1519 replies to this topic

[Roebuck]

The subject was only touched on briefly and Jackman played it cagey other than to say he and Law had both been approached. He said that other actors he knew had also been contacted but didn't name names.
Obviously this is no indication that EON will make him a firm offer or that he'd accept, but it's nice to hear it from the horse's mouth.

[crashdrive]

Ok, did he hint whether or not he would be interested? Thanks for the heads up. No idea why Jude Law was approached. I don't think he would be a suitable choice (too high profile, wrong posture, look and height).

[terminus]

Connery Style Bond: Hugh Jackman
Lazenby Style Bond: Hugh Grant
Moore Style Bond: Rupert Everett
Dalton Style Bond: Clive Owen
Brosnan Style Bond: Colin Farrell

Overall Bond Contender: Colin Farrell / Hugh Jackman

And why are people suggesting that neither Everett nor Butler should be approached because they're homosexual ? I don't think that this has the remotest relevance to the role and Everett is on record as saying were he to be offered the role he would play it straight and the rumours about Butler are, at the moment, just that: rumours. Either way I think that they're both contenders and in fact I'd put Rupert Everett in my top ten contenders.

I don't think Hugh Grant would be good. I think he'd come across as too foppish. I'm not convinced he could be an action hero and whilst you'd probably be able to say the same about several other choices ( and I can see some of you mouthing Everett ) can you say that Grant would be able to play the action scenes believably. Otherwise we'll end up with Bond 20: Have You Killed Ms Jones, Bond 21: Four Weddings and Your Funeral ...

[crashdrive]

If James Bond had been just an acting gig, it wouldn't have been a problem. Trouble is that Bond is a cultural phenomenon. Casting a homosexual actor would draw too much attention to itself that it would distract from the performance. I think Everett is an amazing actor and I have no doubt he would be a fabulous Bond. But how do you think the media and audiences will react if a homosexual actor would play womanizer James Bond? I don't agree, but I'm afraid there's nothing we can do about it.

I don't agree Colin Farrell would be a good choice. Sure, he's a great actor, dark, handsome and tough, but he's alsos too short (5'10), a little rough around the edges (curses in every interview) and too expensive for EON. I doubt he would agree to sign a multi picture deal if directors like Oliver Stone come knocking on his door. He's more like Connery than Brosnan. Farrell strikes me as the blue collar type (just like Sean) whereas Brosnan just oozes cool and class. Hugh Jackman reminds me more of Brosnan since he would be an allround Bond.

And it looks like Gerard Butler is on the verge of becoming a big star aswell. The Hollywood Reporter indicates the Scottish actor has been offered the title role of 'The Phantom of the Opera'. I didn't even know he could sing. Unless Eon is prepared to either dump their 'three film obligation' or increase their first timers fee, it looks like the candidates who fit their pricerange are getting more and more rare.

[Roebuck]

As long as the guy can convincingly portray 007 on screen for two hours every two years I don't give a damn about his sexual orientation.

[crashdrive]

I agree, but I'm afraid MGM and EON will think differently. Personally, Rupert Everett would be one of my top choices.

[Mourning Becomes Electra]

Actually I think Rupert Evertt's biggest strike against him, aside from already being in his 40's, is that he's a supreme flake and prima donna. Not to mention he's slightly delusional or justa big liar. He recently told GQ magazine that Lee Tamahori refused to hire him for as Bond for DAD because he was gay. This despite Brosnan being attached to this film long before Tamahori was and that Tamahori would not be the person to cast a new Bond anyway. Feh.

As for EON raising their fee to first time Bonds, well I'm sure Roger got more than Sean for his first film... he might have even got more than Brosnan (unadjusted for inflation). They supposedly offered Mel Gibson $15m to do Bond.. GE was a film made for $50-60m and PB took less than his usual fee because he wanted to be Bond, and his low fee helped make a better film because they could spend the money elsewhere. GE was a make or break film and their budget was only allowed to be so big after LTK and the 6 year lay off. Since then his salary has gone way up and TWINE & DAD were made for more than twice as much as GE. Bond is once again a huge business, they can afford to pay more. And if they want to keep their films in the blockbuster range as far as earnings I'm sure they'll pay for it when it comes to the next actor. The 3 year contract though is probably pretty much set in stone because they want continuity. So EON will have enough suitable candidates to choose from. Hugh Jackman, arguably the most high profile of the list again recently said that he'd want to be Bond if offered. Actors are falling over themselves volunteering to be Bond... it's just that none of them have been asked yet.

