67 replies to this topic

[Loomis]

I do. He wouldn't be my preferred choice, but I feel that he is way ahead of all the other actors often touted as potential Bonds, since he is far more famous than most and has indicated his willingness to play 007. He's a shoe-in.

[Blofeld's Cat]

At the moment, he seems the best candidate, but someone could still pop out of the woodwork, a la PB, between now and when Pierce retires.

At the most, we are looking at about 5 years till the production start to Bond 22 (hopefully), and if he decides to retire after Bond 21, who knows who'll be around then that may be more suitable than Jackman?

But for now, it's Jackman.

[masTers]

I think PB still has 2 movies left in him........

[M_Balje]

Originally posted by masTers
I think PB still has 2 movies left in him........

I Agree.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Blofeld's Cat
At the moment, he seems the best candidate, but someone could still pop out of the woodwork, a la PB, between now and when Pierce retires.

A la Pierce Brosnan?? He was a candidate nine years before he was cast. Bond 22 is less than five years away. I seriously doubt we can expect more candidates for the role. Of this group I think Jackman is probably the most likely candidate. Runner-up: Jeremy Northam (unless Brosnan won't step down after Bond 21).

[Blofeld's Cat]

Originally posted by crashdrive

A la Pierce Brosnan?? He was a candidate nine years before he was cast.

What I meant was that Brosnan burst onto the scene with Remington Steele, and suddenly he was the perfect candidate to play Bond.

Who's to say that in the next 12 months, 2 years, whatever, that someone could suddenly appear in a TV series or a movie that will make everyone suffer whiplash from a doubletake and say: "There's the next Bond."

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Blofeld's Cat

Who's to say that in the next 12 months, 2 years, whatever, that someone could suddenly appear in a TV series or a movie that will make everyone suffer whiplash from a doubletake and say: "There's the next Bond."

It's a possibility, but an unlikely one you have to admit. Based on past precedent, it's almost impossible. EON offered Brosnan the role nine years before he got it, Dalton 18 years and Moore 11 years.
Even if an actor would be hailed as the next Bond purely on the bases of a television show, don't you think EON prefer an actor who has more credits (preferably movie credits)? An actor may look the part, but he also has to carry the franchise. You need a competent and consistent actor for this job. At this time there are only a few (Jackman, Owen, Northam). A couple of my favorites still aren't ready (West, Davenport, Butler), but I think they have great potential. If there's one actor who could make everyone suffer a whiplash from doubletake and say; "There's the next James Bond" I think it would be one of these guys.

[Loomis]

Originally posted by crashdrive

EON offered Brosnan the role nine years before he got it, Dalton 18 years and Moore 11 years.  

Yes, it's not as though Brosnan suddenly appeared from nowhere just prior to GOLDENEYE. He was groomed to be Bond for years, to the point that, watching GOLDENEYE, it seemed almost surprising that this was only his first Bond film and that it had taken so long to come out!

Only two actors seem to carry the aura of "Bond-in-waiting" in the wider media: Jackman and Clive Owen.

Owen seems to be, for want of a better word, the purists' choice. Indeed, Bondpurist, an old member of these forums with a very strong preference for Dalton, used to push for Owen. Owen looks like he'd be the next Tim Dalton.

But for The Powers That Be to cast Owen if they had the option of casting Jackman would be like CHOOSING to cast Dalton instead of Brosnan for THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS. And we all know the more good-looking, commercial choice out of Brosnan and Dalton.

Jackman is the only candidate you can point to and say "he's the next Brosnan" rather than "he's the next James Bond". Jackman is far better known than his serious rivals, especially Stateside, due largely to SWORDFISH and the X-MEN pictures. He's already stated that he would be prepared to sign on for at least three films as Bond. He's practically in the same position career-wise as Mel Gibson was when, back in 1986, Gibson agreed to play Bond (but the deal was scuppered because, although they wanted Gibson badly, Gibson refused to sign on for more than one movie), and he seems more willing to play ball than Gibson was.

