2121 replies to this topic

[zencat]

Still, PROJECT X certainly strikes me as a more interesting proposition than the "serious" and "worthy" director Sam Mendes and the "serious" and "worthy" playwright Peter Morgan taking Bond yet further down the road of dullness, angst and joyless self-importance.

Very good point, Loomis. I think IFP might have learned their lesson by going "upscale" to Faulks in a way that Eon, apparently, has not. Who knows, Deaver could be IFPs Martin Campbell. The perfect mix of talent and someone who loves and understands the genre. (Of course, Charlie Higson has been that for them as well.)

[godwulf]

In my opinion, Felix Leiter should make an appearance or at least be referenced whenever: (1) Bond is in the United States, (2) Bond is involved in a case that involves the United States or her interests, or (3) the Central Intelligence Agency is involved.

Imagine, for a moment, the most obnoxious British stereotype of a characer you can; now imagine that that character appears in at least every other adventure of one of your favorite literary heroes. Would you enjoy that?

I'm sorry, when I wrote that I guess I just assumed that you were British - perhaps you're not. (And now that I've checked, I see that you aren't. Okay, make it a character from Ohio, then - same exercise.)

In any case, although I'm not from Texas, I am an American, and I don't appreciate the loud-mouthed, clownish, good-old-boy persona that Leiter exudes. I simply cannot fathom the apparent fascination that Fleming and Gardner had for this type of character. Leiter's presence - or that of one of Gardner's pseudo-Leiters - in a book invariably lessens my enjoyment of it.

Edited by godwulf, 29 May 2010 - 02:02 AM.

[Double-Oh Agent]

On the reboot thoughts, I can't see it be allowed. You can't just have the "flavour" of Fleming and a bunch of new adventures about a bloke called James Bond (Well, you can, I suppose - the existential approach would have been better suited for Seb Faulks). You need the man who tackled Le Chiffre, Goldfinger and the rest. Up front and present.

So I suspect - hope - we'll get Fleming's perennial 38 year old in 2011.

Play it with a straight bat, Jeff.

My tuppence there for you, then.

My sentiments exactly. I would hate it if they rebooted the literary Bond.

I've never really had trouble with the idea of Bond being the same basic 'guy' across all the films (or, separately, the novels) - I've just always considered the character independent of time.

Same here. Bond may age slightly over the years but he never grows old.

[Righty007]

In my opinion, Felix Leiter should make an appearance or at least be referenced whenever: (1) Bond is in the United States, (2) Bond is involved in a case that involves the United States or her interests, or (3) the Central Intelligence Agency is involved.

Imagine, for a moment, the most obnoxious British stereotype of a characer you can; now imagine that that character appears in at least every other adventure of one of your favorite literary heroes. Would you enjoy that?

I'm sorry, when I wrote that I guess I just assumed that you were British - perhaps you're not. (And now that I've checked, I see that you aren't. Okay, make it a character from Ohio, then - same exercise.)

In any case, although I'm not from Texas, I am an American, and I don't appreciate the loud-mouthed, clownish, good-old-boy persona that Leiter exudes. I simply cannot fathom the apparent fascination that Fleming and Gardner had for this type of character. Leiter's presence - or that of one of Gardner's pseudo-Leiters - in a book invariably lessens my enjoyment of it.

Full disclosure: I own and operate FelixLeiter.com so I'm going to be biased on any matter involving Felix Leiter.

[sharpshooter]

Been thinking about this reboot idea. I’m still all for it.

The only problem I would really have would be the removal of the constants in Bond’s life. Constants that he should always have, no matter what universe he inhabits. The big, itegral events that shaped his life and character. Such as Vesper’s betrayal and suicide.

I wouldn’t want an author writing a brand new ‘origin’ for Bond’s professional career. It’s like having a Batman story without having Bruce’s parents killed in the street. The narrative is set in that regard. But ideally, as have been discussed, none of these events would be raised.

It would be the Bond of today on the scene, no questions asked – with no Fleming era baggage, and instead the freedom to do a fresh take with Bond's world.

[Double-Oh Agent]

In my opinion, Felix Leiter should make an appearance or at least be referenced whenever: (1) Bond is in the United States, (2) Bond is involved in a case that involves the United States or her interests, or (3) the Central Intelligence Agency is involved.

