1519 replies to this topic

[Loomis]

Originally posted by crashdrive

I also think it's not impossible EON will approach Scott again, but the situation with Dalton was different. He never declined an offer, because he didn't think he was right period. He turned down an offer because he didn't feel he was right at the time. Scott's comments are pretty final.  

This is pure speculation on my part, but I'm not sure that we should so readily take Scott's "final" comments at face value. Consider this piece of "Dougray News" at http://www.dougraysc...ves/000009.html

Yes, but is he going to take the lead in the most successful franchise of all time? Scott has been quoted as saying he wasn't suave enough to be 007. "Ha, ha. I think I was just trying to deflect any questions about James Bond. Until someone officially says, 'We want you to be the next JB', I don't have anything to say about it." Does he protest too much? This all sounds a little like a diplomat refusing to confirm or deny. So, if asked, would he do it? More laughter. "I think I'd have to say, 'I'm not suave enough.' Ha, ha."

I also think you might find this interesting, crashdrive: http://www.klast.net...d/newbond3.html

I'm not drawing your attention to these pieces to "prove" that Scott is likely to be the next Bond. On the other hand, I don't believe we can dismiss him as a candidate purely on the basis of a couple of things that he has said to journalists or that journalists have quoted him as having said.

BTW, I find the results of this poll fascinating. Jackman and Owen almost neck and neck and both of them enjoying a huge lead over the other candidates.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Loomis
Consider this piece of "Dougray News" at http://www.dougraysc...ves/000009.html
I don't believe we can dismiss him as a candidate purely on the basis of a couple of things that he has said to journalists

Really interesting. It looks like he's definately still in the race. A shame he is not mentioned in the poll and that a lesser candidate like Clive Owen gets a lot of the attention. I think Scott is one of the frontrunners together with Hugh Jackman. Thanks for opening my eyes Loomis. I still prefer Dominic West though, who is six years younger and looks more handsome. Do you think Scott is attractive enough to play a convincing James Bond? Here is his GQ photoshoot; GQ1, GQ2, GQ3, GQ4, GQ5, GQ6, GQ7, GQ8 & GQ9. Or perhaps I should ask this to my girlfriend.

[Loomis]

Originally posted by crashdrive

Do you think Scott is attractive enough to play a convincing James Bond? Here is his GQ photoshoot; GQ1, GQ2, GQ3, GQ4, GQ5, GQ6, GQ7, GQ8 & GQ9. Or perhaps I should ask this to my girlfriend.

Well, to quote Rosa Klebb: "He seems fit enough." (I use the word "fit" in its colloquial British sense.) But opinions of those who are sexually attracted to men certainly wouldn't go amiss. I'm sure a lot of women I know wouldn't kick Scott out on a rainy Sunday afternoon! Although, from the photos you've provided, crashdrive, plenty of them might balk at Clive Owen (who seems to look more like Vinnie Jones with each new pic I see) and question the sexual orientation of Dominic West.

Yes, I'd be very surprised if Scott wasn't one of the frontrunners, if not THE frontrunner (ahead of Jackman). He's probably the actor I'd cast (even over the likes of Hugh Grant) if it were up to me.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Loomis
Well, to quote Rosa Klebb: "He seems fit enough." From the photos you've provided plenty of them might balk at Clive Owen and question the sexual orientation of Dominic West.

Well, I use the GQ photo's deliberately since it's the only magazine who have done extensive photoshoots with all of the top Bond contenders. That way, I won't give one of the actors an advantage.

The photoshoot of Dominic West was made to promote his play 'Design for Living' where he played a gay character. I'm sure he would look more... ...well... hetrosexual in a regular photoshoot.

If people still feel Clive Owen should play Bond after seeing his GQ pics, I'm really curious which Bond series they have watched all over the years.

As for Dougray Scott, he's an amazing actor, is just tall enough (6'), has working experience in both American and British films and even has action experience. Yet.. well... I just think he's scary looking. He is a perfect villain and could have been a great Wolverine, but as Bond, he wouldn't be my pick. But I would prefer him over Grant

[Trueman Lodge]

I think that Dougray Scott is probably the best candidate and would be a great choice. I have mentioned him in other threads but he didn't get much feed back. Concerning the empire article it seems that he would take the role if he was offered it. Also he would be the right age for Bond 22.

