155 replies to this topic

[marktmurphy]

I've seen this mentioned elsewhere and thought it was the usual nonsense, but could there be a little more to it?

Is Al Pacino playing the head of the organisation?

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35606

Either way, expect to see it in the tabloids very soon!

[Zorin Industries]

Crazy, but not impossible or unfathomable. And Al Pacino is meant to be in the country this summer doing a play in London I believe. And I also think QUANTUM OF SOLACE will not show us who the real villain of the organisation is at all. DOMINIC GREENE is merely up the pecking order after LE CHIFFRE.

I would take this with a pinch of Stacey Sutton's rock-salt though...didn't it start with someone playfully adding Pacino's name to an IMDB listing somewhere?

[marktmurphy]

I would take this with a pinch of Stacey Sutton's rock-salt though...didn't it start with someone playfully adding Pacino's name to an IMDB listing somewhere?

Yes; that's where I heard it from first- or on wikipedia or something. That doesn't mean it was there first, though I suppose- it's possible that it's true. I'm less than convinced, though.

[Jim]

Lordy, I hope not. Subjected myself to Ocean's Thirteen the other day; he were crap.

Although I suppose "being crap" is hardly a disqualification for a being in a Bond film.

[Loomis]

Pacino, eh? Damn, I was hoping for Stallone.

I gather Sly was at the UK premiere of RAMBO in London the other day. Now, it couldn't have been beyond him to nip down the road to Pinewood to shoot a quick cameo for QUANTUM OF SOLACE.... could it? And he's on record as praising the Craig-era Bond franchise as the pioneer of a new wave of intelligent action films (can't be bothered to dig up his exact words, but it was a reply during one of his Q&As for ROCKY BALBOA on AICN). So he's obviously a fan of the series as it now stands.

[Zorin Industries]

I would take this with a pinch of Stacey Sutton's rock-salt though...didn't it start with someone playfully adding Pacino's name to an IMDB listing somewhere?

Yes; that's where I heard it from first- or on wikipedia or something. That doesn't mean it was there first, though I suppose- it's possible that it's true. I'm less than convinced, though.

Me too. But there's a lot EON are keeping close to their chest on this one - some details have even been deliberately misleading as they should be. Why should they ruin their efforts by feeding the media with every detail...?

[HawkEye007]

WTF??

Thats not really a bad exclamation, but still, I am quite confused by this. Could be interesting if its true, but I'll definitely wait for a definite confirmation from EON and the powers that be on this one.

[sharpshooter]

I'm not sure what to think about this one. While it reeks of familair and predictable casting, it comes from left field. It would be interesting if it were the case.

[Loomis]

If they were going to get someone like Pacino, it'd be nice if the casting made sense in a sort of Connery-in-LAST-CRUSADE kinda way, whereby "James Bond" was chosen as the father of Indiana Jones (although, having pulled off that inspired casting coup, Spielberg and co. for some unfathomable reason then chose to strip Connery of all Bondian qualities - to my mind, he should have played Jones, Sr. like Bond in NSNA - which would have "explained" things like Indy's womanising skills and also his resentment of his never-there-for-him old man* - rather than as a tweedy, beardy old prof with a Clouseau-esqe bumbling streak).

The head of the mysterious organisation should therefore be played by an actor who'd come across as an evil father figure in relation to Craig's Bond. And so I submit - predictably - that Stallone would actually be ideal. Or maybe Bruce Willis (who seems particularly fond of small roles and cameos). Mel Gibson might also work. What '80s action franchises was Pacino involved in, though? Also, wouldn't his casting suggest that "the organisation" was ultimately run by Italian organised crime?

Just to go in for a bit of mindless "Owenology", perhaps "Pacino" is the codename for the famous name they have chosen, whose identity is still closely guarded.

*As it stands, the friction between the two in LAST CRUSADE is inexplicable. I mean, they share exactly the same interests!

[Jim]

Just to go in for a bit of mindless "Owenology", perhaps "Pacino" is the codename for the famous name they have chosen, whose identity is still closely guarded.

Didn't we settle on "Owenanism"? Or maybe that was just me.

"Project Pacino"; I can see that. May mean that they've finally done the decent thing and cast Kathy Staff in a Bond film.

[Blonde Bond]

In my case Pacino would pretty much overshadow Craig in my eyes. I mean, the man's a legend!

So, whether this is true or not, I'm not sure about the casting rumor. Yep, it would be great to have The Great Cappucino in a Bond movie...

But in other hand, I and I think (some) other movie seeing public would be like; It's Al Pacino! In Bond . I mean Pacino, mang! And then we'd be remembering all the great Pacino roles from the past

[marktmurphy]

The head of the mysterious organisation should therefore be played by an actor who'd come across as an evil father figure in relation to Craig's Bond. And so I submit - predictably - that Stallone would actually be ideal. Or maybe Bruce Willis (who seems particularly fond of small roles and cameos). Mel Gibson might also work. What '80s action franchises was Pacino involved in, though? Also, wouldn't his casting suggest that "the organisation" was ultimately run by Italian organised crime?

