 2003) holds up. First Martin Campbell (who was number 5 on the list) and now Roger Michell (number 8). Of course he first has to sign the dotted line, but if the Hollywood Reporter is writing about it, this probably means he is very close to signing. Qudoz to Loomis who always reminded me to keep an eye on Michell. Good call Loomis yet again

Cheers, crash.

I didn't like CHANGING LANES, but will give it another viewing based on your praise. NOTTING HILL is a good film, but I question exactly how much Michell would have brought to the table. ENDURING LOVE I loathed - pretentious rubbish. His TV series "The Buddha of Suburbia" is amazing, although, again, I wonder how much Michell contributed (note that I blame him for his films I dislike, but refrain from praising him for stuff of his I find good ). Nonetheless, doubtless a good, solid choice (like Campbell and, indeed, most of the others) - a bit too Michael Apted-y for my liking, but his working relationship with Craig should help matters.

[Simon]

- a bit too Michael Apted-y for my liking, but his working relationship with Craig should help matters.

To be frank, that was what I was wondering but didn't have the nerve to bring it up - what with all my TWODDLE negativity.

Still,

1) let's see if it is true and if so,
2) let's see if they learnt from TWODDLE.

[Loomis]

- a bit too Michael Apted-y for my liking, but his working relationship with Craig should help matters.

To be frank, that was what I was wondering but didn't have the nerve to bring it up - what with all my TWODDLE negativity.

Still,

1) let's see if it is true and if so,
2) let's see if they learnt from TWODDLE.

Yes, he's another "prestigious" choice. I like snobbery in Bond, just not snobbery surrounding Bond. Still, better that Eon hires Apteds and Michells rather than Paul W.S. Andersons, Danny Cannons and Simon Wests (he writes snobbishly).

[Simon]

Well, good point.

Barings Bank was snobbish, but it went down with the best of them. But at least they were well meaning to give untried talent a shot at it.

[scottright]

This is another instance of EON hiring the competent instead of the truly gifted. Michell will work well as part of the well oiled EON machine...but if it's risk taking their after, find someone else.

[DLibrasnow]

Highly suspect report - especially since it contradicts something that Wilson himself said at the October press conference.

[jaguar007]

If Wilson does write the next one or his idea/ideas are added to the already written script by P & W then it will be a the end of the series. Willie should never have written any of em - as he was NOT a writer before he started and it showed.

Lets face it, although Wilson is not the greatest writer on the planet, the Bond series did survive his writing for a decade and the Bond series also survived Purvis and Wade. If Wilson does write Bond 22, it will not be the end of the series, just like Craig and the reboot idea won't be the end of the Bond series.

As for P & W, if the article is to believed, they are out on Bond 22.

[Publius]

Why not Wilson himself do the rewrite? He wrote the script for Licence to Kill almost by himself (Maibaum, if I believe correctly just came up with the story) and I consider that my favorite Bond film. I'd love for Wilson to put the writer hat on again!

Same here. Three of the 80s films are among my favorites, and although a fourth is among my least favorite, I wouldn't mind seeing Wilson give writing a script another go.

As for Michell, I haven't seen anything of his other than parts of the atrocious Notting Hill, so I can't say I'm pleased or upset about the choice. I suppose as long as he has a firm grasp on the technical requirements of being a director, just how exceptional he is or isn't might not be that big a deal, especially if all the other pieces fit together.

Here's hoping this is more evidence for a late 2007 release, unless it means sacrificing quality.

Edited by Publius, 17 July 2006 - 02:47 PM.

[zencat]

Wow! Real Bond 22 news. Sweet.

Thanks Stax/Tim.

[The Dove]

Wow!! This is interesting news!! No more Purvis and Wade? Hooray!! lol And the only film of Roger Michell's that I've seen is Changing Lanes, with Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck and I thought it was really well done!! So I'd be interested in seeing what Michell could bring to the Bond films!

[Tarl_Cabot]

Wow!! This is interesting news!! No more Purvis and Wade? Hooray!! lol And the only film of Roger Michell's that I've seen is Changing Lanes, with Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Affleck and I thought it was really well done!! So I'd be interested in seeing what Michell could bring to the Bond films!

No more P & W !?! Hhmm...1030 am... Is it too early to pop the champange?