Can we have a new poll with the people with the least votes omitted and people like Dogray Scott and Jeremy Northam added.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Trueman Lodge
I think that Dougray Scott is probably the best candidate and would be a great choice.

I'm just curious; don't you think he looks a little too scary and dark to play a hero like James Bond. I know a lot of people want to see more of an edge to the character, but do you really think fans and audiences would accept an actor like Scott, who I don't think is handsome enough. Maybe there is a reason he was cast as the anti-James Bond in 'Mission: Impossible 2'; Sean Ambrose.

[Xenobia]

GEEZ! This topic really took off when I wasn't looking.

I thought most people knew this about me, but I have never read any of the novels, so I did not know that Ian actually spelled out that Bond is white. I'll have to check that out.

As for the other bits, for all we know Sean Connery's Bond could have been named Ian Dunross, and he assumed the name of James Bond. Or maybe they are all James Bond. I just have a hard time believing that the same guy who gave Anya a look to kill with in the casino in TSWLM is the same guy who gave Elektra a dirty look for pretty much going in the same direction in TWINE.

And Zencat...I love you...but even I gotta admit, Pierce has one more in him, Bond 21. After that, he will probably walk away.

-- Xenobia

[Loomis]

Originally posted by crashdrive

Well, I use the GQ photo's deliberately since it's the only magazine who have done extensive photoshoots with all of the top Bond contenders. That way, I won't give one of the actors an advantage.

Good thinking, crashdrive!

Originally posted by crashdrive

The photoshoot of Dominic West was made to promote his play 'Design for Living' where he played a gay character. I'm sure he would look more... ...well... hetrosexual in a regular photoshoot.

That explains it. Not being homophobic, but you wouldn't exactly look at those GQ shots of West and think: "That guy should be the next James Bond." I guess any actor might do a similar photoshoot, playing a flamboyant homosexual, although for some reason I find it hard to picture Sean Connery doing so.

Originally posted by crashdrive

As for Dougray Scott, he's an amazing actor, is just tall enough (6'), has working experience in both American and British films and even has action experience. Yet.. well... I just think he's scary looking. He is a perfect villain and could have been a great Wolverine, but as Bond, he wouldn't be my pick. But I would prefer him over Grant

Once again, crashdrive, you have put into words thoughts that I didn't fully realise I had been thinking. Scott is indeed "scary looking". I get the feeling that he'd be the perfect James Bond for one or two pictures, like Dalton, and then he'd be out. I can't picture him as a "popular Bond", although he'd be great for comparatively dark or downbeat films along the lines of ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS and (especially) LICENCE TO KILL.

Scott is reported as having said that he wouldn't want to play Bond because he feels he'd be unable to match the performances of fellow Scot Sean Connery. This argument has always rung hollow for me. Why should he care about Connery, or imagine that the public still thinks Connery is irreplaceable? I'd guess that the actor Scott has misgivings about following is, if anyone, Brosnan.

And Xen, I'm curious as to why you haven't read any of the novels. Not to presume too much, but I find it doubly surprising given your job (you're a teacher of literature and creative writing, as I understand it). Are you not interested in the literary Bond? Did you get into Bond solely through being a fan of Brosnan?

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Loomis
I can't picture (Scott) as a "popular Bond", although he'd be great for comparatively dark or downbeat films. I'd guess that the actor Scott has misgivings about following is Brosnan.

I think "popular Bond" is the key word here. I think the most likely candidate to replace Brosnan is an actor who can be a "popular Bond". Sure Dougray Scott has the credentials, but do you think casual fans will buy a ticket to see Scott? I mean, let's face it. Audiences demand a handsome looking James Bond. Especially after the Brosnan era.

Although I think Scott should definately be considered a major contender, I personally don't think he's right for the job. Same with Clive Owen. The ten most important candidates are probably Dougray Scott, Hugh Jackman, Clive Owen, Gerard Butler, Ioan Gruffudd, Colin Wells, Christian Bale, Jeremy Northam, James Purefoy & Dominic West. Personally though, I only consider Jackman and West as likely candidates, since they fit the 'popular Bond' stereotype.