But would those be a father figure to Craig's Bond? His is a little more tough and UK than just son-of-McClane or whoever. I can imagine Craig being more interested in playing against Pacino than Stallone. Stallone wouldn't exactly be on the quality level that Eon are after now- he's more associated with Hollywood fluff, whereas Eon seem to now be going for European cerebral action thriller. On that basis I'd get someone more like Gene Hackman or even Sir Clint.

[Zorin Industries]

The head of the mysterious organisation should therefore be played by an actor who'd come across as an evil father figure in relation to Craig's Bond. And so I submit - predictably - that Stallone would actually be ideal. Or maybe Bruce Willis (who seems particularly fond of small roles and cameos). Mel Gibson might also work. What '80s action franchises was Pacino involved in, though? Also, wouldn't his casting suggest that "the organisation" was ultimately run by Italian organised crime?

But would those be a father figure to Craig's Bond? His is a little more tough and UK than just son-of-McClane or whoever. I can imagine Craig being more interested in playing against Pacino than Stallone. Stallone wouldn't exactly be on the quality level that Eon are after now- he's more associated with Hollywood fluff, whereas Eon seem to now be going for European cerebral action thriller. On that basis I'd get someone more like Gene Hackman or even Sir Clint.

Hackman?!! Now you're talking....

[sharpshooter]

It could work. Craig could be brought back to size against someone such as Pacino's calibre, not acting wise but in experience and age. He would serve as a mentor of sorts. A bit like the original concept of Trevelyan in GoldenEye.

[Loomis]

The head of the mysterious organisation should therefore be played by an actor who'd come across as an evil father figure in relation to Craig's Bond. And so I submit - predictably - that Stallone would actually be ideal. Or maybe Bruce Willis (who seems particularly fond of small roles and cameos). Mel Gibson might also work. What '80s action franchises was Pacino involved in, though? Also, wouldn't his casting suggest that "the organisation" was ultimately run by Italian organised crime?

But would those be a father figure to Craig's Bond? His is a little more tough and UK than just son-of-McClane or whoever.

Granted. Still, Indiana Jones wasn't exactly 100% identical to Bond. Those guys might be a reasonably close fit in some ways, like Connery in relation to Ford in '89, but I wouldn't claim them to be perfect matches.

Eon seem to now be going for European cerebral action thriller. On that basis I'd get someone more like Gene Hackman or even Sir Clint.

Interesting choices. You've reminded me of UNFORGIVEN - perhaps Richard Harris, if he were with us, might be good. Very much a rugged, "man's man" actor, a la Craig.

[David Schofield]

Well, if you need a Bond/Fleming/Connery/60s connection - hell, even chuck in Rog - it can only be....

... SIR MICHAEL CAINE.

[Blonde Bond]

Or Sir Roger and Caine. Michael Caine could play a couple of old geezers, maybe even gay, who're actually running this global organization...

I can see it now. Though it would be more of a comedy. Or that's what I see in my head... since the last Bond movie I saw was DAF, one day ago

[00Twelve]

The head of the mysterious organisation should therefore be played by an actor who'd come across as an evil father figure in relation to Craig's Bond. And so I submit - predictably - that Stallone would actually be ideal. Or maybe Bruce Willis (who seems particularly fond of small roles and cameos). Mel Gibson might also work. What '80s action franchises was Pacino involved in, though? Also, wouldn't his casting suggest that "the organisation" was ultimately run by Italian organised crime?

But would those be a father figure to Craig's Bond? His is a little more tough and UK than just son-of-McClane or whoever. I can imagine Craig being more interested in playing against Pacino than Stallone. Stallone wouldn't exactly be on the quality level that Eon are after now- he's more associated with Hollywood fluff, whereas Eon seem to now be going for European cerebral action thriller. On that basis I'd get someone more like Gene Hackman or even Sir Clint.

Hackman?!! Now you're talking....

I'd camp out for that, Star Wars style.

[Zorin Industries]

The head of the mysterious organisation should therefore be played by an actor who'd come across as an evil father figure in relation to Craig's Bond. And so I submit - predictably - that Stallone would actually be ideal. Or maybe Bruce Willis (who seems particularly fond of small roles and cameos). Mel Gibson might also work. What '80s action franchises was Pacino involved in, though? Also, wouldn't his casting suggest that "the organisation" was ultimately run by Italian organised crime?

But would those be a father figure to Craig's Bond? His is a little more tough and UK than just son-of-McClane or whoever. I can imagine Craig being more interested in playing against Pacino than Stallone. Stallone wouldn't exactly be on the quality level that Eon are after now- he's more associated with Hollywood fluff, whereas Eon seem to now be going for European cerebral action thriller. On that basis I'd get someone more like Gene Hackman or even Sir Clint.

