199 replies to this topic

[Mr. Blofeld]

On BBC Radio Five Live's Wittertainment today, Marc Kermode voiced his approval of the idea of Michael Sheen as Blofeld. Therefore, I am now against the suggestion.

Just like that, eh? Granted, I can see why you might hold it against Kermode, but that's still no reason to count the idea out.

Tongue was in cheek.

My stance remains that I would love Sheen in a Bond film but am against Blofeld returning.

Ahhh. Wish you would've made it a little clearer.

[DamnCoffee]

You know, after listening to Mark Kermodes Quantum of Solace review, I agree with most of his points, BUT I do think he was very harsh on the movie. It really wasn't as bad as he was making out.

I really do think Sheen would be FANTASTIC in a Bond movie though.

[Tybre]

Sheen would be fantastic in any movie. I'm just not for old Ernst showing his bald head any time soon.

[tdalton]

Setting aside for a moment my never wanting to see Blofeld return to the big screen, I don't think that Sheen would be the right person to play that character anyway. Now, I would love to have Sheen in a Bond film as a villain, but I don't see him being right for this particular role.

[danslittlefinger]

http://commanderbond...n...&item=54964

This brings up another great actor..Gary Oldman..he's bloody fantastic.

[The Shark]

I'm the opposite, I'm all for Uncle Ernie returning, but I wouldn't want to see Sheen as a villain, let alone Blofield. He could possibly play a sycophantic, politician, Quantum associate or corporate head, but lacks the required menace and presence to play a credible and threatening villain.

Even Dr No, despite his frail physique had an otherworldly, profane air to him, largely due to his sterile, gentrified, yet theatrical mannerisms and voice, to his appearance.

I don't see how bringing back Blofield would be staying in the past rather than progressing into the Bournified future. That argument IMO is shear laziness, since it implies that Blofeld would have to be true as gold to the 60s Bond films, rather than the novels (which the new Craig films are taking their cues from).

I could see Quantum's anonymous head setting about a plan to eliminate all of the less trustworthy members, to root out the weeds, and minimize compliancy within the organization. However, they've planned for Bond to do some of the work for them, along with several world class assassins. When they've finished they plan to re-launch their organization under a new guise, with new associates - SPECTRE. They use stolen government files on cutting edge weapons, intelligence networks, outposts, installations, and various highly sensitive materials - through opium smuggling. This leads Bond to a contraband network spanning from the Middle East tot the Balkans.
The smugglers are using frozen fish, and various other common goods to securely carry the opium, and later the microfilm and other relatively small devices containing intelligence. Thus 3 possible titles – The Hildebrand Rarity Rarity, if it’ the codeword to refer to the drug carrying fish, The Property of a Lady if it’s to allude to Bond serving the Queen and/or the stolen intelligence, or finally RISICO if it’s applying to Bond’s mission – i.e. Operation RISICO.

Edited by The Shark, 19 June 2009 - 11:52 PM.

[Quantumofsolace007]

I'm the opposite, I'm all for Uncle Ernie returning, but I wouldn't want to see Sheen as a villain, let alone Blofield. He could possibly play a sycophantic, politician, Quantum associate or corporate head, but lacks the required menace and presence to play a credible and threatening villain.

Even Dr No, despite his frail physique had an otherworldly, profane air to him, largely due to his sterile, gentrified, yet theatrical mannerisms and voice, to his appearance.

I don't see how bringing back Blofield would be staying in the past rather than progressing into the Bournified future. That argument IMO is shear laziness, since it implies that Blofeld would have to be true as gold to the 60s Bond films, rather than the novels (which the new Craig films are taking their cues from).

I could see Quantum's anonymous head setting about a plan to eliminate all of the less trustworthy members, to root out the weeds, and minimize compliancy within the organization. However, they've planned to do some of the work for them, along with several world class assassins. They use stolen government files on cutting edge weapons, intelligence networks, outposts, installations, and various highly sensitive materials - through opium smuggling. This leads Bond to a contraband network spanning from the Middle East tot the Balkans.
The smugglers are using frozen fish, and various other common goods to securely carry the opium, and later the microfilm and other relatively small devices containing intelligence. Thus 3 possible titles – The Hildebrand Rarity Rarity, if it’ the codeword to refer to the drug carrying fish, The Property of a Lady if it’s to allude to Bond serving the Queen and/or the stolen intelligence, or finally RISICO if it’s applying to Bond’s mission – i.e. Operation RISICO.

