Worth another shot… in October

No sooner was the September shot finished when virtually all hell broke loose. Not because of my flimsy prattle, it just happened to coincide with Adele’s main title song turning from ‘official rumour’ to official fact.

 

From that day onward October was riddled with the mortar impacts of the ‘Skyfall’ PR campaign. Adele’s song ‘Skyfall’ was officially supposed to set out into the big wide world on October 5th, but somehow a snippet of it ‘leaked’ a few days earlier – and met with an enormous demand, making the final release then a lesson in skyrocketing the iTunes Charts. It immediately went to No 1 in most of Western Europe and managed practically everywhere else in Europe to climb the top ten. When was the last time we’ve seen such happening to a Bond song? Actually – when was the first time???

 

As could be expected the song still isn’t everybody’s favourite, for various reasons I’m not qualified to write about even speculatively. My personal impression (and nothing else will you get here) was it’s perhaps a bit short on substance. And yet I haven’t been able to get the thing out of my system for weeks now, so it probably achieved what it was supposed to. Well done, Ms Adkins. Very well done!

 

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Worth another shot… in September

 

 

 

 

 

‘… wake me up when September ends.’

 

I actually wanted to use this line right after putting the last full stop under the August version of our new thingy (and I see only now I didn’t put a full stop there either; well, can’t be helped). And now I was close to missing the beginning of October for real. Happens…

 

Follows opinion. Mine, and mine only. If you want one of your own – fine, go and form one.

 

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Worth another shot… in August

 

And another new thing from CommanderBond.net (May flowers? August corn!). ‘Worth another shot’ from now on is going to wrap up the past month, with everything that didn’t make it on the main page but should have. Or did make it and merits another shot. What it says, actually. We do as yet not know where exactly this is going to take us. For the time being it will be a couple of links, revisits, thoughts and notes, nothing too pretentious. Could be in some months it’s going to centre upon a particular theme or event. But I promise it won’t stoop to publishing anybody’s shopping list. Well, Bond’s perhaps, but that’s another story.

 

Oh, and of course it’s entirely a subjective opinion piece. Meaning whoever is doing it is speaking entirely for himself. You may have your own shot.

 

So what was it this August that kept our minds busy, what was – nearly – forgotten, and what should perhaps better have been?

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The CBn Dossier, January – March 007

Welcome to the January – March 2007 CBn Dossier, a wrap-up of all the latest James Bond news and rumours. Coverage will be focusing on Casino Royale, Bond 22, current and upcoming literary 007 releases, and much more…

This quarterly dossier is written by Jim. If you think that’s bad, it could have been much worse: he could have sung it to you.

Cashino Royale

The end of last year provided substantial critical acclaim for Casino Royale; the beginning of this one demonstrated its extraordinary financial success when it continued to shovel megadollars Broccoliwards. By the end of January, it had passed the $100 million mark in the UK, unheard of for a Bond film, and by March had outgrossed every other Bond film in the US and Worldwide to become the most successful of an already pretty frickin’ outrageously successful series. I mean, this was hardly “Help a starving Broccolus”, was it?

Never mind picking which country to set the next Bond in; they’re now pretty much in a position to buy a country. Possibly not China, where the film opened in January (and whilst Italy had a two month wait, China had a forty-five year one; was Amazon delivering?).

Ah!, the naysayers would cry (they mainly operate in monosyllables, and even “Ah!” is an exhausting intellectual demand) “Ah! (or, indeed, “Nay!”) But that does not take into account that when Thunderball was released in 1732, the dollar was worth 11p (although that’s pretty much what it’s worth now, nicht wahr?) and everyone on the planet and every single one of the twelvety billion types of beetle went to see Goldfinger at a time when for one British pound you could still buy a cinema ticket, a round of lager (whatever that may be) and the home journey fare on some vile rattling public transport contraption and still have change left over for a Life Peerage”.

So what?

OK, so inflation unadjusted, it’s the most successful Bond film ever. Adjusted, it’s about fifth or thereabouts, something like that (I lost interest). Maladjusted, with august bodies flinging numerous awards at it and people the world over still chucking coin, it’s a terrible flop.

“Thank you for a successful boycott”. Oh, it was nothing really.

Oh go on, have some more of our money, please

Equally discourteous to records, the DVD release of Casino Royale has also been hugely lucrative, helped by many retailers in the USA lobbing rare memorabilia/ghastly tat out with each purchase and, in the UK, substantial price-cutting. ASDA, allegedly a “shop” (? no idea) in the northern tundra of England, has been selling the DVD for only £7.00 ($1,356.99 US). A word of caution: given that a couple of years ago in something calling itself Newcastle-upon-Tyne one could buy a “house” for 50 pence, this may not represent such good value. “Casino Royale DVD: fourteen times more expensive than your shack”; tough sell. Rampagingly inadequate bivouacery aside, it does appear to be jolly popular even if the Special Features have come in for criticism, which seems unwise because the more they are criticised, the more inevitable the “we listened to the fans and therefore decided to release an Ultimate Megalith three disc edition £26.99, don’t blame us, you wanted it” in about, ooh, June. God bless Casino Royale, and all who profit by her.

Oh! Scars

Maybe it was a tadgette optimistic, but there seemed to be some surprise around these parts that, despite its extraordinarily strong reviews towards the end of last year, Casino Royale didn’t receive any Oscar nominations (and what have things come to – and how happy are we that they have? – when “Bond film not nominated for Oscars”is actually a bit of a shock?), and therefore did not win any (I think that’s how it works).

Still, Martin Scorsese would really have been left wondering who he had offended in a previous life if the James Bond series – y’know, that one with the metal-toothed giants, psychopathic midgets, upsetting acting and invisible cars – had come along and handed him his perennial and umpteenth smack in the nadgers.