Imagine, for a moment, the most obnoxious British stereotype of a characer you can; now imagine that that character appears in at least every other adventure of one of your favorite literary heroes. Would you enjoy that?

I'm sorry, when I wrote that I guess I just assumed that you were British - perhaps you're not. (And now that I've checked, I see that you aren't. Okay, make it a character from Ohio, then - same exercise.)

In any case, although I'm not from Texas, I am an American, and I don't appreciate the loud-mouthed, clownish, good-old-boy persona that Leiter exudes. I simply cannot fathom the apparent fascination that Fleming and Gardner had for this type of character. Leiter's presence - or that of one of Gardner's pseudo-Leiters - in a book invariably lessens my enjoyment of it.

Full disclosure: I own and operate FelixLeiter.com so I'm going to be biased on any matter involving Felix Leiter.

Well I'm an American (from the Pacific Northwest) and I don't find Felix Leiter at all obnoxious, loud-mouthed, or clownish--maybe having a little good-ol'-boy persona but not much. He's just a good, solid character who also happens to be Bond's best pal in the US of A, so of course he's going to be friendlier than others with 007. I, for one, would miss seeing the occasional Leiter appearance in the literary world. Should he be in every book? No. But he should appear once in a while. It's always a welcome sight when he returns.

[[dark]]

Pre-order Project X

Plus, official Project X Twitter feed launched

[zencat]

Wow! Amazon pre-order page already? I'm stunned. Nice find. I didn't even think to check Amazon yet. This roll out has just been...beautiful.

[Qwerty]

Love that graphic IFP is using for it.

[Guy Haines]

That title has got to change - "Project X"? It reads as if it belongs to a 1950s B movie science fiction tale, not a contemporary James Bond novel.

Also, let us suppose the book is written and Mr Wilson and Ms Broccoli want to film it. We would have a problem with the title song immediately (plus the inevitable red top tabloid nonsense, which I could write already - "X factor winner for Project X theme song" and so on. ).

I'm intrigued, though, by the choice of Jeffrey Deaver. I listened to his interview on the BBC Radio 4 "Today" programme this morning. He sounds respectful of Fleming and Bond, having been brought up on the Fleming books as a child. (he said his parents censored what he could watch at the cinema and on TV, but allowed him to read pretty much what he wanted - little appreciating some of the "adult" content in the Bond novels!) I'm prepared to give him a chance. I just hope the "fast paced" story he promises holds together rather better than that confected by his predecessor as Ian Fleming's successor, Sebastian Faulks.

Project X is the novel's codename.

Under "title" on the official website it says: "Information about the content of the book remains top secret."

Thank goodness for that! I was writing ironically, though, particularly about the "theme tune" and so on.

I suppose the next thing that will be keeping us Bond botherers occupied, apart from the ongoing MGM soap opera,and whether Daniel Craig will still be around for "23" and the like is - what will "X"s real title be? Anyone want to hazard a guess? I'm sorry, I haven't a clue. (that's not my suggestion, by the way!)

[clinkeroo]

Maybe my condemnation of the movie Bond was too harsh.

Not possible. It's like comparing bubble gum to steak.

I'm surprised there haven't been any Leave It to Deaver headlines yet.

I was thinking Deaver May Care.

[DLibrasnow]

Hmm..from the Deaver interview I have to wonder if Deaver has even read Fleming?! His take on Bond seems to be the cinematic Bond rather than the literary Bond and his talk of "twists and turns" sounds positively Gardneresque.

[Jack Spang]

While I certainly wouldn't say I was a fan of DMC, I do think it is better than QOS and the Brosnan films. I think Gardner's novels are better than Benson's overall and I enjoy all of these books more than the post Dalton movies with the exception of the cinematic CR.

I think a few twists and turns are good as long as there are not to many obviously. I don't like the sound of multiple locations however. This is too much like the films.

Edited by Jack Spang, 29 May 2010 - 09:08 AM.

[Vauxhall]

A bit late to the party as per usual, but it’s excellent news that we actually have something Bond-related to look forward to. Don’t know much about Jeffrey Deaver but that may be a good thing; no pre-conceptions.