Not a bad idea

[Aces High]

Yes I'd watch that,just hope that there would be a nice little part in it for Philip Glenister

[double o ego]

I'm the opposite, I'm all for Uncle Ernie returning, but I wouldn't want to see Sheen as a villain, let alone Blofield. He could possibly play a sycophantic, politician, Quantum associate or corporate head, but lacks the required menace and presence to play a credible and threatening villain.

Even Dr No, despite his frail physique had an otherworldly, profane air to him, largely due to his sterile, gentrified, yet theatrical mannerisms and voice, to his appearance.

I don't see how bringing back Blofield would be staying in the past rather than progressing into the Bournified future. That argument IMO is shear laziness, since it implies that Blofeld would have to be true as gold to the 60s Bond films, rather than the novels (which the new Craig films are taking their cues from).

I could see Quantum's anonymous head setting about a plan to eliminate all of the less trustworthy members, to root out the weeds, and minimize compliancy within the organization. However, they've planned for Bond to do some of the work for them, along with several world class assassins. When they've finished they plan to re-launch their organization under a new guise, with new associates - SPECTRE. They use stolen government files on cutting edge weapons, intelligence networks, outposts, installations, and various highly sensitive materials - through opium smuggling. This leads Bond to a contraband network spanning from the Middle East tot the Balkans.
The smugglers are using frozen fish, and various other common goods to securely carry the opium, and later the microfilm and other relatively small devices containing intelligence. Thus 3 possible titles – The Hildebrand Rarity Rarity, if it’ the codeword to refer to the drug carrying fish, The Property of a Lady if it’s to allude to Bond serving the Queen and/or the stolen intelligence, or finally RISICO if it’s applying to Bond’s mission – i.e. Operation RISICO.

Interesting...you got a fanfic on this?

[MrDraco]

This morning, i was in the car on the way to the store and I heard one of the radio hosts talking about Frost Nixon and the dude who played Tony Blair in that movie possible high up in the running for the villain role in Bond 23... I know the script work hasn't even started yet but it struck me odd as a character like Tony Blair was not in Frost Nixon. Maybe they meant the movie 'W' which did have a Tony Blair in it...Maybe they meant Peter Morgan or whoever that has been selected to work on the script...I dont know just wondering if anyone has heard such news?
It was really confusing and probably just something stirred up online...
I mean script work just started? (maybe?)
Eh..besides if anyone had gotten the juice on Bond 23...It would probably be Commanderbond.net...

[jaguar007]

It was probably just someone mishearing about the Nixon/Frost screenwriter working on Bond 23.

[Tybre]

It was probably just someone mishearing about the Nixon/Frost screenwriter working on Bond 23.

Well there's all those Michael Sheen = Blofeld rumors, and Sheen is Frost in Frost/Nixon.

[MrDraco]

I figured it was a ---- up. I've heard nothing of Michael Sheen as Blofeld... how would that work out?

[Fan]

I think far too few people in this thread are familiar with the TB/OHMSS/YOLT novels' Blofeld.

[danielcraigisjamesbond007]

Quick question regarding Blofeld: Doesn't Kevin McClory 'own' Blofeld? Isn't that why he sued during the making of The Spy Who Loved Me???
If they were to use Blofeld for the next film, would there be some kind of legal dispute???

[The Shark]

This morning, i was in the car on the way to the store and I heard one of the radio hosts talking about Frost Nixon and the dude who played Tony Blair in that movie possible high up in the running for the villain role in Bond 23... I know the script work hasn't even started yet but it struck me odd as a character like Tony Blair was not in Frost Nixon. Maybe they meant the movie 'W' which did have a Tony Blair in it...Maybe they meant Peter Morgan or whoever that has been selected to work on the script...I dont know just wondering if anyone has heard such news?

They were talking about "The Queen", written by Peter Morgan, in which Michael Sheen played Tony Blair.

[Craig Arthur]

Quick question regarding Blofeld: Doesn't Kevin McClory 'own' Blofeld? Isn't that why he sued during the making of The Spy Who Loved Me???
If they were to use Blofeld for the next film, would there be some kind of legal dispute???

I keep trying to draw people's attention to this fact. If Michael Sheen has been cast as Blofeld - if! - then it won't be in Bond 23 but in the rumoured rival production "Blofeld", a new attempt to film Kevin McClory's "Warhead".

See my earlier post in this thread:

The idea that Michael Sheen is in talks to play Blofeld in Bond 23 is laughable considering they have only just begun writing the screenplay. Also, EON do not own the right to Blofeld and SPECTRE (Kevin McClory's estate do).

However, what is interesting about this rumour is that it once again suggests that there is indeed a rival Bond movie, called Blofeld, in production produced by the enigmatic Tom O'Casey.