Anyway, there was still the BAFTAs on 11 February, and the British “Academy” seemed to have been muchly keen – in its “academic judgment” (watching some films) – to hurl nominations at Casino Royale. On the night, Bond fans the world o’er had fingers (gold or otherwise) and hooks and electronic turbogloves of death crossed. Bit of a shame that it only came away with two; Best Sound (sounds lovely) – how do they measure that? “That one was a nice sound, but I don’t like that sound as much, ooh take it away”? Is it about one specific, individual sound during the film – if so, which one? I think we should be told – and Best Newcomer for Ms Green (looks lovely). One could apparently vote for Ms. Green at the BAFTA website although the one time I tried my screen froze and all sorts of horrible things started happening. Doubtless I am very old and even more less of doubt (I know that’s grammatically suspect but it pleases me) there was a very simple solution but I suspect that it was something to do with computers and accordingly, even if very simple, additionally very boring.

Raising the Standard

Early February brought the news that Daniel Craig had been awarded the “Best Actor” prize at The Evening Standard Film awards.

This is evidently a conspiracy by the British film industry to award prizes to its pals and to try to ensure that American producers stay in the UK despite the strong pound and this is why every Bond actor has always received this award… um…

Um.

An EMPIRE. Conquered. Fact.

Best Film. Best Actor. Best Female Newcomer. Splendid. Frankly “they” can give Ms Green as many awards as they want; I know I’d like to give her one. Gloss tarnished a bit by there being no EMPIRE awards ceremony until November (when, presumably, the films of 2007 will be suitably garlanded (early money for Best Actor: Optimus Prime)), but it’s still a pretty substantial haul and is one “voted for by real human beings” unlike the Oscars, which are presumably voted for by a plate of Marmite sandwiches.

All very good, but can you now please kill Pritpal, and very horribly? Ta.

Also “something to do with computers”, the year started with the release of Charlie Higson’s third Young Bond novel, Double or Die, a zippy rip-roarer of a read. Instant review in the heading to this bit.

With some nice – but thankfully not overwhelming – references to “other bits of Bond” and his traditionally fine sense of atmosphere and often brutal violence, Mr Higson has surprised many with this series which, if the standard is maintained with the remaining two books (release dates now announced), will probably be reflected on in years to come as “a sound idea, amazingly”. But most impressive amongst the successes of Double or Die – instant bestseller, 120,000 sold – is that IFP managed to keep the final title a secret until the unveiling on 3 January. Given that the Casino Royale script seemed to be freely available months before we witnessed Daniel Craig administering fragments of toilet cubicle to that spaniel-haired man, and yet this teensy bit of info about YB3 was kept under wraps until the last poss min, Eon could learn a thing or two from IFP about business. And that’s not a sentence I would have believed credible a handful of years ago.

On that point, hasn’t the Bond world really been shaken up of late? Eon and IFP really motoring and producing product of substantial quality. Young Bond. Blond Bond. Award nominations. Award wins. Critical credibility. It all seems to have been revolutionised and yet it’s still here, and earning as much (and more) than it ever did. This new Bond age seems to be chugging along very merrily. We seem to be heading into Centenary Year in 2008 very nicely.

While I’m on, being a Bond fan’s quite good now, isn’t it? A few years ago, in polite company, one could have been stoned to death – or at least been made to wear a tag around one’s ankle – if one announced that one quite, well sorta, liked (sotto voce) James Bond. An opinion as welcome as a lusty paedophile popping out of a birthday cake. Yet now, the social stigma seems to be lifting (although obviously a middle-aged man buying and reading a book aimed at children is fine … um) and maybe there will come a time soon when we don’t have to sign a register at the police station, wait for the rozzers to confiscate our secret hoard of “Roger Moore sings Megadeth: Unplugged” videos and have to suppress our inner desires by pretending to like Jessica Tandy films.

What do you mean that’s only me?

The Man with the Olden Gun

Ian Fleming’s Colt .357 Magnum (some sort of gun, apparently) sold for $23,000 at auction in March. I shall now record my reaction to this vital news through the medium of dance.

You’re too kind.

Top Nobs Speak!

Barb Broc and an assortment of Lamonts and Arnolds popped up all over the shop to chat about Casino Royale and Bond 22, all giving off a whiff of a vibe of not quite believing how well it all turned out. Our new safely ensconsed 007 also discussed his belief in the “importance of non-Bond roles”. Said instant millionaire Daniel Craig.

Purvis and Wade also speak! (But who wrote their dialogue?)

Seemingly unchastened by having inflicted Die Another Day upon a world too lovely to suffer, but doubtless buoyed up by the generous scoops of praise decorating Casino Royale, the two lads spent some time dealing with rumours for B-22. Moneypenny and Q aren’t that necessary, it would appear (bit odd that it’s taken twenty-odd films to realise this), and will appear only if the story justifies it (given that their repetoire of “stories” has included The World is Not Enough and DUD, approach this with extreme caution) and the Algerian loveknot may turn into an Algerian love triangle, although filming in Algeria could be a problem – there seems to be a subtle hint of war there at the moment (unless the Broccolis buy Algeria, which may be feasible). The “Algerian Boyfriend” thingy seems to be gathering pace, and the usual Goran Whassface and Jean Reno rumours are hoving into view; my money’s on Reno (rather than in Reno) and whilst I accept that he’s Moroccan not Algerian, we’ve all just been convinced that a Dane can play an Albanian so it shouldn’t be too hard.

Of most interest to CBn members, never averse to speculating, was Pee and Dubya’s comment that Bond 22 won’t be based on Risico. Whilst the reason’s very obvious to we eleven fans of Carole Bouquet’s handlebar moustache, this has inevitably raised the cry “Ah!” (here they go again) “Ah! But they didn’t say it wouldn’t be called Risico!”. No, they didn’t. But, on that logic, they didn’t say it wouldn’t be called “The Adventure of the Gay Elvis” either. Accordingly, Bobby and Neily have confirmed by their silence the following:-

• 1. James Bond’s middle name will be revealed. They didn’t say it wouldn’t be, so it will. Fact!
• 2. Given that these are the persons responsible for “Christmas Jones”, expect the middle name to be something stooopid like “Waitrose” or “Wroughton” or “Grrr”.
• 3. The villain will be a holographic representation of the Second Test match against New Zealand at Lord’s in 1994. They didn’t say it wouldn’t be, so it will. Fact!
• 4. The girl will be called “Sony”. This one actually has an upsetting air of the inevitable about it. Might be played by Abbie Cornish, but might equally be played by 7-Zark-7 from Battle of the Planets.
• 5. Giancarlo Giannini will return (this is great – always liked him). And Bond will kill Mathis by cutting him open below the diaphragm, eviscerating him and throwing him off a balcony, his organs splashing to earth… well, maybe not. But somehow, it’s so Daniel Craig.

