1025 replies to this topic

[Single-O-Seven]

Bah. Everything will be fine. It may take a year or two but all will be well in the Bond film universe. No way will EON walk away from this for too long. Even if they do want a break now, before long they'll be bored (or broke) and will get right back on the Bond wagon, with or without MGM (no need to discuss how they'll manage this, it's simply what it is).

[Bucky]

the way i see it, this break from movies is giving me a chance to catch up on all the bond novels that i have not read.

[Mike00spy]

No way will EON walk away from this for too long. Even if they do want a break now, before long they'll be bored (or broke) and will get right back on the Bond wagon,

EON doesn't even make movies other than Bond movies. I've always wondered why.

[Single-O-Seven]

the way i see it, this break from movies is giving me a chance to catch up on all the bond novels that i have not read.

A worthy endeavour, my friend. How far along are you?

[MattofSteel]

Why are we on Bond websites if we want the series to end? <shakes head>

No way does this take 10 yrs. The next Bond will be out in 2012 or 2013.

The logical half of my brain agrees.

Entangled as the legalities are, no one - no one - in the entire equation benefits from Bond not being on the big screen and despite the dumbassery on display from some of the powers that be, they're all smart enough to realize that.

I wouldn't want to say 2012 is totally unrealistic.

[bondrules]

The one good thing about this indefinite delay is that Judi Dench is gone for good.

[Single-O-Seven]

The one good thing about this indefinite delay is that Judi Dench is gone for good.

I suspect that's very likely. She is quite aged, but it's possible she might be up for another go if the next film isn't delayed more than a year or two.

[bondrules]

The one good thing about this indefinite delay is that Judi Dench is gone for good.

I suspect that's very likely. She is quite aged, but it's possible she might be up for another go if the next film isn't delayed more than a year or two.

I agree. Beyond a three year gap she is definitely out. It's amazing to think that already it's been 15 years of having a she-M. I miss the Robert Brown days. We should come out of this ordeal with the return of the male M. That I look forward to.

[Single-O-Seven]

The one good thing about this indefinite delay is that Judi Dench is gone for good.

I suspect that's very likely. She is quite aged, but it's possible she might be up for another go if the next film isn't delayed more than a year or two.

I agree. Beyond a three year gap she is definitely out. It's amazing to think that already it's been 15 years of having a she-M. I miss the Robert Brown days. We should come out of this ordeal with the return of the male M. That I look forward to.

No offense to Dench who served her role well in the Brosnan era. But the Craig era, as it was meant to wipe the slate clean and return to Fleming, should have done this completely, and brought in a male M.

If the break continues, as you say, for a few more years, then we may get a male M. If a new Bond is cast (should the break go so long) then I think this will be a certainty, as they probably won't want to replace Dench with another woman for some time.

[Bucky]

the way i see it, this break from movies is giving me a chance to catch up on all the bond novels that i have not read.

A worthy endeavour, my friend. How far along are you?

i had already read all of fleming, colonel sun, all of higson, and four of gardner's novels before this break became official. i just finished reading benson's the union trilogy.

i might read some of gardner's other novels that i have around or read the moneypenny diaries next.

Edited by Bucky, 07 July 2010 - 02:41 AM.

[The Shark]

Quite agree. The keeping of Dench and Arnold after the Brosnan era's fate was sealed, was big mistake IMO. Despite wanting to wipe the slate clean, they kept over some stale 90s anachronisms of the Brosnan era.

We've all moved on now. Can't we at least experiment with other actors and composers?

MattofSteel: Since I know you're watching, and being tempted to reply here, so I'll bite. If a new composer for Bond 23 gets bad public and fan reception, bring Arnold back by all means. But at least give the other fella a chance. Bond needs variety.

[Syndicate]

Looking over some of the posts for this, the things MGM don't want to give up or sell their ownership that they brought from Harry Saltzman, after he went into unrelated financial difficulties. Another thing is MGM don't want to fade into movie history, there use to be a movie studio MGM, they were from the the golden age of of hollywood till when. These days we don't hear the names Republic Pictures and RKO. I think MGM don't want to be like that.