Reports surfaced on this site several months ago:
http://debrief.comma...showtopic=53048

Why none of these rumours have been covered on the main page is a mystery to me. Anyway, this rumour about Michael Sheen suggests that pre-production is now in the casting stages (or at the very least the parties behind rumours of a movie called "Blofeld" are now claiming to be casting).

But adding more substance to these rumours are the plans of Penguin books to release a compilation of Ian Fleming's trilogy of Blofeld novels.

So, why so little discussion about these rumours in these forums and on the main page? Surely the prospect of two rival Bond films appearing in 2011 should create much speculation and debate!

[Quantumofsolace007]

Quick question regarding Blofeld: Doesn't Kevin McClory 'own' Blofeld? Isn't that why he sued during the making of The Spy Who Loved Me???
If they were to use Blofeld for the next film, would there be some kind of legal dispute???

I keep trying to draw people's attention to this fact. If Michael Sheen has been cast as Blofeld - if! - then it won't be in Bond 23 but in the rumoured rival production "Blofeld", a new attempt to film Kevin McClory's "Warhead".

See my earlier post in this thread:

The idea that Michael Sheen is in talks to play Blofeld in Bond 23 is laughable considering they have only just begun writing the screenplay. Also, EON do not own the right to Blofeld and SPECTRE (Kevin McClory's estate do).

However, what is interesting about this rumour is that it once again suggests that there is indeed a rival Bond movie, called Blofeld, in production produced by the enigmatic Tom O'Casey.

Reports surfaced on this site several months ago:
http://debrief.comma...showtopic=53048

Why none of these rumours have been covered on the main page is a mystery to me. Anyway, this rumour about Michael Sheen suggests that pre-production is now in the casting stages (or at the very least the parties behind rumours of a movie called "Blofeld" are now claiming to be casting).

But adding more substance to these rumours are the plans of Penguin books to release a compilation of Ian Fleming's trilogy of Blofeld novels.

So, why so little discussion about these rumours in these forums and on the main page? Surely the prospect of two rival Bond films appearing in 2011 should create much speculation and debate!

I think i can clean up most of the confusion

One there is no I repeat NO rival bond film going into production Blofeld is nothing more then the random prattlings of a costume designer (turned producer?) Blofeld is owned by MClory's estate (even though fleming did come up with name 2 years before meeting Mclory)


As for Michael Sheen rumour My guess because the sun and such got burned by their title rumour for bond 22 they decided to try this approach which Sheen does seem to be in everything Morgan does and would be fine adition to the franchise. I personnaly wish they would of went for the title rumour But oh well.


So to sum up no casting is being done Blofeld is nonexistant and Sheen is not cast as anything and if he was it would be an orignal villian (but here is hoping for either Hugo Von Drache or Jack Spang or possibly Von Hammerstien)

[Craig Arthur]

Thank you. Some discussion and explanations at last!

[Zorin Industries]

Quick question regarding Blofeld: Doesn't Kevin McClory 'own' Blofeld? Isn't that why he sued during the making of The Spy Who Loved Me???
If they were to use Blofeld for the next film, would there be some kind of legal dispute???

I keep trying to draw people's attention to this fact. If Michael Sheen has been cast as Blofeld - if! - then it won't be in Bond 23 but in the rumoured rival production "Blofeld", a new attempt to film Kevin McClory's "Warhead".

See my earlier post in this thread:

The idea that Michael Sheen is in talks to play Blofeld in Bond 23 is laughable considering they have only just begun writing the screenplay. Also, EON do not own the right to Blofeld and SPECTRE (Kevin McClory's estate do).

However, what is interesting about this rumour is that it once again suggests that there is indeed a rival Bond movie, called Blofeld, in production produced by the enigmatic Tom O'Casey.

Reports surfaced on this site several months ago:
http://debrief.comma...showtopic=53048

Why none of these rumours have been covered on the main page is a mystery to me. Anyway, this rumour about Michael Sheen suggests that pre-production is now in the casting stages (or at the very least the parties behind rumours of a movie called "Blofeld" are now claiming to be casting).

But adding more substance to these rumours are the plans of Penguin books to release a compilation of Ian Fleming's trilogy of Blofeld novels.

So, why so little discussion about these rumours in these forums and on the main page? Surely the prospect of two rival Bond films appearing in 2011 should create much speculation and debate!

There is NO prospect of two er "rival" Bond films appearing anytime in 2011.

The McClory cash-in cash cow has been finally silenced so Eon can indeed use a BLOFELD character whenever they want (thank God - I personally cannot stand talentless folk hanging onto the coat tails of successfully talented people).