Actually, James Grrr Bond seems to fit. Reminds me of the sounds Mrs Jim was making watching Mr Craig walking out of the sea in the entirely non-gratuitous product placement for Daniel Craig’s rolled-up socks.

Anyway, that’s Bee Two Two. Expect the script to be leaked online tomorrow.

You’d think they’d be queuing up to do it

But apparently not. Both Roger Michell and Martin Campbell discussed in January their high probability of not directing The Adventure of the Gay Elvis. Fair enough; with premiere after premiere and, given the splendid product, having evidently given of himself hugely, Mr Campbell probably feels like he’s been buggered by a rhino. Still, it’d be nice to have him back in a few years. CBn wishes him the best for the future.

Of Mr Michell, he who set Notting Hill before me, thank you so very very much for that, the main point of interest was that TAGE (pronounced “Tadger” to those in the know) was due to start filming in January 2007 (rather than the likely start in January 2008) meaning that we would have a marketing man’s moist fantasy (what a truly foul thought) of a Bond film in 007.

Stuff it – in 2007 you get the DVD, by Blu-Ray (I have no idea what this means, nor do I want to find out) or by valve or steam or however the lovely magic works; be happy with that, and perhaps some collectors’ cards for a stultifyingly large price. 2008, the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth, will bring us Young Bond book 4, a bit more of Moneypenny’s diary, the second film of a finally critically respectable James Bond and the centenary novel. What more do you want, and what more, really, could there possibly be?

Well, probably some more of the comic strips from Titan, the latest of which, Death Wing, was announced in January (as a replacement for the previously announced Nightbird). And, frankly, if you think Death Wing is as good a title as “The Adventure of the Gay Elvis” you can just poo off, yer bounder.

On that centenary novel, I did hear – I have my sources, albeit sometimes provocatively unreliable – about an author who had been suggested. A national treasure, immensely erudite, darker than the surface suggests, ostensibly of the Higson ilk, and if you’ve read his stuff, more appropriate than it may first appear, but as it may come to nought I won’t bother telling you about the Stephen Fry rumour.

Meanwhile, back at the plot, if Bond Tutu has no takers for a director, I’m quite prepared to do it if no-one else is available. I have my price – not in cash, it’s just in ensuring that Mrs Jim is kept away from Mr Craig. I have rarely seen her salivate so. [Note: rarely. Not “never”. You mind your own businesss, you mucky pup].

A second helping of Haggis?

Towards the end of March, Paul Haggis dropped/flung to the ground with wanton abandon some thunderous hints about any prospective involvement he may have with Bond 22; whilst general reaction to his contribution to Casino Royale (if a little hazy as to what exactly can be identified as his) has been extremely positive amongst CBn members, it falls upon the nasty man in the corner (me) to point out that none of those awards won have been for best screenplay, have they? Nurr. Well, not yet anyway – the Edgar ceremony is due in April.

Whoever it is, they had better get a move on: it appears that there is currently no finished script and the thing is due to open on 7 November 2008 against the unutterably unpleasant-sounding Madagascar 2, and about a fortnight before Dumbledore Does Death. That’s only nineteen months from now. Nineteen months ago was August 2005 when there was confident predicting amongst some of the more delusional brethren about a last minute deal to reanimate Mr Brosnan; that just feels like yesterday. Accordingly, November 2008 feels like tomorrow. Get a move on.

For Sale. Several Careless Owners. $924 million o.n.o.

I know that Aston Martins are expensive, but that’s ridiculous. Don’t want one now. No, take it away. You can’t make me.

Oh, go on then. If it means putting the children out to work rather than having them learn French or Heroin or YouTube or whatever schools do these days, then so be it. That paper round had better pay well, or there’ll be trubbel*.

*this is how one of my twin sons (thirteen) wrote “trouble” in an essay. Thirteen! When I was thirteen I…

Still hurts.

Lest We Forget

Before we get too distracted by all that is bright shiny and new, there were some films ‘n’ stuff before October 2006, y’know. In April/May there will be a Bond Film marathon “in” Manhatten; a second wave of individual Ultimate Edition DVDs of the first 20 films has been announced and the popularity amongst broadcasters for Bond film series does not seem to abate. And there were some Bonds before Ol’ Blue Eyes: the slightly-can’t-quite-put-me-finger-on-it unsatisfying Hot Fuzz was worth watching due to a smashing turn by Timothy Dalton; one forgets how good he was as Bond, and how good he wasn’t quite allowed to be. Even the supporting of Manchester City can be overlooked due to his magnificent voiceover work for Brain’s Faggots.

Stuff what we done

During the past few months, Paul gave us all some French on the increasingly sophisticated CBn podcasts, which was exceptionally kind of him and made an old man very happy. Additionally, CBn interviewed the creators of The Art of Bond and Licence to Thrill: James Bond Posters and, thanks to CBn member Genrewriter, looked back at what was for many of our members their introduction to James Bond, and for others a welcome re-introduction, 1995’s GoldenEye. An impressive and heartfelt series of articles, although one awaits the rejoinder of “Last Hurrahs: Diamonds are Forever, A View to a Kill, Licence to Kill and Die Another Day” with some nervousness, because they’re all rubbish*.

*NB this is an opinion and not necessarily representative of a collective CBn view. Yet. Give me time.

Sometimes we come in hard copy too: thanks to Ajay and chums, a number of members have had the opportunity of seeing themselves in print in the latest edition of the JBIFC’s excellent magazine, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. 007 Magazine is also excellent. Both are excellent. Splendid.

Good.