[Mourning Becomes Electra]

Oh as for Hugh Grant and action.... watch the film Extreme Measures and be be prepared to laugh your head off. His attempts at action and fight scenes are cringeworthy. I think Grant could do well at playing a cold foppy bastard but there's just so much else of him that's so wrong (and well I admit it I just don't like him) I could never see him as Bond. Besides he's already 42.

[crashdrive]

I'm sure Everett would be a believable Bond. He's terrific in 'B Monkey' and 'The Company of Strangers'. Lately however, he's often typecast as the 'gay male best friend' in films like 'My Best Friends Wedding' and 'The Next Best Thing'. But I'm sure he's up for the task. But I agree that he'll never get it.

For someone like Jackman, I agree EON will definately pay more (although I'm sure his fee will be a lot less than Brosnans on 'DAD'). And on the Parkinson show, Hugh confirmed that he (and some other notable actors, including Jude Law) had been tentatively approached as to whether they'd be interested in taking over the role after Brosnan. Unless shooting of one of the 'X-Men' or 'Van Helsing' sequels will get in the way, it looks like Hugh Jackman is going to be the man Eon will hire to be the next Bond. And I think a great majority will agree with this decision.

[Roebuck]

Just a little snippet of Hugh Jackman news.
While doing publicity for the new X-Men flick Hugh was asked if he'd be playing Wolverine in the third film. He answered that he'd like to do one more, then make way for the younger mutants to take over the franchise.

So, does this mean he'll be available for Bond 22?

[crashdrive]

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph's Michael McKenna, Jackman tells his days as an X-Men hero are numbered (thanks for the heads-up Roebuck). That's great news and bad news. Great because it looks like Jackman will be a shoe-in for the part of Bond. Bad because I've seen 'X2' yesterday and I thought it was a terrific film. 'The X-Men' is probably the most interesting franchise in the market today and it would be a shame to lose Jackman. You don't think that Jackman had a change of heart because EON approached him recently for the part of Bond? In that case, I'd rather see someone else play Bond (Dominic West or Rupert Penry Jones), so that Jackman can continue making 'X-Men' movies. I hope FOX and EON could work something out that would allow Hugh to continue both franchises. But if Jackman just doesn't want to continue playing Wolverine for more than one movie, Bond will be the perfect replacement. And Jackman would be the perfect replacement for Brosnan injecting more Connery-esque machoism into the part. Can't help wondering whether or not producers are interested in recasting the part of Wolverine. In that case, their second choice (Russell Crowe was their first, Jackman their third) Bond candidate Dougray Scott could jump onboard.

[Roebuck]

After the third film we may see the X-Men start to fragment, with attempts to spin-off some of the core group into their own franchises. Singer wants to introduce new mutants and raise the profile of some of the peripheral characters (Iceman, Colossus, Shadowcat) but realises that for this to be workable he's going to have to shed some of the old guard (who's contracts will be coming up for renegotiation anyway).
A Storm solo project for Halle Berry is rumoured to be in the works and, rather than recasting Logan, the studio may wish to keep the door open for Jackman in the hope of tempting him back for a Wolverine movie at some future date.

[MattCasey009]

I know this post was awhile back, but the guy that made Hugh Grant in comparison to George Lazenby I believe was a horrible one. George Lazenby was mainly cast because of his steller proformance in the fight scenes, Grant's attempt at an action film was rather ghastly. Anyway, as for my opinion for who should be Bond next is Hugh Jackman. I think the choice is clear, he wants to be Bond, most people want him to be Bond, and he needs to be Bond. He is fairly tall, and the guy has muscle. He put up a fine performance in both X Men's. I feel that after he would play in a few Bond films, he would be better loved by the public than Pierce Brosnan, and that's pretty darn hard to do.

[DLibrasnow]

I am betting they will be a completely CGI'd 007 movie in the future. We have "Shrek" and "Monsters Inc."
The main problem would be trying to decide whose likeness to base the Bond character on..Connery, Moore, Lazenby, Dalton or Brosnan - they are bound to upset at least 50 % of the fanbase.

[DLibrasnow]

Of course I am joking -- I thought I should post this disclaimer because some people take these threads so seriously.

[crashdrive]

Loomis, do you think Dougray Scott is EON's second choice? That's actually an interesting topic to discuss. Let's make a top five list of the actors who are probably the most likely (at this stage) to replace Brosnan. First, let's decide who are potential candidates.