Do you guys think there is still an actor out there (like Dominic West) who is still unknown, but could be launched into stardom. Nobody had heard of Scott and Jackman before 'Mission: Impossible 2' & 'X Men' respectively. Maybe the next Bond will be an actor who is flying under our radars. I would very much like to hear suggestions of actors who fit into this category.

[Mister Asterix]

I wouldn’t rule out Heath Ledger as a popular Bond choice. Bit too young now but he, like everyone else, will age. He wouldn’t be my first choice but if Brosnan does two more then Heath may just grow into the man for the role.

http://us.imdb.com/E.....Ledger, Heath

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Mister Asterix
I wouldn’t rule out Heath Ledger as a popular Bond choice.

Since Heath Ledger is already a Hollywood leading man, a heartthrob and didn't agree to sign a multipicture deal to play 'Spider-Man' (he was offered the role before Tobey Maguire), I think we can rule him out.

[Mister Asterix]

Originally posted by crashdrive

Since Heath Ledger is already a Hollywood leading man, a heartthrob and didn't agree to sign a multipicture deal to play 'Spider-Man' (he was offered the role before Tobey Maguire), I think we can rule him out.

You’ve a point on being a leading man, but let’s see where his career goes from here. If it grows, he’ll probably price himself out. If it falters then he wouldn’t be the popular Bond. If it grows a little, or stays the the same, he could be our man. Of course, about the same can be said for Hugh Jackman.

I’m not going to assume that because he didn’t want to tie himself to a new frachise at this point in his career that he wouldn’t want to tie himself to a long-standing, storied franchise in the future. Maybe he doesn’t like Spider-Man that much, but grew up loving Bond.

And when does being a heartthrob proclude someone from being James Bond? Am I missing something here?

[Trueman Lodge]

I think that James Bond needs to be slightly scarry. Don't forget that he is a killer who has a licence to kill rather than some one who does a bit of killing and looks really good in a diner jacket.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Mister Asterix
If (Heath Ledgers career) grows a little, or stays the the same, he could be our man. Of course, about the same can be said for Hugh Jackman. When does being a heartthrob proclude someone from being James Bond?

Heath Ledger is a poster boy. Meaning, not someone who demands huge salaries (although he did ask $3.000.000 for 'A Knights Tale'), but nevertheless is a huge star. He has an audience of millions of teenage girls and his face shines the covers of many magazines. Since EON tries to cast an actor who has a minimum amount of baggage, I think that could rule him out.
Also, Ledger said he doesn't like the idea of commiting to more than one film at a time (trust me, I followed all the 'Spider-Man' casting news). Since EON wants someone who will sign for three films, Ledger will not be considered.
Not to mention the fact that he is a huge star. Bigger and more famous than someone like Hugh Jackman. The only reason Hugh is still in the race is because he has made public he would agree to play Bond. Still, since he's already the star of one huge franchise ('X Men') and one potential franchise ('Van Helsing'), I think he'll be probably too busy and, depending on the succes of 'Van Helsing', a too big a star for EON to sign him for three films.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Trueman Lodge
I think that James Bond needs to be slightly scary.

Okay, but Bond shouldn't scare the girls away also.

[BONDFINESSE 007]

Originally posted by crashdrive

I think "popular Bond" is the key word here. I think the most likely candidate to replace Brosnan is an actor who can be a "popular Bond". Sure Dougray Scott has the credentials, but do you think casual fans will buy a ticket to see Scott? I mean, let's face it. Audiences demand a handsome looking James Bond. Especially after the Brosnan era.

Although I think Scott should definately be considered a major contender, I personally don't think he's right for the job. Same with Clive Owen. The ten most important candidates are probably Dougray Scott, Hugh Jackman, Clive Owen, Gerard Butler, Ioan Gruffudd, Colin Wells, Christian Bale, Jeremy Northam, James Purefoy & Dominic West. Personally though, I only consider Jackman and West as likely candidates, since they fit the 'popular Bond' stereotype.

Do you guys think there is still an actor out there (like Dominic West) who is still unknown, but could be launched into stardom. Nobody had heard of Scott and Jackman before 'Mission: Impossible 2' & 'X Men' respectively. Maybe the next Bond will be an actor who is flying under our radars. I would very much like to hear suggestions of actors who fit into this category.

what a sad state of affairs when west and scott who looks as if he should be the bond bad guy and not bond, are the fav among some....scott? give me a break, with that bannana nose? i dont think >so go back to the drawing board and try again, there has got to be someone out there that looks as good as pierce

[BONDFINESSE 007]

a few names strike me, jack davenport, edward atterton, colin wells, i could see any of those as bond, does anyone have any pics of them in a bond like style, that might help me decide better, and what about purefoy? would he cut it as bond?