Additionally, CBn also looked at the A.S.P handgun, weapon of choice of John Gardner’s James Bond in many of his continuation novels in the 1980s and 1990s. CBn hastens to add that it respects the right and freedom of citizens of the United States of America to bear arms, and notes that this derives from protecting themselves from British reprisals during the War of Independence. CBn calls upon you all to put down your guns because – and you read it here first – CBn is pleased to officially declare that the War of Independence has ended. We have that power.

And we have that power because of our numbers: during January, CBn achieved 8,000 registered members for its forums. If you haven’t yet joined, why not give it a try? Particularly popular threads in the early part of 2007 have been: “What colour is Roger Moore’s brain?”; “Moonraker – Splendid or not so splendid?” (clue: splendid); “Never Say Never Again: Bettering the Cultural Progress of the Planet or Just Cynical Money-Grabbing Bewiggery?” and “Have you pleasured her today sexy man here are pills“. But, seriously, we do appreciate all our members’ efforts to keep our fora the most erudite, amusing and downright sorta comfynice of their kind. Many thanks.

Don’t forget to enter our competitions, either. None of them involve premium rate ‘phonelines but do seek an adult’s permission, particularly if that adult doesn’t want you on the computer because he wants to look at pictures of dolly birds.

…and CBn member mccartney007 had a film out.

On the Slab

So, as we look forward to 007 in 007 (y’see what I did there? Do you? Do you? Grim, wasn’t it?), what will happen? Will Bond 22 find itself a director and a title, and a story? Will the centenary novel be related to Bond 22 in any way? Will Bond 22 film in Pinewood or Prague? Will Colin Salmon please stop being a silly sausage?

Yes, No, Yes, No. But not necessarily in that order.

‘bye ‘bye.

To discuss this CBn Dossier visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related Links

• The CBn Dossier, December ’06
• The CBn Dossier, October ’06
• The CBn Dossier, September ’06
• The CBn Dossier, August ’06
• The CBn Dossier, July ’06
• The CBn Dossier, June ’06
• The CBn Dossier, May ’06
• The CBn Dossier, April ’06
• The CBn Dossier, March ’06
• The CBn Dossier, February ’06
• The CBn Dossier, January ’06
• The CBn Dossier, December ’05
• The CBn Dossier, November ’05
• The CBn Dossier, October ’05
• The CBn Dossier, Special Edition covering ‘Casino Royale’
• The CBn Dossier, September ’05
• The CBn Dossier, August ’05
• The CBn Dossier, July ’05
• The CBn Dossier, June ’05
• The CBn Dossier, May ’05
• The CBn Dossier, April ’05
• The CBn Dossier, March ’05
• The CBn Dossier, February ’05

The CBn Dossier, December '06

Welcome to the December 2006 CBn Dossier, a wrap-up of all the James Bond 007 news and rumours for the month. If you follow these reports CBn files around the end of each month, you’ll notice that we omitted last month, November, as we were currently swamped with other news to report about the release of some major film… perhaps you’ve heard of it? In any event, we’re back. In this month’s column, we’ll be covering anything and everything relating to Casino Royale (once again, there is a lot of it), Bond 22, all the latest news on Charlie Higson’s Young Bond, the ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVDs, and much more…

This month’s CBn Dossier is delivered by Devin Zydel. Enjoy.

A Royale Winner At The Box Office

The month started off well for Casino Royale, as the film had just passed the $100 million mark in the US at the start of December. Since then, the film also overtook Die Another Day’s UK box office record as well as opened #1 in a variety of countries around the world.

Early predictions that Casino Royale would become the most successful Bond film internationally were proved true in mid-December, when the film overtook Die Another Day’s record as well as broke the $400 million barrier worldwide.

CBn also reported on the Sydney premiere of Casino Royale, which was attended by Daniel Craig, Caterina Murino, and director Martin Campbell. When asked about his new role as James Bond, Craig said: ‘We had the chance to try and rediscover him a little bit here and open him out. He’s a little more human, but that’s because he has to fall in love and we had to see other sides to him.’

Martin Campbell summed it up perfectly in one line: ‘The best James Bond film ever is what [fans] can expect.’

Making the smiles even bigger for those at Sony, Casino Royale‘s box office success contributed to helping the studio reach the $3 billion milestone at worldwide box office–only the fourth time in history for any studio.

Craig, Murino, and Campbell were on hand once again in South Korea, where they attended a press conference at Shilla Hotel in Seoul to promote the film. ‘He (James Bond) falls in love, makes mistakes and gets hurt. He is a little bit more human,’ said Craig at the event when asked what made his 007 different from the others in the series.

Remaining strong once again at the box office, Casino Royale maintained its #1 position internationally for the fourth straight weekend. It was the opening of the pesty Happy Feet in the UK however, that finally knocked Casino Royale from the top spot. The film is currently the second most successful film in the UK, behind Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest .

Casino Royale also went on to open #1 in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia with takings of $1.5 million, $314,002, and $320,589, respectively. The film also made its way into the US Top 10 at the box office–1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies being the series most recent film to feature on the list.

Additionally, CBn reported on Casino Royale‘s opening on 29 December in Vietnam, where the film was screened at cinemas in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Biggest Bond Of All

On Christmas Eve, Bond fans received the news that Casino Royale had become the highest grossing James Bond film in the series. With a then-worldwide total of $448 million, Craig’s first 007 film had beaten the previous record of Die Another Day‘s $432 million.

The film then went on to pass the $150 million barrier in the US and earn the #1 spot on ‘Film 2006 with Jonathan Ross.’

With a current domestic total of $155 million and a an international total of $338 million, Casino Royale will become the first Bond film to break the $500 million barrier worldwide.

Click here for CBn’s weekly updated round up of all the latest box office details for Casino Royale

Making The ‘Top 10’ Lists…

While Casino Royale continued on its quest for box office success, it also made its way to several Top 10 listings on entertainment websites around the world:

On Entertainment Weekly, Owen Gleiberman put Daniel Craig’s first 007 film in the #1 spot. The beauty of Casino Royale is that it does more than just restore the lustrous excitement of the James Bond series. ‘The beauty of Casino Royale is that it does more than just restore the lustrous excitement of the James Bond series,’ he says. ‘[It] reconnected audiences to the very soul of movie escapism, reviving the primal enjoyment of what action, suspense, and romance feel like when there is something at stake.’