[Double-Oh Agent]

Hmm..from the Deaver interview I have to wonder if Deaver has even read Fleming?! His take on Bond seems to be the cinematic Bond rather than the literary Bond and his talk of "twists and turns" sounds positively Gardneresque.

Perhaps, but "twists and turns" does not necessarily mean double and triple crosses. It could--and I think likely will--mean that the scope of Bond's mission changes from what it was originally to something else entirely the more he investigates. Similar to Bond spying on Goldfinger to see how the value of the tycoon's gold increases only to learn that he has to stop Goldfinger from bombing Fort Knox. Or that Bond goes to confront Dr. Shatterhand and discovers that the man is actually his arch-enemy Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Those are the twists and turns I'm expecting.

Personally, I'm not at all worried about Jeffery Deaver. I have the utmost confidence in him. He's a great thriller writer.

[Major Tallon]

In my opinion, Felix Leiter should make an appearance or at least be referenced whenever: (1) Bond is in the United States, (2) Bond is involved in a case that involves the United States or her interests, or (3) the Central Intelligence Agency is involved.

Imagine, for a moment, the most obnoxious British stereotype of a characer you can; now imagine that that character appears in at least every other adventure of one of your favorite literary heroes. Would you enjoy that?

I'm sorry, when I wrote that I guess I just assumed that you were British - perhaps you're not. (And now that I've checked, I see that you aren't. Okay, make it a character from Ohio, then - same exercise.)

In any case, although I'm not from Texas, I am an American, and I don't appreciate the loud-mouthed, clownish, good-old-boy persona that Leiter exudes. I simply cannot fathom the apparent fascination that Fleming and Gardner had for this type of character. Leiter's presence - or that of one of Gardner's pseudo-Leiters - in a book invariably lessens my enjoyment of it.

Full disclosure: I own and operate FelixLeiter.com so I'm going to be biased on any matter involving Felix Leiter.

Well I'm an American (from the Pacific Northwest) and I don't find Felix Leiter at all obnoxious, loud-mouthed, or clownish--maybe having a little good-ol'-boy persona but not much. He's just a good, solid character who also happens to be Bond's best pal in the US of A, so of course he's going to be friendlier than others with 007. I, for one, would miss seeing the occasional Leiter appearance in the literary world. Should he be in every book? No. But he should appear once in a while. It's always a welcome sight when he returns.

I agree with Double-Oh Agent. Leiter serves as Bond's tour guide to parts of the world in which Bond's not at home. He's often cynical, but he's smart and incisive. He may be written in places as a bit of a plain talking country boy but I don't find him clownish, let alone obnoxious, in the least.

[marktmurphy]

If I may inject what will probably be an unpopular opinion here, I hope never to hear the name "Felix Leiter" again, and would be very happy if such a character never appeared in any future Bond novel. At least the films didn't always portray him as a drawling Texas buffoon - a type with whom British writers, if I may say so, seem to be inordinately taken - but, of course, Bond and Gardner did, and Gardner even featured any number of pseudo-Leiters in his books, like Ed Rushia in Brokenclaw, apparently for comic relief. It's a stereotype that makes me cringe every time I encounter it, and one that I'm hopeful Deaver won't perpetuate.

Yeah I'm not bothered if we don't see Felix again. Seems a bit silly that these two men keep bumping into each other no matter where in the world they are, and Felix just isn't really an interesting character to me. I don't see him as an integral part of a Bond story.

[zencat]

Love that graphic IFP is using for it.

Yes, happy to see a larger one. Couldn't quite make out what the button said on the other. Now I see, "Strictly Confidential." I also thought it was the IFP logo. Turns out it's Hodder.

Wonder how long the book is going to carry the "Project X" code name. They certainly have invested a lot in it. Maybe all the way to publication? They'll reveal title and cover on release day. Fun...but also agonizing to wait.

[Syndicate]

If Jeffery Deaver does not return after this novel, maybe these author can write some Bond novel. Jeffery Archer, Robert Harris and Anthony Horowitz

[zencat]

We're moving onto the next author already are we?

I'm hoping for a few books by Deaver. At least three.

[Trident]

We're moving onto the next author already are we?

I'm hoping for a few books by Deaver. At least three.