Here are all the potential Bond actors and fan favorites suggested:
Christian Bale, Gerard Butler, Russell Crowe, Billy Crudup, Craig David (don't ask), Rupert Everett, Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes, Mel Gibson, Hugh Grant, Paul Gross, Ioan Gruffud, Tom Hanks, Jason Isaacs, Hugh Jackman, Rupert Penry-Jones, Vinnie Jones, Thorsten Kaye, Jude Law, Ewan MacGregor, Dylan McDermont, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Clive Owen, Adrian Paul, Guy Pearce, Gavin Rossdale, Adam Sandler, Dougray Scott, Rufus Sewell, Robbie Williams, Billy Zane, Colin Salmon, George Clooney, Colin Wells, James Purefoy, Jeremy Northam, Jack Davenport, Clive Robertson, Edward Atterton, Colin Firth, Greg Wise & of course Dominic West.

ROUND ONE

There also several people we can eliminate immediately, because they are either not professional actors or not from the Commonwealth: Geroge Clooney, Billy Crudup, Craig David, Tom Hanks, Thorsten Kaye, Dylan McDermont, Adam Sandler, Robbie Williams, Gavin Rossdale & Billy Zane. And I really doubt actors like Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Rupert Everett, Colim Salmon and Vinnie Jones will be considered.

ROUND TWO

Bond should be tall. Anyone under 6' should not play Bond. This rules out the following actors: Colin Farrell (5'9), Ralph Fiennes (5'11), Hugh Grant (5'11), Ioan Gruffud (5'11), Jason Isaacs (5'11), Jude Law (5'11), Ewan MacGregor (5' 10), Jonathan Rhys Meyers (5'7), Guy Pearce (5'11), Colin Wells (5'11)

ROUND THREE

The next Bond will probably make his debut in 2007 (or 2009, depends on when Brosnan will step down). Roger Moore was 45 when he started shooting 'Live and Let Die', I think anyone over 45 will be too old. (age of the actor in 2007):

Christian Bale (32), Gerard Butler (37), Hugh Jackman (38), Rupert Penry Jones (36), Clive Owen (42), Dougray Scott (41), Paul Gross (48), Rufus Sewell (39), James Purefoy (42), Jeremy Northam (45), Ian Kelsey (40), Jack Davenport (33), Clive Robertson, Edward Atterton, Greg Wise (40) & Dominic West (36).

The only actors who seem to be too old are Colin Firth (46), Paul Gross (48) and Adrian Paul (47). And Northam isn't getting any younger either.

According to my little formula, the most imporant candidates for the part are (in alphabetical order):

Edward Atterton ('Children of the Dune')
Christian Bale ('American Psycho')
Gerard Butler ('Timeline')
Jack Davenport ('The Talented Mr. Ripley')
Hugh Jackman ('X2')
Rupert Penry Jones ('Charlotte Gray')
Jeremy Northam ('Enigma')
Clive Owen ('Croupier')
James Purefoy ('Resident Evil')
Clive Robertson ('Sunset Beach')
Dougray Scott ('Mission: Impossible 2')
Rufus Sewell ('Dark City')
Dominic West ('Chicago')
Greg Wise ('Sense and Sensibility')

Do you guys agree with this process of elimination or do you think EON will be more flexible? And have I forgotten to add a couple of names?

Hugh Jackman seems to be the odds on favorite. He'll win the Commander Bond.net 'Next Bond' poll. He said in interviews he's interested in playing Bond. In an recent interview with Parkinson he said he was approached by EON and he also announced that he'll probably make one more 'X-Men' film before he quits the series. My money is on him. EON's second choice is probably Clive Owen, followed by Dougray Scott, Christian Bale & Gerard Butler

[Loomis]

Originally posted by crashdrive

Loomis, do you think Dougray Scott is EON's second choice?  

I don't see why he wouldn't be. Who else is there? Christian Bale, perhaps, but other than Bale I don't see who else would immediately follow Hugh Jackman on EON's wishlist. I'm not sure how seriously The Powers That Be are considering Gerard Butler. I'm surprised you feel that Clive Owen might be number two on the list, crashdrive, given that comments you have made elsewhere suggest you think that Owen is unsuitable for the Bond role and that his chances of landing it are slim.

So, yes, I believe Scott may very well be EON's second choice, although that obviously doesn't mean that he's the second likeliest person to get the role. I'm sure Hugh Grant's name is still somewhere on TPTB's list, but I wouldn't put money on his playing 007.

I more or less agree with your process of elimination, but I do wonder whether you're being a little too strict on the matter of height. This is not the police force, after all, and I doubt that an otherwise perfect candidate would be eliminated for being an inch under the regulation 6'. I'd rule out Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, Ewan McGregor and Guy Pearce for being too famous or just plain unsuitable, not because they're 5'11" or 5'10".