[MattofSteel]

MattofSteel: Since I know you're watching, and being tempted to reply here, so I'll bite. If a new composer for Bond 23 gets bad public and fan reception, bring Arnold back by all means. But at least give the other fella a chance. Bond needs variety.

C'mon Shark, I was gonna let it go....

Can't argue the logic that Dench and Arnold should have been replaced. Had it happened, I would have accepted it. But as you're well aware, I'm quite glad Arnold stayed.

[triviachamp]

the so-called Harry Saltzman/Technicolor blunder of 1974/75

How was Technicolor involved? From what I can gather from a brief google search Saltzman bought it and I can guess that the expenses were too much and forced him to sell Bond. Is that right? Does this mean that Saltzman killed off the Dye Transfer procedure as well?

As for the rest of your post, how depressing.

It was a great series for the duration of my life, but all good things must come to an end.

Couldn't agree more, Doctor.

Let it die.

If Bond is dead, then surely the series deserves a better death than the one MGM are apparently trying to give it.

Yeah, I always knew the EON series would die someday but I would have preferred it to die by becoming unprofitable or EON deciding to close up shop rather then getting killed by their distributor going bankrupt.

Still if the EON series dies Bond is not dead. Even before going into public domain someone else could buy up Bond and makes some movies.

[Colossus]

One thing IS certain: it's not the end of Bond on film. In fact, I wrote a lengthy article on the subject of copyright and trademark law years ago (which I've pretty much mostly forgotten). But the gist of the article was that, like stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle or H.G.Wells, sometime in the not-too-distant future the works of Fleming will eventually pass into the public domain and then you'll have directors like Michael Bay Jr's grandson or James Cameron, Jr's grand-daughter making their own adaptations of Casino Royale (in 6-D no less). Granted, you and I will probably be dead, but Bond will live on in the hearts, and minds and direct-to-brain-downloads of people living in the 22nd century.

And, sadly, MGM will probably be on its 250th extension in the year 2110.

I cannot wait until Bond goes public domain, it is too big of a thing to let EON hold it forever. It gave it cinematic birth but it's time for it to move on to other things. When it does go public domain i can't wait to see the many different takes others will do for the character, something like an ode to the 60s Bondmania with all the hundreds of copycat movies being made of similar agents, Agent 077, Superdragon, Kommissar X, etc.

[Harry Fawkes]

I'm gonna make a Bond film.

[Germanlady]

The first article since it was brought up that actually makes some sense IMO

http://www.slashfilm...ly-exaggerated/

[LoneWolf]

Maybe Christopher Nolan will purchase the rights to Bond with all the money he'll receive from Inception. Hey, I can dream right?

On a serious note, I really hope EON follows through with at least one more Bond film for Daniel Craig. Three is a solid number, yet I'm hoping for more. He is an exceptional actor & an awesome Bond. I'm pretty confident he'll resume his role as 007. However, if this isn't the case, I hope he returns to a role similar to that of Layer Cake - the movie which earned him favor.

In the meantime, I'm anticipating a new response from EON to shed some light on the dilemma. I'm growing a bit weary of the "Bond is dead" headlines.

Edited by LoneWolf, 07 July 2010 - 06:35 AM.

[The ides of Mark]

Hope so too Lone Wolf, especially since Quantum still has to be dealt with and Q and Moneypenny haven't been introduced yet.

[Time Agent]

I was hoping to see Q and Moneypenny in the Craig era...

[triviachamp]

The first article since it was brought up that actually makes some sense IMO

http://www.slashfilm...ly-exaggerated/

Well it seems that some people are assuming that this is the end of EON Bond. I mean it could very well be the end of the Craig era or even of the Babara Broccoli/Michael G. Wilson era but this is not necessarily the end of EON Bond. Of course the end of EON Bond wouldn't be the end of Movie Bond, let alone of Bond himself. Seems many of us are getting a bit ahead of ourselves here.

[SecretAgentFan]

The slashfilm article finally brings some balance to this.

Of course, nothing has changed. That´s the problem. MGM is still struggling to stay afloat by getting more time and distributing no new films.

EON will continue with Bond. Wilson maybe will resign due to his age anyway. Barbara will go on. It´s her father´s legacy which she gave a new lease of life with the re-boot. It´ll be interesting to see whether she will go forward alone or which partner she will get on board.