Hackman?!! Now you're talking....

I'd camp out for that, Star Wars style.

I'd CAMP UP for that Star Wars style.... (did I just say that out loud?!).

Incidentally, I heard the other day from someone relevant that Hackman was heavily courted for SUPERMAN RETURNS...but wouldn't commit.

But Hackman in a Bond film would perhaps be less distracting than Pacino. But I completely disagree with someones' Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson thoughts. THAT IS COMPLETELY MISSING THE POINT...

Michael Gambon.

Edited by Zorin Industries, 13 February 2008 - 02:15 PM.

[00Twelve]

The head of the mysterious organisation should therefore be played by an actor who'd come across as an evil father figure in relation to Craig's Bond. And so I submit - predictably - that Stallone would actually be ideal. Or maybe Bruce Willis (who seems particularly fond of small roles and cameos). Mel Gibson might also work. What '80s action franchises was Pacino involved in, though? Also, wouldn't his casting suggest that "the organisation" was ultimately run by Italian organised crime?

But would those be a father figure to Craig's Bond? His is a little more tough and UK than just son-of-McClane or whoever. I can imagine Craig being more interested in playing against Pacino than Stallone. Stallone wouldn't exactly be on the quality level that Eon are after now- he's more associated with Hollywood fluff, whereas Eon seem to now be going for European cerebral action thriller. On that basis I'd get someone more like Gene Hackman or even Sir Clint.

Hackman?!! Now you're talking....

I'd camp out for that, Star Wars style.

I'd CAMP UP for that Star Wars style.... (did I just say that out loud?!).

Incidentally, I heard the other day from someone relevant that Hackman was heavily courted for SUPERMAN RETURNS...but wouldn't commit.

But Hackman in a Bond film would perhaps be less distracting than Pacino. But I completely disagree with someones' Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson thoughts. THAT IS COMPLETELY MISSING THE POINT...

Michael Gambon.

Gambon can do great baddies. Just see Open Range. I'd love seeing him as either a villain or M down the road. (But my first pick for M is still Bernard Hill, hands down.)

[Jim]

But Hackman in a Bond film would perhaps be less distracting than Pacino. But I completely disagree with someones' Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson thoughts. THAT IS COMPLETELY MISSING THE POINT...

Michael Gambon.

Hmm.

Now, I don't wish to be accused of poor taste here, and RIP to the man, but someone like Roy Scheider would have been good. Or James Coburn. Them or Clint Eastwood. Or Kathy Staff. Or - sod it - James Caan.

Actually, the more I think of that, the more I like it. "With James Caan as Jamfatty Titwitch".

Or Tommy Steele.

[R. Dittmar]

Or Sir Roger and Caine. Michael Caine could play a couple of old geezers, maybe even gay, who're actually running this global organization...

I can see it now. Though it would be more of a comedy. Or that's what I see in my head... since the last Bond movie I saw was DAF, one day ago

I can see it too!! Sir Rog can be the more effeminate prissy neat one, while Sir Michael could be the earthier rough-trade sloppy one. And Rog could always be after Michael to shave and pick up after himself and help keep the secret hideout clean! Why, they'd be the original Odd Couple!!

That my friend, would be like a license to print money!

[Santa]

Albert Finney. Oh yes.

[Jim]

Albert Finney. Oh yes.

Nah. Brian Blessed. Oh YES!

[David Schofield]

Max Von Sydow.

European. Great presence.

Was Jesus Christ.

Also has previous experience running an international Organisation.

[dodge]

Max Von Sydow.

European. Great presence.

Was Jesus Christ.

Also has previous experience running an international Organisation.

You guys are on a role here. How far we've come to even be mentioning such lustrous names for a James Bond film. Hackman, Von Sydow, Pacino...Stallone. Really,
these are heady days.

[Simon]

I can see it too!! Sir Rog can be the more effeminate prissy neat one, while Sir Michael could be the earthier rough-trade sloppy one.

Well, the real cash in would be to have them the other way around - Rog as the earthy chap.

[Shrublands]

I've seen this mentioned elsewhere and thought it was the usual nonsense, but could there be a little more to it?

Is Al Pacino playing the head of the organisation?

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/35606

Either way, expect to see it in the tabloids very soon!

Some tinker has been attempting to start this rumour for days.

It has been added to (and removed by the site administrators) the Quantum of Solace entries of both IMDB and Wikipedia since Monday.

Now AICN have taken the bait, I imagine that some naughty boy has a bet on with his chums as to if they can get this ridiculous rumour spread all over the net and possibly in the press.

I firmly believe it to be obvious nonsense.

[Bondian]

Could be 'Dirty Den' from 'Eastenders'.

[Lounge Lizard]

Now I keep hearing Pacino say 'Goodbye, Mr. Bond' in that hoarse 'I'm a bad mother' voice that he has been using frequently since Scarface. Try and imagine it. It's a hoot.

I'll believe this when I see and hear it.