Hardly. I suppose it's a one-off, probably just made possible as Deaver's stand-alone outside his two series Rhyme and Dance.

BUT

I also think IFP has already a fairly good idea on whose door to knock after Deaver's.

EDIT

BUT II - The Revenge of the Second Guess:

If Deaver's first dabble into the Bond world should turn out favourably

AND

if Deaver would be willing to give his other non-series work the backseat for a given time

THEN

who knows?

[zencat]

I also think IFP has already a fairly good idea on whose door to knock after Deaver's.

At some point they really should knock on Charlie Higson's door. Be sort of tragic if he never got a shot at an adult Bond novel. He would no doubt deliver a fantastic book.

[Righty007]

We're moving onto the next author already are we?

I'm hoping for a few books by Deaver. At least three.

I also think IFP has already a fairly good idea on whose door to knock after Deaver's.

My guess would be somebody that did an introduction for the 2006 Penguin reprints...

CASINO ROYALE - Jeffery Deaver
LIVE AND LET DIE - Louise Welsh
MOONRAKER - Michael Dibdin
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER - Jonathan Kellerman
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - Charlie Higson
DR NO - Simon Winder
GOLDFINGER - Ben Schott
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - Barry Eisler
THUNDERBALL - David Wolstencroft
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME - Nick Stone
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE - Val McDermid
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE - Mo Hayder
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN - Charles Cumming
OCTOPUSSY/THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS - Robert Ryan

[zencat]

Oh, Deaver did the intro to CR? Gotta get that. Or, wait, maybe I already have it?

[Trident]

I also think IFP has already a fairly good idea on whose door to knock after Deaver's.

At some point they really should knock on Charlie Higson's door. Be sort of tragic if he never got a shot at an adult Bond novel. He would no doubt deliver a fantastic book.

Aw, but first Charlie has to deliver Older-But-Still-Fairly-Young-Fettes-Bond, doesn't he?

No, I think Higson really is a given at some point. I wouldn't worry about that, some day it's going to happen. Perhaps even sooner than we think.

Likewise, if Deaver had already signed for a longer run, we'd know about this already, no use keeping mum about it. There may be an option, but I feel sure even a spectacular success would still mean a second Deaver Bond would be years in the future. Perhaps even with an altogether new name in Bonds picking up in between.

We're moving onto the next author already are we?

I'm hoping for a few books by Deaver. At least three.

I also think IFP has already a fairly good idea on whose door to knock after Deaver's.

My guess would be somebody that did an introduction for the 2006 Penguin reprints...

CASINO ROYALE - Jeffery Deaver
LIVE AND LET DIE - Louise Welsh
MOONRAKER - Michael Dibdin
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER - Jonathan Kellerman
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE - Charlie Higson
DR NO - Simon Winder
GOLDFINGER - Ben Schott
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - Barry Eisler
THUNDERBALL - David Wolstencroft
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME - Nick Stone
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE - Val McDermid
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE - Mo Hayder
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN - Charles Cumming
OCTOPUSSY/THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS - Robert Ryan

We already speculated along that line for the centenary. Wish IFP had picked among those for 2008.

[zencat]

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank:: 3,411 in Books

Not bad considering it's a year away. It was at 10,000 earlier today.

[Righty007]

Oh, Deaver did the intro to CR? Gotta get that. Or, wait, maybe I already have it?

Did you check to see if you already have it?

[Syndicate]

I also think IFP has already a fairly good idea on whose door to knock after Deaver's.

At some point they really should knock on Charlie Higson's door. Be sort of tragic if he never got a shot at an adult Bond novel. He would no doubt deliver a fantastic book.

I would like to see Charlie Higson write some adult Bond novels. It be good see who he use as a villian, what are the happenings and how he see that part of the Bond world.

[zencat]

Oh, Deaver did the intro to CR? Gotta get that. Or, wait, maybe I already have it?

Did you check to see if you already have it?

Yes, I have it. It's in my Centenary Box Set.

[DAN LIGHTER]

I popped out to get Jeffery Deaver's Garden of Beasts yesterday and got a UK first for £4. This is the book that got him the gig they say. Anyway thanks for posting the link to it Righty007 as it made me go out and get it.