The involvement of Craig, however, will depend on the time that has to pass until Bond 23 gets into production. So... a 50:50 chance for him.

But James Bond WILL return.

[BoogieBond]

The slashfilm article finally brings some balance to this.

Of course, nothing has changed. That´s the problem. MGM is still struggling to stay afloat by getting more time and distributing no new films.

EON will continue with Bond. Wilson maybe will resign due to his age anyway. Barbara will go on. It´s her father´s legacy which she gave a new lease of life with the re-boot. It´ll be interesting to see whether she will go forward alone or which partner she will get on board.

The involvement of Craig, however, will depend on the time that has to pass until Bond 23 gets into production. So... a 50:50 chance for him.

But James Bond WILL return.

Yeah, I am prepared for a 3-4 year wait for Bond out maybe in 2014 or whatever. I would be disappointed if it was a 10 year gap. UA got brought by MGM didn't they in the 80s. Although the paperwork may have taken a long time, they still brought Bond films out, and that makes sense, as the series is a proven moneyspinner. They will make a deal with Sony to co-produce/distribute Bond.
I still think if its comes out within the 2014 sort of timescale, Craig will be in (at 46 he would have one left in him) if it goes on more than that it would probably mean a change of actor I guess.
But if "Something" happens in a year and MGM get resolved, then I have higher hopes

Edited by BoogieBond, 07 July 2010 - 10:08 AM.

[Zorin Industries]

The obituaries may be suggesting Bond is dead, but right now a plastercast coffin is being unzipped somewhere in the depths of Tokyo Harbour.

Watch this space...

[SecretAgentFan]

The obituaries may be suggesting Bond is dead, but right now a plastercast coffin is being unzipped somewhere in the depths of Tokyo Harbour.

Watch this space...

Good thing that Bond does not only live twice.

[Germanlady]

The obituaries may be suggesting Bond is dead, but right now a plastercast coffin is being unzipped somewhere in the depths of Tokyo Harbour.

Watch this space...

OK - hoping...

[Jericho_One]

Well, I have nothing new to add to this discussion, but I would hate to see History repeating (yes, I would have loved to watch a third outing by Timothy Dalton). This to say, Daniel Craig is to good to be wasted like this. At least one more, people!

[captnash2]

aren't there any broccoli children waiting in the wings to take over the family business as michael and barbara did from cubby in the 90s?

i thought it was good idea to have dench as m in CR as way of easing craig into the role in the minds of the audience who watched past instalments.
would have been tougher to have him in his 1st bond movie without some kind of touchstone to the past.

[Germanlady]

The legal entanglement of this situation is so enormous that the only way a Bond film will get made for 2012 is that Sony Pictures is allowed to make one more under their banner. Otherwise, the so-called Harry Saltzman/Technicolor blunder of 1974/75 has reached across four decades and forced the most successful movie series in history to a definite halt that will take years to recover. When I say years, I mean this can take up to 10 years to iron out. There is an army of lawyers and bankers behind this and every 'i' needs to be dotted and every 't' crossed. We are talking about billions of dollars and the new owners will want every cent counted. This includes residuals, rentals - past and present, investors - past and present. Working out new agreements with the estates of dead artists, etc. The list is endless and nothing will advance until the accountants have done their research and concluded everything. Of course, if there is anything that was done incorrectly many years before, the accountants have to go back and correct that.

Bottom line: This is a huge mess and Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson most likely have moved on to other projects while this works itself out for the next decade. Sorry folks, unless Sony gets a free pass, Craig is just a twosome Bond.

Either you are Dalton/Craig on MI6 or you uys are copying from one another

[The Ghost Who Walks]

I frankly have trouble seeing the big deal of these "news". Isn't this all stuff we already know? That the making of the film has been delayed? Nobody says they have cancelled development permanently. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before the financial mess MGM is in will have to be sorted out in some way.

However, allow me to join the slightly panicky "We might never see Craig using the PPK again!"-club. It'd be a shame if his final 007-performance was in a bloody video game, like Brosnan's (regardless of quality). It'd be even worse to see the second best Bond go out with a film as dissapointing as Quantum of Solace, at least to me.