[kevrichardson]

Originally posted by crashdrive

A la Pierce Brosnan?? He was a candidate nine years before he was cast. Bond 22 is less than five years away. I seriously doubt we can expect more candidates for the role. Of this group I think Jackman is probably the most likely candidate. Runner-up: Jeremy Northam (unless Brosnan won't step down after Bond 21).

interesting crashdive , what happen to Dominic West ? Does Hugh Jackman fall into the height, acting , requirement . He remains me of a Lazenby , plus he a Aussie. What is EON feeling towards that . Is Jackman willing to be signed to a long term contract ? What has changed you mind.

[Icephoenix]

Originally posted by kevrichardson
He remains me of a Lazenby , plus he a Aussie.  What is EON feeling towards that .

What's that supposed to mean?

[Loomis]

Originally posted by kevrichardson
 
Is Jackman willing to be signed to a long term contract ?  

Read my above post.

[kevrichardson]

Originally posted by Icephoenix

What's that supposed to mean?

Since Lazenby was australian . Given the fact that he was a "royal pain in the ***" . Would EON be will to deal with some one who may repeat the same type of behavior. I have only watch X-Men so from that i can't get a full picture of Hugh Jackman's talents as a actor. Perhaps you can enlighten me.

[Loomis]

You can't assume that Jackman's behaviour is likely to resemble Lazenby's simply because both men are Aussies.

[Simon]

Originally posted by kevrichardson
Since Lazenby was australian . Given the fact that he was a "royal pain in the ***" . Would EON be will to deal with some one who may repeat the same type of behavior.

Your associations are quite fantastic, as is your grammar, syntax, construction and spelling.

Following your lead, should one assume that all Americans write in the same fashion?!

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by kevrichardson
what happen to Dominic West ?  Does Hugh Jackman fall into the height, acting , requirement . What has changed you mind.

First of all, I haven't changed my mind about West. I still think he's a strong potential candidate. Nevertheless, it's obvious Hugh Jackman is a more likely candidate. A Hollywood leading man, born in Australia, who fits all the requirements (6'3, will be 39 when shooting of 'Bond 22' will begin, handsome, fit, acting and action experience) and would love to replace Brosnan. EON can't ask for more than this. I do think Hugh is a 'by-the-numbers' choice. In other words, I have the feeling people have more faith in him as an actor who can carry on the franchise than an actor who is the best possible actor for Bond. Still, Jackman will do.

[shaolinfist]

Jackman is certainly the front runner for Bond 6. And of course everyone else is talking about Hugh Grant, Clive Owen, Jeremy Northam, but what about Christian Bale. He certainly has the Bond look, he can pull it off. He is rather young, but given a couple of years, he can definitely portray Bond.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by shaolinfist
Jackman is certainly the front runner for Bond 6.  And of course everyone else is talking about Hugh Grant, Clive Owen, Jeremy Northam, but what about Christian Bale.  He certainly has the Bond look, he can pull it off.  He is rather young, but given a couple of years, he can definitely portray Bond.

At the moment I really can't see Christian Bale as Bond. Not just because he's still young, but also because I think he's missing something. When I see his face, I can't see him playing a hero character. He has always been perfect as the nemesis. Still he fits the criteria (6'2, Welsh, great resume, action experience). I know he made negative comments about EON some time ago, so this could rule him out and perhaps Bond would be a step down for Bale, who probably wouldn't like the idea as becoming a Bond actor. His resume is too versatile for that.

Side note: How is it that a lot of people (including Loomis) like the idea of Grant playing Bond? Personally, I really can't see it. Not even when he wasn't as wellknown.

[rafterman]

I don't think it's Jackman. Frankly I don't think any mentioned name is going to get it. There's time and I don't think EON is searching through just big names and up and comers, I think they're looking everywhere....I say the choice will surprise people, make them go what? and make them think for a bit....it will be unexpected and not a name...certainly not as big a name as Jackman.....I see a fairly unknown with a strong supporting cast to give name value, because people come to see James Bond and not the man playing Bond...

[crashdrive]

Rafterman, there are no unknown yet experienced Bond candidates out there. Believe me, I've looked for them. An actor like Dominic West is the best choice of this group. I've looked at so many actors who (based on past precedent) would be possible candidates, but I think Jackman, Owen & Northam (not big names I'd say) will be the main candidates. Time is running out. EON has three years to get their replacement AND to produce a great 'swansong' for Brosnan. I know you and many others are waiting for that 'left-turn choice', but in this time of internet where we know a lot more than ten years ago, I think people are not as easily surprised.