Neither do I see the likes of Ioan Gruffudd, Rufus Sewell, Greg Wise and Jack Davenport as suitable candidates (Gruffudd and Davenport definitely have 007 potential, but right now they both strike me as too young, and young-looking, even though I'm aware that George Lazenby was in his 20s when he was cast as Bond). I find Jonathan Rhys Meyers a ludicrous suggestion, but what do I know? In the crazy world we live in, he might just end up getting the job (even Paul McGann was apparently approached by EON at one point, so....).

I've not heard of a number of the other names you mention, so I can't help but feel that Jackman, Scott, Bale and Owen are the richest men in the poorhouse, more or less in that order (I can't speak for your favourite, Dominic West, as I don't know his work).

[crashdrive]

I don't think I'm being too strict with the height thing. Bond actors are usually around 6'2. Now 6'0 is possible but I'm sure EON would prefer a taller actor. I'm sure anyone shorter will not be considered. Especially if there are still enough talented actors in the 6'0 - 6'3 region.

We more or less argee about 'the richest men in the poorhouse'; Bale, Jackman, Owen, Scott. I'm almost positive Hugh Grant is out of the race since EON reportedly wasn't excited about his screentest. Ask MBE for details. Not to mention the fact that he'll be too old by the time Brosnan steps down. The fifth man could be either Northam (who isn't getting any younger either), Wise (who essentially played Bond in the Purvis/ Wade written Bond spoof 'Johnny English') or one of the so-called 'Brit Pack' actors (West, Davenport, Penry-Jones, Butler). I seriously doubt Edward Atterton, James Purefoy, Clive Robertson & Rufus Sewell will be under serious consideration.

[antonio damas]

I voted hugh jackman because i think he has it.

[johnisnumberone]

Ok - lets look at the candidates mentioned here.....

Hugh Jackman is an obvious choice - I like him - very much, he is a talented actor and has proven his action capabilities in the X Men films (both excellent)
I like his 'look' and can he can certainly pull off the style the the Bond role would demand. I would say I would be pleased if he were chosen to succeed Brosnan for no other reason than - there is no reason why he 'couldn't' play James Bond.

Clive Owen is a wonderful candidate - he IS british, so we might get that Dalton-esque harder Bond back for a while - which would be great I think. His turn in Gosford Park proves he can spruce up well, the BMW shorts are a success over here in the states, though back home in Britain I dont know if they have taken wing in the same way. He proves his "action star" qualities in those. I would also be very impressed if he were to succeed Pierce in the role.

Christian Bale - he is English, right? - Well, anyway - regardless, I have seen him in the Speilberg movie of which the name escapes me and American Psycho - both very good - again, he is capable of the occasional expensive suit as we see in American Psycho - can pull off the tough acting and has the 007 look - I dont know much about him, but I would certainly like to see him give it a go.

Colin Farrell has an over-inflated ego as it is - i wouldn't care to imagine what the part of James Bond would do to him - quite honestly I dont think the planet is geared up for that much self-endulgence quite yet, nor should we have to stomach him barfing his successes on talk shows - like he would do. The same applies for Robbie Williams - Both talented, but both too full of their own self importance to offer the franchise anything spectacular.

That's just my opinion

Ewan McGregor is great. Again, proven in all areas (including singing, although I'm sure that would not be called for in the Bond role - though he may need to brush up on his Irish accent and sing a few old pub ballads should he follow in Brosnan's "Non bond picture whilst still being Bond" footsteps. Haha!
Choose Bond, choose a ing big pay check - choose sitting in the aston, stuffing ing baluga in your mouth watching wide eyed semi-sexy women folk - He might choose not to choose typcasting, he might choose something else...
It would also be great to see another scot up in the role after all these years.

Whoever said Seth Green some time back needs to check their head for brain leakage.

John

[crashdrive]

Thanks for your break down of the Bond candidates. It's always interesting to read how some people measure up the contenders. And I guess I agree with your comments. Colin Farrell should not play Bond. Why he's so popular, I have no idea. I've grown to like Clive Owen, but I am still not convinced he can handle the action sequences. In the BMW films he hardly has any physical action sequences. In 'The Bourne Identity' I did not think he moved very well and I'm afraid he won't be as physical as Brosnan, meaning more dependent on stuntmen. Also I think Jackman just looks a whole lot better. Having seen 'The Rich Mans Wife' recently starring Halle Berry, I just can't picture him as a ladies man.