On the website for The Guardian, readers can vote for the best film of 2006. Casino Royale is currently in the #1 spot with 33% of the votes.

Empire placed Casino Royale in the #3 spot, saying: ‘Contrary to pre-release nay-sayers, Daniel Craig has done more with James Bond in one film than some previous stars have in multiple reprises. This is terrific stuff, again positioning 007 as the action franchise to beat.’

Casino Royale came in the #1 spot on BlogCritics Magazine as well. “TV and Film Guy” said of the film: ‘They recognized the franchise needed change and they rethought it all from the ground up…’

Daniel Craig’s first James Bond film is ranked #5 overall on Clint’s Top 10 on Moviehole. ‘If you’re ever going to try and re-invent Bond, you get the guy that did GoldenEye, Martin Campbell,’ he says. ‘Campbell knows how to breathe life into a struggling franchise, and does it again here with flying colours. He’s inserted the exhilaration back into the series.

On the NY Daily News, Casino Royale is #7: ‘I haven’t enjoyed a James Bond movie this much since the earliest Sean Connery editions, before the franchise went all high-tech and started casting dandies like Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan … Daniel Craig is a real 007.’

Demetrios Matheou also placed Casino Royale in his Top 10 on the Sunday Herald, saying: ‘The bone-crunchingly realistic action scenes were accompanied by a pleasing fidelity to the card games and testicle-bashing of Fleming’s novel. Casino Royale ensured that, for the first time anyone can remember, at the end of a Bond film we’re actually looking forward to the next.

More Royale Details

In an interview with The New York Times, Mads Mikkelsen said of his role in Casino Royale: ‘I tried to make Le Chiffre an asthmatic and a heavy smoker. I thought that was a great combination. But no one smokes in a Bond film anymore.’ Caterina Murino also spoke on her role to the Courier Mail, saying: ‘I wasn’t a very huge fan of Bond because I always thought it was a little chauvinistic. It’s a male movie. I think for the first time, women can also enjoy to watch a Bond movie. Daniel is such a great actor but a beautiful man also. Oh, yeah.’

Sony launched their own Casino Royale mobile game early on December. Available at the official website, the game allows players to ‘acquire Agent 007’s style and wits as you take on life-threatening missions for Her Majesty’s Secret Service.’

In other promising news, Casino Royale is among the list of films in consideration for a Visual Effects Oscar nomination. Furthermore, Daniel Craig’s James Bond tuxedo raised over £12,000 for children’s charity ChildLine.

The USA network won a ‘heated bidding war’ for the television rights to Casino Royale. The five-year deal was said to be around $20 million. Expected to begin in June 2009, the package from Sony Pictures TV also gives the USA Network the ‘right to carve out an additional window on broadcast or cable.’

Vesper Lynd’s Algerian Love Knot necklace and the coral silk, cowel necked sheath dress worn by Solange have both become bestsellers. Supply exceeded demand for the necklace, with inquiries coming from around the world on how to purchase one.

For a look at how the James Bond series has moved from a ‘post-Tracy’ 007 to a ‘post-Vesper’ 007 as a result of Casino Royale, check out Stephen Rowley’s ‘This Never Happened to the Other Fellow:’ Bond, Vesper, & Tracy.

You Know My Name

December was also a busy month when it came to news regarding the title song for Casino Royale, Chris Cornell’s ‘You Know My Name.’ Early on in the month, CBn reported that the song had been nominated in the International Press Academy’s Golden Satellite Awards… and then eventually won. ‘You Know My Name’ is also listed in the early nominations list for the ‘Original Song’ category for the 79th Academy Awards. Included with 55 other songs, the list will be trimmed down to the final three/four/five on 16 January 2007.

Discussing the world premiere of Casino Royale, Cornell said that hearing his own song over the main title sequence ‘somehow seemed strange. And because it was the choice of a new actor, where they’re reinventing Bond all over again in Britain, you really got this fever pitch that this was not a normal opening of a movie–it was a really big deal.’

The single entered the UK charts mid-December at #12 (it also entered at #4 on the Top 40 Downloads chart). During its second week, the single rose to #7 on the charts (while dropping to #8 on the Top 40 Downloads chart). In comparison to other recent James Bond title themes, Madonna’s ‘Die Another Day’ charted at #3 in the UK and #8 in the US. ‘The World Is Not Enough’ by Garbage, Sheryl Crow’s ‘Tomorrow Never Dies,’ and Tina Turner’s ‘GoldenEye’ peaked at #11, #12, and #10, respectively, in the UK.

Order the ‘You Know My Name’ CD single from Amazon.co.uk (£3.99)

Order the ‘You Know My Name’ CD single from Amazon.com ($11.99)

The Bond Girls You May Have Overlooked…

In addition to the striking presence of Bond girls Eva Green, Caterina Murino, and Ivana Milicevic in Casino Royale, the film also features appearances by two Bond girls from the Sean Connery 007-era.

When an early cast list for Casino Royale was released online earlier in the year, eagle-eyed Bond fans noticed the listing of Tsai Chin, who plays ‘Madame Wu’ in the film–a cardplayer seen in the main poker competition between Bond and Le Chiffre. Bond fans also know her as the character of ‘Ling,’ who is in bed with Bond in the pre-credits of 1967’s You Only Live Twice.

The other appearance went unnoticed until after the film was released. Listed as ‘Card Player #3’ on the Casino Royale credits is Diane Hartford. In the film, she is the woman seated at the poker table during the game between Bond and Dimitrios in the Bahamas. Bond fans can also spot Hartford in 1965’s Thunderball. She is the woman Bond dances with at the Kiss Kiss Club, while trying to evade Fiona Volpe and the SPECTRE henchmen.