[_JW_]

*Shudders*

I hope it's not Jackman. Every time he walks into a casino with a tux on I'll be seeing those ridiculous Wolverine sideburns... yikes.

[Loomis]

Originally posted by crashdrive

Side note: How is it that a lot of people (including Loomis) like the idea of Grant playing Bond? Personally, I really can't see it. Not even when he wasn't as wellknown.  

Here's why:

A film critic I know once wrote that Roger Moore's Bond "had a nice line in public school sadism". Grant generally plays public school types (I'm referring to "public school" in the sense that the term is used in the UK, obviously). Jim once wrote on these forums something to the effect that Fleming's Bond is a yobbo with delusions of poshness. I think that Grant could bring those qualities back to the screen Bond.

I suppose Grant's keynote film is FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, but he doesn't always play nice guys. See BRIDGET JONES' DIARY. Or Roman Polanski's BITTER MOON, for an even better example. He's played a variety of different roles and is a pretty damn good actor. He often incorporates a sly, bad boy sexiness into the parts he plays, and he can certainly play Very Intelligent. Both are quintessentially Bondian qualities.

He has some experience with thrillers, and can do action to an extent (see EXTREME MEASURES). He's only 43, which would hardly make him too old when the Bond role next becomes vacant.

Also, he is not just handsome, he is quite devastatingly gorgeous. If I were gay...., etc. Okay, he has a slightly funny, toothy smile (IMO), and maybe his trademark floppy, foppy haircut would have to be changed for Bond, but apart from that.... You'd certainly buy him as a ladykiller.

Obviously, the stuttering and "Hugh Grant mannerisms" was also have to go were he to be signed as 007, but, hey, he's an actor. And a very posh, old school English one at that, which leads me to what I feel might be a strong point in his favour:

There are obviously a number of ways in which Grant, and indeed any other actor, could approach the role of James Bond, but I can really picture Grant producing an interesting blend of Moore and Dalton - the Moore-ish elements might come from Grant's extensive work in comedy (and his comic timing is quite superb), while the Daltonesque stuff might come from his ac-torly instincts to be convincingly "dramatic" and "dark".

And, clearly, Grant is a huge star, arguably the most famous English actor on the planet. He's at the peak of his career. Not even Hugh Jackman could be seen by MGM/EON as a more bankable choice for Bond.

All of which said, I agree, crashdrive, that Grant is an unlikely choice in many ways. He'd be very expensive, unlikely to sign for three films straight away, is noted as something of a prima donna, etc. etc. But I do think that there are a number of points in his favour.

[crashdrive]

Thanks Loomis for your well written reply. Although we probably wouldn't agree on Grant, I can see where you are coming from.

What do you think of Jackman were he to be cast? Do you think he's a worthy successor?

[BONDFINESSE 007]

Originally posted by crashdrive
Rafterman, there are no unknown yet experienced Bond candidates out there. Believe me, I've looked for them. An actor like Dominic West is the best choice of this group. I've looked at so many actors who (based on past precedent) would be possible candidates, but I think Jackman, Owen & Northam (not big names I'd say) will be the main candidates. Time is running out. EON has three years to get their replacement AND to produce a great 'swansong' for Brosnan. I know you and many others are waiting for that 'left-turn choice', but in this time of internet where we know a lot more than ten years ago, I think people are not as easily surprised.

well if brosnan does 22 then they have a lot longer to think on it, that way they dont have to make a "gun to your head choice"

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by BONDFINESSE 007
well if brosnan does 22 then they have a lot longer to think on it, that way they dont have to make a "gun to your head choice"

But since there is a chance Bond 21 will be Brosnans last, EON should at least have a replacement ready. The search is on.

[Loomis]

Originally posted by crashdrive
Thanks Loomis for your well written reply. Although we probably wouldn't agree on Grant, I can see where you are coming from.

What do you think of Jackman were he to be cast? Do you think he's a worthy successor?

