23 replies to this topic

[Sherlock007]

Does anybody really care if Damian Falco (Michael Madsen) returns for Bond 21? I mean, he's no Felix, nor a Jack Wade...hell, he's not even a J.W. Pepper!

For me, I want recurring characters who are either friendly with Bond or his new worst enemy -- Valentin Zukovsky and Blofeld come to mind. There's nothing wrong with Falco or Madsen himself, but I'd just rather see Jack Wade's shenanigans in a sequel than a "friendly" antagonist like Falco. He just doesn't seem to add anything to the Bond mythology.

The dream, of course, would be to have Felix Leiter return. EON could hire a good American actor -- a B-lister who won't outshine Bond, but people will recognize the guy and like him (Bruce Campell, Bill Paxton-type. Notice I said type). Granted, Felix would probably be pretty messed up as a character considering the events of "Licence to Kill," but a simple cameo would suffice, even if he's in a wheelchair.

I don't know, I just don't like things left unresolved. I don't think Licence to Kill finished Felix's story adequately, and a small appearance would just be nice tip of the hat to the fans.

It's not like we're asking them to cast all the former Bonds for Bond 21 in cameos (as much as we may dream, we know it's a fantasy).

As with Die Another Day, just acknowledge the past while moving forward, that's all.

[1q2w3e4r]

Unless you want to see Felix with a hook and Bond helping him along while he limps and shuffles its done for Felix. Wade in my opinion was one of the worst allies ever. I wished Bond would shoot HIM and get it over with. So it's Falco by default.

And I'd hate all the former Bond's in cameos. Sorry, but it just pokes fun at your audience. I'd be right off that. The film should take itself seriously.

[Mister Asterix]

I'm a huge supporter of bringing back Felix. But having Falco and Felix both in the film isn't in the realm of overkill, Particularly if part of the film takes place in the United States.

[JimmyBond]

I'd like to see Falco's role expanded a bit in the next Bond film. Maybe find out more about him, as it was in DAD, we really did'nt learn much about him.

[Sherlock007]

Yeah, Wade is a bit of a moron. I was just using him as an example. I guess what I meant is that I want a Bond "pal" rather than a dude who is neither an enemy nor a friend, like Falco.

You're probably right. Felix's day is most likely done, so I guess I can hold out for a Rene Mathis cameo instead.

Oh, and the whole "casting former Bonds in cameos" thing wasn't serious, and certianly wasn't worded as such. What I was trying to say is that there is fanboy wishlist **** that simply cannot be granted and will ruin a movie (Sean Connery as M, Roger Moore as Q, Timothy Dalton as, umm... Moneypenny, etc.) and there's fanboy **** that doesn't distract the viewer and adds depth to the film (a Felix Leiter cameo, a reference to a previous flick, etc). That's all. I just want more continuity between films....even back to the Connery era...if done in just the smallest of ways...as in Die Another Day.

[jim74454]

Did anyone see the New York Times two Sundays ago, the 16th? of November? In it they do a profile of Felix Leiter. It was fun to read, but they said the problem with the character was continuity, as the actors would always change. They also cleverly explained why Felix was missing from all the films from LALD to TLD - in the '60's spy culture was cool, but after the CIA fell from grace with the Bay of Pigs fiasco, the CIA was shunned by American culture. It was not until President Reagan spent huge amounts of money rejuvinating the military and called the Soviet Union the "Evil Empire" that we saw the return of Felix.

Personally I think it would be fun to see Felix again. Instead of having him go around actually doing the missions with Bond, like in the old days...maybe he could be premoted to the head of the CIA and have a desk job that doesn't require much work, like M.

[jim74454]

Speaking of the continuity thing....how did Felix go from white to black in Never Say Never Again? Maybe it was a new undercover thing so he could try out Q's "Ghetto Blaster".

j/k

[JimmyBond]

I think the Falco role has the potential to turn into the "General Gogol" of the 21st century. Difference being, that Falco is head of NSA (well duh! ).

[jeff319]

Leiter's presence in the next Bond movie would be great, and it would work as more of a 'connection' to the series before Brosnan's era. I mean, they had Q, but he's gone, so they need some other character to link the films.

[Sherlock007]

Hey jim74454,

For the longest time, I've had this weird nonexistent interchange in my head between Bond and Leiter at the airport from Never Say Never Again....

Felix Leiter (Bernie Casey): Hey James!

James Bond (Sean Connery): Felixsh?! You're black!

It wasn't until I rewatched Finding Forrester that I found out where the second part came from...my mind kinda spliced the two.

Ah, that was pointless...oh well.

[Peter]

Falco was not that interesting. Basically he was like the General in TND, to give M someone to be superior to. (BTW, do we really need those scenes in the Situation Rooms? In the older films, Bond was on his own after the first 15 minutes. These scenes seem self-congratulatory)

Wade was a slightly more intelligent version of JW Pepper. His appearance in TND was basically there to show an American in a Hawaiian shirt.