Only 673 Days Until ‘Bond 22’…

Daniel Craig is already thinking about how to make his next James Bond film, due out in November 2008, even better than Casino Royale. ‘I said to Barbara Broccoli the other day when we started getting good reviews–which was great–and suddenly we’ve got a successful movie. I said, “Well we’ve done it now because we’ve got to make the next one better!” But that’s the challenge and that’s all I’ve ever really thought about in acting,’ said Craig. ‘[Bond] was the biggest challenge I’ve ever been offered and the course of your life changes.’

The biggest Bond 22 rumour of the month was an article from The Sun claiming Bond 22 would be based on Ian Fleming’s short story, Risico, with Martin Campbell returning to direct.

‘Bosses were so pleased with how well Casino Royale has been received that work has already commenced on Risico at Pinewood Studios,’ claimed a source for The Sun. ‘Some of the same characters will crop up again. But one of the main aspects will be to develop Bond’s complex personality.’ The plot of the novel is supposedly being changed to that the film is a direct continuation from Casino Royale. Note that rumours of this magnitude, at this early stage, should be taken with a grain of salt.

And while we’re on the subject of rumours… The Killers for Bond 22? Ain’t happening.

The Literary 007

On the topic of Young Bond, the wait will soon be over for those wondering what title Charlie Higson’s third novel will feature. CBn reported that the announcement of the chosen title is set to take place at Waterstone’s Piccadilly, Europe’s largest bookstore, on Wednesday, 3 January 2007 from 10:30 to 12:30. Click here for details on the Young Bond Book 3 tour Higson will be making throughout January and February. Additionally, the packaging artwork for the novel was revealed in late December (the title still remaining a mystery).

The Young Bond Dossier confirmed what the novel will be called in Germany: Goldenboy. As with the previous German editions of Higson’s Young Bond novels, Goldenboy will be published by Arena and is set to be released in March 2007. Click here to pre-order ‘Goldenboy’ from amazon.de.

Interest sparked for Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel thanks to the film of the same name. The official IFP website reported that the UK Penguin reprint of Casino Royale entered the fiction paperback bestseller chart at #43. The Hebrew reprint peaked at #3–the first time a Bond novel has been in print in that language in many years.

The 50th issue of ‘OO7’ Magazine OnLine was published and includes several articles on Casino Royale, amongst several other features.

Lastly, those looking forward to the reprint of James Bond: The Authorised Biography Of 007, by John Pearson, that was supposed to be released in October 2006 are going to have to wait a little while longer: delayed a full year, James Bond: The Authorised Biography Of 007 is set to ship on 4 October 2007 and can be pre-ordered from amazon.co.uk for a discounted price of £12.91.

007 On DVD

Boxed sets galore! CBn updated Bond fans with details on all the latest releases of the ‘Ultimate Edition’ 007 DVDs in both the UK and US. Whether you’re looking to collect them all, choose the films of a specific actor, or pick and choose, there is something for everyone.

Other big news of the month included the announcement of indivdual releases of the Bond films on DVD coming to US in February 2007. There is, however, one catch: The individual releases will only be single-disc editions. The second disc, filled with new and old special features will not be included. Thus, the only extras available will be the audio commentaries for each film.

Each DVD will retail for $14.98 and the first set of releases (yes, keep rolling your eyes, you didn’t honestly think the US would get all the Bond films released at once, did you?!) include: Goldfinger, Thunderball, The Spy Who Loved Me, For Your Eyes Only, Licence To Kill, and GoldenEye on 6 February.

Lastly, the eventual DVD/Blu-ray DVD release of Casino Royale is rumoured for 13 March 2007 according to The Digital Bits. The listing for this DVD is currently on amazon.co.uk, where the release date is listed as 27 March (although these listings are constantly subject to changes).

Click here for CommanderBond.net’s full round-up of all the latest James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVD news: front and back cover art, box cover art, worldwide release dates, menu and screen caps, new certificates, ordering details, special features, technical specs, and more.

Reviews, Auctions, Marathons, And More

Sean Connery’s Walther PP gun, used in the first official 007 film, Dr. No, sold for $106,202 (about £54,000) at a Christie’s auction early on in the month. Several weapons from the Bond series were featured.

If you’re a fan of the literary Bond, check out the Blades Library Book Club, whose members read and review a 007 novel every two month. Currently, the club is on John Gardner’s Icebreaker. Additionally, club members can review or comment on any of the past read books in the club any time they want. Click here for the full archive of the past read books in the club.

Spike TV was back once again with their annual ‘007 Days of Christmas’ marathon and CBn members reviewed Pierce Brosnan’s final Bond film, Die Another Day, on the main page.

CBn – Bond At Its Best

CommanderBond.net offered several competitions throughout the month, including the chance to win ‘OO7’ Magazine #32 as well as our current competition is for a a James Bond art print signed by artist Robert McGinnis–enter today!

For a tribute to the many different people who have passed that were associated with James Bond in the films and novels throught out the years, click here for CBn’s ‘In Memory Of…’ article.

As always, stay up-to-date with CBn. The RSS feed syndicates CBn news stories all over the world. Be sure to also check out the CBn Podcast–the first and only James Bond podcast on the internet–for all the latest news in the world of 007.

With over 7,500 members, 650,000 posts and endless discussion topics, there has never been a better time to join the CBn Forums to discuss Casino Royale and all other Bond topics. Registration is free and only takes a minute. It’s safe to say that as Bond fans, we have a lot to look forward to. As always, stay tuned to CBn for daily coverage of all things James Bond.

To discuss this month’s CBn Dossier visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related Links

• The CBn Dossier, October ’06
• The CBn Dossier, September ’06
• The CBn Dossier, August ’06
• The CBn Dossier, July ’06
• The CBn Dossier, June ’06
• The CBn Dossier, May ’06
• The CBn Dossier, April ’06
• The CBn Dossier, March ’06
• The CBn Dossier, February ’06
• The CBn Dossier, January ’06
• The CBn Dossier, December ’05
• The CBn Dossier, November ’05
• The CBn Dossier, October ’05
• The CBn Dossier, Special Edition covering ‘Casino Royale’
• The CBn Dossier, September ’05
• The CBn Dossier, August ’05
• The CBn Dossier, July ’05
• The CBn Dossier, June ’05
• The CBn Dossier, May ’05
• The CBn Dossier, April ’05
• The CBn Dossier, March ’05
• The CBn Dossier, February ’05

The CBn Dossier, October '06

Welcome to the October 2006 CBn Dossier, a wrap-up of all the James Bond 007 news and rumours for the month. In this month’s column, we’ll be covering anything and everything relating to Casino Royale (and there is a lot of it), all the latest news on Charlie Higson’s Young Bond, the ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVDs, 007-related events, and much more.