[havok_007]

Michael sheen need to ages about 5 years then he can play blofeld

[DamnCoffee]

Badly photoshopped, but quite a Bond villainish image none the less.

http://www.dvdactive...ned-united.html

[Vauxhall]

Michael sheen need to ages about 5 years then he can play blofeld

I disagree. If Blofeld was ever to return, they should reinvent the character. It would be a waste to shave Michael Sheen's (or any actor's) scalp, give him a white cat, and say he was Blofeld.

[Quantumofsolace007]

i feel blofeld returning is waste all toggether Vaux.


As for Sheen he does look like a good bond villian I'd like him to play Alberto Risico

[Vauxhall]

i feel blofeld returning is waste all toggether Vaux.

Oh I agree. The terms I listed above were only if it was decided by the powers-that-be that Blofeld had to return for whatever reason.

[Quantumofsolace007]

i feel blofeld returning is waste all toggether Vaux.

Oh I agree. The terms I listed above were only if it was decided by the powers-that-be that Blofeld had to return for whatever reason.

True personally I wouldn't mind sheen and if he is used that is fine but I don't see blofeld coming back Wilson just said how Quantum is a sperate entity from Spectre bringing blofeld back would be a mistake

[tdalton]

i feel blofeld returning is waste all toggether Vaux.

Oh I agree. The terms I listed above were only if it was decided by the powers-that-be that Blofeld had to return for whatever reason.

True personally I wouldn't mind sheen and if he is used that is fine but I don't see blofeld coming back Wilson just said how Quantum is a sperate entity from Spectre bringing blofeld back would be a mistake

Agreed. Bringing Blofeld and/or SPECTRE back would be a big mistake for the franchise. QUANTUM is a far more sinister and terrifying organization on its own, as it's something that could very easily exist in the real world and is able to assert itself in ways SPECTRE could have only dreamed of, as they have operatives, literally, everywhere. SPECTRE was always just a terrorist organization, whereas I see QUANTUM being much more than that (although terrorism is certainly a part of their schemes, to be sure), but they appear to be structured in a way that would allow them to adapt and change their operations to suit the political climate of the time, and they also appear to be loosely structured enough so that if one person goes down, it's not much of a loss in terms of their strength as an organization.

I'd just say to leave Quantum alone and allow them to develop into their own organization over the course of the next several films, rather than trying to make them into an organization more in-line with SPECTRE.

[The Shark]

Agreed. Bringing Blofeld and/or SPECTRE back would be a big mistake for the franchise. QUANTUM is a far more sinister and terrifying organisation on its own, as it's something that could very easily exist in the real world and is able to assert itself in ways SPECTRE could have only dreamed of, as they have operatives, literally, everywhere. SPECTRE was always just a terrorist organisation, whereas I see QUANTUM being much more than that (although terrorism is certainly a part of their schemes, to be sure), but they appear to be structured in a way that would allow them to adapt and change their operations to suit the political climate of the time, and they also appear to be loosely structured enough so that if one person goes down, it's not much of a loss in terms of their strength as an organisation.

I'd just say to leave Quantum alone and allow them to develop into their own organisation over the course of the next several films, rather than trying to make them into an organisation more in-line with SPECTRE.

I'd say as they are now - A nebulous organisation composed of effete Euro-trash businessmen, who seem spend most of their time interested in overtaxing Moldavia, Bolivia, or even maybe poor Estonia!, while controlling their natural resources - comes off as completely nonthreatening. And seems to be another remnant of Paul Haggis's smug anti-American, anit-Corporate bent, encompassed by a contrived and patronising sympathy for 3rd world nations - so he can point his finger at corporations from his ivory tower.

It's also an effect of sacrificing larger than life malevolence for drab realism, in terms of the writers current plots and villains.

However SPECTRE is far more well known, and would benefit from a true-to-the-novel re-envisaging. You could even bring back the white cat, Mao suit, Polish accent and octopus ring - yet turn people's Austin Powers-tinged preconception into genuine fear when it's realised. Similar to how Nolan and co revitalised the Joker. It could genuinely work.

How many people after leaving the cinema could tell you Quantum's name? It lacks any iconic status, flair, danger or Imagination, even the name is dull. It's simply a third rate 21st Century re-imagining of SPECTRE and SMERSH, it's name designed to conveniently fit QOS's title.

Blofeld and SPECTRE are still very much in the public's memory, and Austin Powers hasn't destroyed their reputation at all, only obscured it.