[Xenobia]

For those who are curious....

I got into Bond because of the Roger Moore movies. I am very happy Pierce Brosnan is Bond, but he is most definately *NOT* the reason I am a Bond fan.

Because my work schedule is so nuts (plus, I am still a graduate student, so I have classes to read for), I hardly have time to read for pleasure. I will, some point in the near future, begin reading the Flemings, I just haven't had the time yet.

-- Xenobia

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by BONDFINESSE 007
what a sad state of affairs when west and scott are the fav among some. A few names strike me, jack davenport, edward atterton, colin wells, i could see any of those as bond

Well Bondfinesse 007, eventhough I think it's a shame you don't like West, I do like the fact you really are looking for a better candidate instead of waiting till EON makes the announcement. I dig that about you I'll give you some more information about the actors you asked for.

Jack Davenport is one of my personal favorites for the part. I do prefer West though, since West already looks like a James Bond to me. Davenport has potential, but I still think he's a little posh. He strikes me as a young Jeremy Northam. I'm not sure he's tough enough to play Bond. And of course he's very young, but he may be old enough to replace Brosnan when he steps down. For more pictures; Jack01, Jack02 & Jack03.

Edward Atterton is one of my other suggestions (odd you don't like West, still you are interested in my other suggestions). Anyway, Atterton is interesting, but I have the same concern with him as I have with Davenport. I'm not sure he's tough enough. It also looks like he's losing hair. But he has a couple of advantages, he can speak Japanese and French, has a Black Belt (1st Dan) in Karate and a certificate in stage fighting. Here are more pictures to make up your own mind; Edward01, Edward02 & Edward03.

Colin Wells (left) is an actor who is already part of the EON team. He's Brosnans replacement if Pierce can't make it to auditions. I'd love to see one of these auditions. He looks great for the part. Still he has virtually no movie experience, at 5'11 he's a little short and doesn't convince me in pictures he's a great choice. Check these and find out; Colin01, Colin02 & Colin03.

Let me know what you think.

[crashdrive]

What do you think of Dominic West after seeing the following black & white photo-manipulation. Art isn't my thing so don't expect to much, but I do think you will get a much clearer idea how West would look as Bond. I even gave him a haircut. Let me know what you think.

[BONDFINESSE 007]

Originally posted by crashdrive
What do you think of Dominic West after seeing the following black & white photo-manipulation. Art isn't my thing so don't expect to much, but I do think you will get a much clearer idea how West would look as Bond. I even gave him a haircut. Let me know what you think.

well crash, after looking over the 3 guys that lock it for me, unless another name jumps up and i am sure it will, i would in this order go1-colin, jack,3-edward, all 3 have that certain look, but colin, and jack are it for me...right now of course, thanks for your research

[Mister Asterix]

crash,
As much as you push Dominic West, I’m afraid I won’t be able to say one way or the other until I actually see him in a film or two or three. One if the role if similar to Bond. Three if they are nothing like Bond. I promise you I will keep my eye out for him. In fact I’m going to put his name in to my TiVo wishlist as soon as I finish this post. I had never heard of Clive Owen until people began suggesting him in these forums and after tracking down some of his films he is now in the lead in my mind, though I think he still leave much to be desired. I’ll let you know in the future. We have plenty of time.

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by BONDFINESSE 007
but colin, and jack are it for me. thanks for your research

You're welcome. I agree Jack definately has potential. Let's just see how he will age. As for Colin, unless EON wants a new Lazenby, he better start acting in more films.

Originally posted by Mister Asterix
crash,
As much as you push Dominic West, I’m afraid I won’t be able to say one way or the other until I actually see him in a film or two or three. We have plenty of time.

Fair enough. I also think we have plenty of time. I'm just afraid EON better start looking for that perfect Bond replacement, since they had Moore, Dalton & Brosnan signed up at least nine years before they actually doned the tux.