This month’s CBn Dossier is delivered by Devin Zydel. Enjoy.

Royale With Cheese (and everything else)

Might as well just call this October dossier the ‘Casino Royale Dossier… October ’06.’ Looking over the main page for the past month, that one film has (rightfully so) dominated the news in the world of Bond. So off we go…

Let’s go about this chronologically. The first bit of news regarding Casino Royale came with details on Ford’s ‘Licence & Loaded’ promotion for the film. As Bond fans may or may not know, 007 will be driving the 2007 Mondeo in the film. Further details on its involvement were later revealed mid-month.

‘The new Mondeo was essentially still on the drawing board when we were asked to supply the vehicle for filming in February 2006,’ said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s Executive Director for Design. ‘As volume production for the car doesn’t start until the second quarter of 2007, we had to create a one-off, driveable model based around a design studio property!’ Click here to check out the commercial.

No smoking for Daniel Craig in Casino Royale according to an interview in Parade magazine. ‘I can blow off someone’s head at close range and splatter blood, but I can’t light a good Cuban,’ he says.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Craig and Caterina Murino (who plays Solange in the film) will be attending the Sydney premiere of the film on 4 December, as will director Martin Campbell and producer Barbara Broccoli. The French premiere will be taking place on 17 November.

Her Majesty’s Loyal Terrier

The official Casino Royale website also provided a few new reports from Yarborough as well as the occasional video or two. Click on the following for reports on the Aston Martin DBS and the music of Casino Royale as well as the Filming in Venice video.

UK newspaper The Sun reported to have attended a preview screening of Casino Royale and offered their review of the film. The hook? ‘Daniel Craig is the best Bond since Connery… [his] performance is so strong he could even make moviegoers forget there was anyone between himself and Connery.’

Casino Royale will be rated 12A in the UK for ‘one scene of torture and strong action violence’ and PG-13 in the US for ‘intense scenes of action violence, a scene of torture, sexual content, and nudity.’ Gritty enough for you? If not, then check out this photograph of the Craig’s James Bond in the famed torture sequence in the film *Spoiler Warning if you haven’t read the book*.

‘The Best Bond Ever’

The producers like Daniel Craig… a lot, according to a report from Virgin News where Barbara Broccoli called him ‘the best Bond ever’.

‘He’s such a superb actor. He’s incredibly sexy, he’s very charismatic, he has enormous screen presence and when he takes on a role he completely inhabits the character, and in this case he did everything.’

Posters, TV Spots, Charity Premieres, TV Specials…

On and on we go. October also saw the release of several Casino Royale posters. Most recently is the Japanese poster which features Daniel Craig in a particularly striking pose along with Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd and the 007 logo to the left. The international B poster was also spotted online. It includes a shot of Craig and Green in the water, the Casino Royale, the Aston Martin, and boats from one of the sequences in the film. All the images are part of a gunbarrel backround design.

A flash image of Craig in a set of new Casino Royale posters were revealed online. Additionally, character posters for both Vesper Lynd and Solange were spotted on eBay, but have proved a bit more difficult to come by compared to some of the others.

Two TV spots for the film were quickly spotted and promptly put online (a most recent third will likely be on YouTube by the time I finish typing this sentence.) Check them out here and here.

Details have been flowing in non-stop on the charity premieres for Casino Royale as well. The list includes: Preston, Yorkshire, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Livingston.

Her Majesty The Queen will be attending the world premiere on 14 November which is shaping up to be quite the event. Tickets are unfortunately completely sold out, but there were several online competitions to win a pair throughout the month. The film’s general UK release was pushed forward to 16 November.

The film is set to break a record upon its release in India with over 500 prints–the highest ever for any Hollywood film. In the case of China, however, it may not be so lucky. As reported by Variety, Casino Royale may be the victim of the country’s next “blackout” of Hollywood films.

Even if you weren’t lucky enough to win that ticket to the world premiere, you can at least check out some of the TV specials on the film that will air in November. MTV, ITV, Sky3, E!…fun for the whole family. Additionally, be sure to catch Daniel Craig making an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman on 7 November.

The Music Of Casino Royale

As of 31 October, three different versions of Chris Cornell’s title song for Casino Royale, ‘You Know My Name’ have appeared online. Details available here and here.

It was first reported that Cornell would be filming the music video for the title song on 10-11 October in LA. Behind-the-scenes photos from the video were later posted online. The music video for ‘You Know My Name’ will air on MTV’s “Making the Video” on 31 October at 10:00am EST.

***Warning***: The official tracklist for the Casino Royale soundtrack contains a MAJOR plot spoiler for the film.

Meanwhile, composer David Arnold concluded work on the score for the film on 11 October, posting on his website that Sony Records was rushing as fast as possible to get the soundtrack out on shelves. The first real details on the track listing (25 in total) were revealed online only two days later.

Bond fans later got two different opportunities to listen to cues from the soundtrack at both SonyMusicStore and Soundtrack.net. The soundtrack will include nearly 75 minutes of music, but Cornell’s ‘You Know My Name’ will not be included.

Pre-order the Casino Royale soundtrack from Amazon.co.uk (13 November 2006)

Pre-order the Casino Royale soundtrack from Amazon.com (14 November 2006)

David Arnold – Scoring Casino Royale

David Arnold was interviewed by Kirsty Lang on BBC Radio’s Front Row on Monday, 23 October 2006. The in depth interview that follows covers how Arnold matched his music to the masculinity of Daniel Craig’s James Bond, what is different with this score, and much more: David Arnold on scoring Casino Royale.

Interviews Galore

There are several to say the least.