Felix is an actual character (despite problems of the film continuity) that I would like to see again. Incidently, Bernie Casey in NSNA was cast to make the character more memorable and probably diversify the cast. Since it was a non-official Bond, they didn't have to match the EON versions.

[JimmyBond]

Well, like it or not Falco will be returning, Michael Madsen himself confirmed he'll be back for at least the next film. I have no clue what he'll have to do with the plot, maybe Bond will finally go to America again, it certantly seems like a lot of fans want him to head back to our shores. I'd rather he didnt, but hey, what do I know right

[rubixcub]

The role of Falco will probably be expanded, too. Remember the clips on the official site? Falco had scenes that were cut- in the original script he might have had a significant part. We'll never know though. If the next Bond is indeed smaller then there may be more room for some characterization.

Dave

[OHMSS]

Falco was really a non-factor in the film. He may have had a bigger part but I didn't even really care for Michael Madsen in the role. I like him as an actor but he was mis-cast.

As for Wade, I enjoyed his brief scenes in Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies. He had a good rapport with Bond. Joe Don Baker was much better in this part than he was in Living Daylights.

Whoever the next Bond cohort is, there needs to be one. James Bond is the kind of guy that loves the ladies but keeps it real with his buddies.

[rubixcub]

I'm disappointed that Emilio Echevarria (Raul) didn't get more screen time. Here he could've been one of Bond's best allies since Kerim Bey if they'd have given him the chance.

I doubt he could be brought back, but in any case EON let's just work on the allies thing for Bond 21.

As far as Madsen goes, I just realized that unless his character were to change drastically or be explored in great depth (for a Bond film) that there'd be no point in bringing him back as he was merely a gung-ho American blowhard in DAD.

Dave

[B5Erik2]

Look, Felix has the best in prosthetics for that leg. In the movie, Leiter only lost his leg, so with a good prosthetic he could get around fine.

As long as they don't go and make him BIONIC or something he would be a welcome addition to Bond 21 - particularly if it's Casino Royale.

(Wait, there's your spinoff movie: The Sixty Million Dollar Agent! "We can rebuild him. We have the capability to make the world's first bionic Leiter...")

[Zero Zero]

Originally posted by B5Erik2
Look, Felix has the best in prosthetics for that leg.  In the movie, Leiter only lost his leg, so with a good prosthetic he could get around fine.

As long as they don't go and make him BIONIC or something he would be a welcome addition to Bond 21 - particularly if it's Casino Royale.  

I was thinking along the same lines there. Technology has come along way since the 50's, hell since the 80's. It isn't too sci-fi to explain Felix being mobile again. And I for one would love to see a return of Bond's CIA/DEA contact.
As far as Falco goes, I think it's obvious that he'll have a larger role in B21, and will be fleshed out with more character. But (IMO)seeing Bond, Leiter & Falco together on screen would be a true spectacle!

[Mister Asterix]

It is ridiculous to think that Felix couldn't return mearly because he's missing some limbs. What has Felix ever done in this series that he couldn't have done sans legs?

Of course, Bond would have to talk slower and louder to Felix so he could hear him properly.*

*That one was for you, Jim.

[00Kevin]

mabey felix could be like a desk guys, who has all the info, bond goes to get help from him when falco tells him wrong

and wade can be on the toilet the whole time

or mabey felix and wade are partners and wade is the more "field man" and felix is the desak guys back home?

mabey not

[RITZ]

Falco was absolutely rubbish in DAD:mad:

Micheal Madsen played the part(like all other parts he plays) like MR.BLONDE from RESERVOIR DOGS!!

[boeserzwilling]

We'll see what happens to Falco in 2 or 3 years.

I'm also one of those who'd love to see Felix back. But perhaps we shouldn't ask for that too loud!
Worst case scenario: A new writer comes up with the idea of turning him into a villian. I'm pretty sure they already thought of it.
That happened to the Jim Phelps character in Mission: Impossible.

[Turn]

I though based on some early information that Falco was supposed to be sort of mysterious, not knowing what side he was on. He was pretty useless, and I even like Michael Madsen a lot. He's good at playing somewhat dangerous characters, but as a spy chief he just doesn't cut it (no Reservoir Dogs pun intended).

There is no real question here. Bring back Felix.

[General Koskov]

I want Leiter back! Anyone who says that a disabled Leiter will not fit in has obviously not read Fleming's DAF or onwards. He could even have cool gadgets in his leg...

And I'd like Falco back as an arrogant sod.

[rafterman]

I liked Falco.....but if Bond does go to America then it would be appropriate for Leiter to pop in, hopefully played by Conner Trineer(Tucker in Enterprise)...