I asked Loomis the same question; comparing Clive Owen's GQ Photoshoot with the photoshoot GQ Magazine had with Dominic West; GQ1, GQ2, GQ3, GQ4 & GQ5; don't you think Dominic looks the part of 007 to a far greater degree? Keep in mind Dominic was promoting the play 'Design for Living' where he played a gay character, so don't mind the wardrobe and concentrate on his looks.

[White Tuxedo]

Originally posted by zencat
Bond can be black. What he can't be is American.

I don't particularly agree with that at all. James Bond is an acting gig. A good actor is a good actor. I'm an aspiring actor myself. My mother is Irish and half the people I grew up around were British, so I have a VERY good ear for feigning an accent. I'm not alone. Sure, most movie stars butcher accents, but they're ussually trying to sound like the Queen.

My point is, acting is acting. You don't don't have to BE British to ACT British.

[White Tuxedo]

crashdrive, I'd love to see Clive Owen do Bond movies right now. I just don't know if he'll ever be Bond.

I'm more than tired of Brosnan. I've never really bought him as Bond eccept for in DAD.

Clive Owen would make a great mean Bond.

[zencat]

Originally posted by Mansfield 005
I don't particularly agree with that at all.  James Bond is an acting gig.  A good actor is a good actor.  I'm an aspiring actor myself.  My mother is Irish and half the people I grew up around were British, so I have a VERY good ear for feigning an accent.  I'm not alone.  Sure, most movie stars butcher accents, but they're ussually trying to sound like the Queen.

My point is, acting is acting.  You don't don't have to BE British to ACT British.

True. And what I really meant was Bond the character has remain British, even if played by an American actor. I have no problem with an American actor playing Bond, but the actor has to play him British (like Angie in Tomb Raider).

[crashdrive]

Originally posted by Mansfield 005
I'm more than tired of Brosnan.  I've never really bought him as Bond eccept for in DAD. Clive Owen would make a great mean Bond.

Even if you're tired of Brosnan and never bought him as Bond (which I definately don't understand with the possible exception of 'GoldenEye'), why would you want Clive Owen as Bond? Which of the Bond actors did you like and what does Owen bring to the role that will make him a good Bond?

Personally, I think the cinematic Bond should be just like his predecessors; handsome, fit, right height, hard, humor and athletic. I don't think Owen is handsome enough for the part. Just look at this photoshoot. Owen is a terrific actor, but I don't think people could see him as Bond. He's not the square-jawed handsome womanizer Bond has always been. If you think he would be a mean Bond you obviously haven't seen any of his movies. This guy is a pussycat. More sensitive that Dalton. All his characters are like that. Even his character in 'The Bourne Identity', a contract killer, was sympathatic. I have the feeling a lot of people don't know who Owen really is as an actor. If you want a mean Bond cast Dougray Scott or even Dominic West, who played Renee Zellweger's abusive husband in 'Chicago'. If you want a Bond who is even more sensitive than Brosnan but without the hard edge, cast Owen, but don't expect EON to follow your lead.

[marktmurphy]

Originally posted by Mansfield 005


You don't don't have to BE British to ACT British.

Not certain about this- couldn't help feeling Zellwegger missed something as Bridget Jones (and not just the unreal accent). Its hard to say whether Jolie was very British in Tomb as she didn't really do much character-wise. Uma missed the Brit way entirely (but then so did Ralph) in the Avengers and Gwyneth always seems a bit lifeless in her Brit-scapades.
'Don't 'spose its fair to talk about Mike Myers.

Do you lot not mind when Brits play Yanks? Or even swap halfway through (e.g. Hopkins in Red Dragon). Does Ralph pretending to be American in 'Maid in Manhattan' - not a great example, but the most recent- not confuse you?

I've never seen a Johnny Foreigner playing British pull it off yet, so I'd have to doubt the wisdom of getting one now.

[Mister Asterix]

I’m curious what you Brits think of James Marster’s (Spike on ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’) accent. I’ve been told by a couple of Englanders that they had no idea that Spike was played by an American, but two opinions aren’t quite enough to get a general idea.

As for Brits playing Yanks, many time it comes off like the Monty Python troup doing their hokey American accents. Pretty silly. Most of the time the actor just seem to be doing an uppercrust American and it is more than tolerable.

[Martini]

I absolutely don