It would be a wise move to bring back SPECTRE, and use QUANTUM as food for the bigger fish. Have SPECTRE plan a Heat-inspired takeover, much like a heist. It would be a perfect way to see Blofeld introduced - moving up a through an tower block, gunning down security and officials with his jump-suited henchmen, and finally sitting down on the main office chair, white cat on his lap, detonating a bomb.

I'm all for it.

Edited by The Shark, 08 July 2009 - 04:54 PM.

[Zorin Industries]

Agreed. Bringing Blofeld and/or SPECTRE back would be a big mistake for the franchise. QUANTUM is a far more sinister and terrifying organisation on its own, as it's something that could very easily exist in the real world and is able to assert itself in ways SPECTRE could have only dreamed of, as they have operatives, literally, everywhere. SPECTRE was always just a terrorist organisation, whereas I see QUANTUM being much more than that (although terrorism is certainly a part of their schemes, to be sure), but they appear to be structured in a way that would allow them to adapt and change their operations to suit the political climate of the time, and they also appear to be loosely structured enough so that if one person goes down, it's not much of a loss in terms of their strength as an organisation.

I'd just say to leave Quantum alone and allow them to develop into their own organisation over the course of the next several films, rather than trying to make them into an organisation more in-line with SPECTRE.

I'd say as they are now - A nebulous organisation composed of effete Euro-trash businessmen, who seem spend most of their time interested in overtaxing Moldavia, Bolivia, or even maybe poor Estonia!, while controlling their natural resources - comes off as completely nonthreatening. And seems to be another remnant of Paul Haggis's smug anti-American, anit-Corporate bent, encompassed by a contrived and patronising sympathy for 3rd world nations - so he can point his finger at corporations from his ivory tower.

It's also an effect of sacrificing larger than life malevolence for drab realism, in terms of the writers current plots and villains.

However SPECTRE is far more well known, and would benefit from a true-to-the-novel re-envisaging. You could even bring back the white cat, Mao suit, Polish accent and octopus ring - yet turn people's Austin Powers-tinged preconception into genuine fear when it's realised. Similar to how Nolan and co revitalised the Joker. It could genuinely work.

How many people after leaving the cinema could tell you Quantum's name? It lacks any iconic status, flair, danger or Imagination, even the name is dull. It's simply a third rate 21st Century re-imagining of SPECTRE and SMERSH, it's name designed to conveniently fit QOS's title.

Blofeld and SPECTRE are still very much in the public's memory, and Austin Powers hasn't destroyed their reputation at all, only obscured it.

It would be a wise move to bring back SPECTRE, and use QUANTUM as food for the bigger fish. Have SPECTRE plan a Heat-inspired takeover, much like a heist. It would be a perfect way to see Blofeld introduced - moving up a through an tower block, gunning down security and officials with his jump-suited henchmen, and finally sitting down on the main office chair, white cat on his lap, detonating a bomb.

I'm all for it.

Whilst I don't agree with your thoughts on QUANTUM and their menace levels I agree with the rest of your thoughts here.

Here is a take on how it could be introduced to the audience...

SC 231. INT - ATATURK AIRPORT - DAY

DEPARTURE LOUNGE. BOND smiles at a KLM TICKET GIRL (27) as she stamps his passport with equal measures of flirtation and professionalism. BOND relishes the strings-free banter and glances at the bustling CROWDS idly.

Wending through the CROWDS is a suited and fey CHINESE MAN. BOND's attention fixes on the passing CHINESE MAN's path and what is inside his only luggage - a small cage housing a Persian cat.

END OF BOND 23






Just a piece of hypothetical fun....

[tdalton]

However SPECTRE is far more well known, and would benefit from a true-to-the-novel re-envisaging. You could even bring back the white cat, Mao suit, Polish accent and octopus ring - yet turn people's Austin Powers-tinged preconception into genuine fear when it's realised. Similar to how Nolan and co revitalised the Joker. It could genuinely work.

How many people after leaving the cinema could tell you Quantum's name? It lacks any iconic status, flair, danger or Imagination, even the name is dull. It's simply a third rate 21st Century re-imagining of SPECTRE and SMERSH, it's name designed to conveniently fit QOS's title.

Blofeld and SPECTRE are still very much in the public's memory, and Austin Powers hasn't destroyed their reputation at all, only obscured it.

Of course SPECTRE is far more well known. They've been in several Bond films and have been spoofed in several other series, whereas QUANTUM has made one film appearance. The Craig Era needs to have its own villain, rather than a re-imaging of an organization that Bond has already dealt with. SPECTRE was a lousy organization the first time it appeared, and no serious attempt to bring it back is going to change the fact that Blofeld and SPECTRE have already been done in the series and it's time to move forward and allow QUANTUM to become an iconic organization on its own.