Yeah, Jackman would be fine. As I put it above, he wouldn't be my first choice. Nonetheless, he'd do. All things being equal - assuming a decent script, director, action scenes, etc. - I don't really care who plays Bond. The quality of the film is obviously more important than the actor.

crashdrive, I'm curious as to why you yourself don't see that Grant has Bond potential. It can't just be because he's too famous, right?

[BONDFINESSE 007]

jackman or bale would be the way to go

[Simon]

Originally posted by crashdrive

But since there is a chance Bond 21 will be Brosnans last, EON should at least have a replacement ready. The search is on.

Have to say with the way things get about, the search will definitely not be on. It wouldn't take too much for something to make its way to the media and it would only detract from the promotion of Brosnan's next film.

Ref. Grant, I didn't really give him much thought until Loomis' stand, but I guess he would be positively different enough to make people wonder how he could pull it off - still not convinced of his action capabilities, but if it were played more technically, a la Moore, where the emphasis was far removed from fisticuffs, then maybe.

I've mentioned Bale in previous threads, but this is about the first time he has been discussed. He does look so mean that he really could bring a dangerous psychotic quality to the role - something very different that the producers would have to truly go with as opposed to diluting his presence with jokes about "paying the piper" etc.

Owen looks too fluffy to be honest and I haven't seen Jackman in anything other than Swordfish - and I'm damned if I can remember what he looks like!! I'm off to imdb.com.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Loomis
All things being equal - assuming a decent script, director, action scenes, etc. - I don't really care who plays Bond. The quality of the film is obviously more important than the actor.

Don't you think the actor who plays Bond has a very important influence on the film? The writers always write the screenplay with the lead actor in mind and tailor it to his strenghts. I think it's very interesting to see how the tone will change if Jackman will get the part. But I guess the tone will not change as much since Jackman is very much like Brosnan.

Originally posted by Loomis
I'm curious as to why you yourself don't see that Grant has Bond potential. It can't just be because he's too famous, right?

Maybe it's for the same reasons I didn't believe Moore as Bond either. I always thought Bond was a tough man in a posh world, not a posh man in a tough world. That's why I liked the 'working-man/ lower class' quality of Connery and Brosnan. You had the feeling he experienced a lot and has matured because of this. Grant just doesn't have that tough quality I look for in Bond. Of course there should be a nice balance between toughness and class. You can't cast an actor who is too tough (see Russell Crowe or Colin Farrell), but he can't be too posh either. Bare in mind I have seen films like 'Bitter Moon', 'Bridget Jones Diary' and 'Extreme Measures'. Still, I just wouldn't believe Grant as Bond.

[Simon]

Originally posted by Simon

I'm off to imdb.com.

OK, I've gone to imdb, had a look at Jackman, and to me he seems a Brosnan clone, at least in appearance.

Here's a picture of Bale. Tell me he doesn't look like an out and out b-----d that would bring a hitherto unseen aspect to the role.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Simon
Have to say with the way things get about, the search will definitely not be on.  It wouldn't take too much for something to make its way to the media and it would only detract from the promotion of Brosnan's next film.

The search of course will not be made public. EON knows how to secretly look for a replacement. That's why Brosnan hasn't made public Bond 21 will probably be his last, because the media would want to know who will be next. Expect Brosnan's resignation after the release of Bond 21.

Originally posted by Simon
I've mentioned Bale in previous threads, but this is about the first time he has been discussed.  He does look so mean that he really could bring a dangerous psychotic quality to the role - something very different that the producers would have to truly go with as opposed to diluting his presence with jokes about "paying the piper" etc.

I don't think a dangerous psychotic quality is something the public would like to see, myself included. Bond should be a fantasy figure. Handsome, charming and above all, likeable.

Originally posted by Simon
Owen looks too fluffy to be honest and I haven't seen Jackman in anything other than Swordfish - and I'm damned if I can remember what he looks like!!  I'm off to imdb.com.

What do you mean with 'too fluffy'? Maybe these pictures will refresh your memory; Hugh Jackman Picture 1, Hugh Jackman Picture 2 & Hugh Jackman Picture 3.