[crashdrive]

The Calgary Sun spoke with Ewan McGregor. He's heard a murmur that he would be a good candidate to play James Bond when Pierce Brosnan retires:

"I don't want to hypothesize as to what I might do if the offer came. I'd have to wait until they actually approached me. I went through the same kind of angst and decision making when George Lucas came to me for Star Wars. I think playing Bond would be an even greater commitment. They turn them out closer together than George does the Star Wars films and it appears to me that Pierce spends as much time promoting those films as he does making them."

"These Star War movies are so difficult to make. There are so many special effects in them and that means a lot of blue-screen work. They're really tedious to make. There's a great deal more fun for me in making a movie like Down With Love."

I know there aren't many people who want McGregor, but I guess this puts him out of the race all together.

[Contessa]

"Pierce spends as much time promoting those films as making them."

Yep. The new Bond'll have to have the patience for endless press junkets, getting quoted out of context by media outlets, and fans and critics who obsessively (and often unfairly) compare Bond actors and movies. This is why most A-list actors may be flattered by an offer to play Bond, but they'll turn it down. McGregor and Hugh Jackman and other highly recognizable names won't take on Bond because their careers are already going well and they've already been attached to
big-budget pics.

[crashdrive]

You're absolutely right about McGregor, but I'm not so sure Jackman feels the same way. McGregor is a character actor at heart and doesn't care for all the mediafrenzy. Jackman however strikes me as a real showman. Someone who can handle the media and loves it. Don't forget that he said in interviews repeatedly that he would love to play Bond.

But this attitude could change of course. Then my question would be; who does that leave us with?

[Loomis]

Originally posted by crashdrive

I know there aren't many people who want McGregor, but I guess this puts him out of the race all together.  

Does it? McGregor says: "I don't want to hypothesize as to what I might do if the offer came. I'd have to wait until they actually approached me." True, he goes on to say: "I think playing Bond would be an even greater commitment. They turn them out closer together than George does the Star Wars films and it appears to me that Pierce spends as much time promoting those films as he does making them." However, McGregor's comments suggest to me that he's being deliberately noncommital and playing it cool. Which is exactly what he should be doing. After all, he hasn't been offered the part (as far as we know), so what profit in saying to a journalist either "I'd absolutely love to play Bond, it's my dream role" or "I wouldn't play Bond for all the money in the world"? Why should he nail his colours to the mast at this point in time?

I'm not saying McGregor's a likely candidate, but I'm not sure we should assume he's entirely out of the race, either.

[crashdrive]

Let's just say that McGregor has just become a lesser likely candidate

And it looks like Jackman won't be the most likeliest candidate for much longer. The Age reports that at the Cannes Film Festival, its been revealed that Hugh Jackman is tipped to play the lead role in this $70 million biblical epic about the Persian leader King Cyrus in 500 BC. The first Achaemenian Emperor, Cyrus was well known for founding the famous Persian Empire and leading it in numerous military victories including Babylon although he was seen as a liberator rather than a conqueror as he allowed many nations to keep their way of life unchanged. Joining Jackman are Angelina Jolie and Sir Sean Connery who are also tipped to be parts of the project that will feature a cast of around 10,000 extras.

[crashdrive]

How about the following actor. The Girl with the Golden Gun brought this British thesp to my attention and I definately think he looks interesting. I haven't been able to locate more pictures of him or information about his height, but from the looks of it, he looks like he would be a very interesting candidate. He has a good little resume and is young & unknown enough to replace Brosnan come 2009.

Dominic Mafham ('Shooting Fish' & 'The English Patient')

[M_Balje]

http://us.imdb.com/N...Mafham, Dominic

Born on 11 March 1968 in the Uk and is now on this moment 35 years old.
Play in a lot of Tv serie's and in 3 movie's:

Shooting Fish (1997)
English Patient, The (1996)
Castles (1995)

I think The English Patient from 1996 is the only movie who the moost of the people can know him from.

[M_Balje]

We talk earlear about Ralph Fiennes as Bond here is an better picture of him.


Picture of Dominic Mafham
Here can you heard his voice. http://www.lipservic...le-rm/mafham.rm The second voice is from him as it good is. It begin with: It's something..

[Gogol]

McGregor sold me this past weekend. Everyone on this forum needs to see his latest flick "Down with Love". He was James Bond in this movie! Was this apparent to anyone else who has seen this movie? And to those who haven't, get to your theater to see the obivious choice as the next James Bond!