Martin Campbell…

‘After GoldenEye I said I’d never direct another Bond and its rather like Sean Connery saying he;ll never do another Bond… well, you know, never say never again.’ – Martin Campbell when asked if he’ll return for Bond 22.

Daniel Craig and Mads Mikkelsen…

‘We’re talking grittiness compared to the other Bond films. The task is to bring this magical universe–it’s still a fairy tale, he’s still Superman, I’m still the baddie–into 2006. That’s the kind of grittiness we’re talking about.’ – Mads Mikkelsen on just how gritty Casino Royale will be.

Caterina Murino…

‘Um, sharing the night with James Bond. And I loved also the morning when we shot the galloping scene on the beach. It was nice… everything you see on the screen, that’s me. I didn’t use a stunt double.’ – Caterina Murino on her favourite scenes in the film.

Daniel Craig, Eva Green, and Caterina Murino…

‘On a movie of this scale, it’s important to get the locations right… the Bahamas has provided us with fantastic locations and beautiful settings… and then we had to get back into the grind and get back into the studio. That’s part of the process.’ – Daniel Craig on Casino Royale.

Mads Mikkelsen…

‘Eventually, I made it. I was dressed up and I was about to do a scene with Daniel [Craig], but at that time, they’ve all seen my work and they were quite busy, so I got the job without doing the casting, which was kind of an anti-climax, but still, I enjoyed that.’ – Mads Mikkelsen on scoring the role of ‘Le Chiffre’.

Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli…

‘We wanted to change the style from fantasy to something a bit more gritty. We are still entertainment… We are trying to make it a PG film.’ – Michael G. Wilson on the tone change from Die Another Day to Casino Royale.

Premiere Magazine Goes Inside Casino Royale

‘I wasn’t totally convinced about Daniel… it was when Paul Haggis came on to do the rewrite that it all fell into place. It became a more serious Bond, a more realistic Bond. Much more like the books. And then of course Daniel fits perfectly.’ – Martin Campbell

‘There are some slight undertones that he might be interested in men. Some will see it, some won’t. – Mads Mikkelsen on ‘Le Chiffre’

Where’s Wilson?

CBn scored an exclusive with the first details of producer Michael G. Wilson’s cameo appearance in Casino Royale. As he says: ‘I’ve made an appearance in every film since The Spy Who Loved Me in one form or another–sometimes only as a hand or a voice. It’s become a tradition. I’ve been a priest and a scientist, but this is my first time as SPOILER: Highlight To Read: a policeman.’

Marketing Pals

Heineken, Smirnoff, Sony Style… sound familiar? The full list includes:

• Atlantis
• Bollinger
• Brioni
• Ford
• Heineken
• Omega
• Persol
• Smirnoff
• Sony Ericsson
• Sony Style
• Turnbull & Asser
• Virgin Atlantic

Click here to view the Casino Royale Heineken commercial featuring Eva Green. A making-of video was later added online as well. The commercial was shot at Grand Hotel Pupp, which doubles as Hotel Splendide in Casino Royale. ‘We felt that to be true to what we wanted, we needed to be true to the movie. So we chose to shoot using authentic locations,’ says Heineken International Communications Manager Shane Hoyne.

007 On DVD

Only a few more days to wait for US Bond fans… The biggest bit of news was revealed that the US sets will include the DVDs in slim cases with the UK cover art. Pictures can be viewed on the forums.

Several past Bond film stars, including Roger Moore were also on hand to do some promoting for the new ‘Buy One Get One’ offer in the UK. Details were revealed on actor-specific James Bond boxed sets for those in the UK as well.

Click here for CommanderBond.net’s round-up of all the latest James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVD news: front and back cover art, worldwide release dates, menu and screen caps, new certificates, pre-ordering details, special features, technical specs, and more.

Young Bond Book 3 – You Choose The Title

Young Bond fan eagerly awaited month after month throughout the year for details regarding the title of Charlie Higson’s newest adventure, due out in January 2007.

Speculation was finally put to rest on 3 October, when a press release explained that fans would decide the title of Higson’s newest novel. The choices? Double or Die, N.E.M.E.S.I.S., and The Deadlock Cipher. Visit www.youngbond.com to vote (voting ends on 3 November).

For those who can’t wait until January for their Young Bond fix, proofs of the Young Bond Book 3 novel have been appearing on eBay. Unfortunately, these copies seem to be fetching much higher prices than when the proof editions were first released for both SilverFin and Blood Fever.

Why stop there? While you’re on eBay, you might as well look for the limited edition of Blood Fever or check out Waterstones bookstore in the UK if collector’s editions are your thing.

More Literary 007…

If you haven’t already guessed, this is one hell of an expensive year for fans of the literary James Bond. Releases in this month include the Ian Fleming James Bond novel reprints in the UK, The Ultimate James Bond Fan Book, The Art Of Bond, James Bond And Philosophy, So You Think You Know James Bond, The Man Who Saved Britain in the US, and Bond On Set: Filming Casino Royale.

Details were revealed on a short story entitled For Your Eyes Only, James by Moneypenny Diaries author Samantha Weinberg. The story runs at about 3,000 words and is centered on a weekend getaway for Bond and Moneypenny at Royale-les-Eaux in 1956 (which was also featured in Fleming’s first 007 novel, Casino Royale). Ms. Weinberg describes the story as ‘fun in a rather risque manner.’

Honours For Connery, A Birthday For Moore, But No Bonding For Barry

Congratulations to Sir Sean Connery for being awarded the lifetime achievement award at the first Rome Film Festival. Sir Sean, who also attended the opening concert at Rome Opera House during the event, called the award fantastic.’

CBn also wishes Sir Roger Moore a very happy 79th birthday. Nobody does it better.

However, former Bond composer John Barry is not in such a happy mood when it comes to the modern 007. According to a report from the International Express, Barry says ‘forget it, I’ll watch something else’ when it comes to watching one of the newer Bond films.

‘I haven’t been a Bond fan in a long time,’ he says. ‘I gave up after The Living Daylights in 1987. I had exhausted all my ideas, rung all the changes that were possible. It was a formula that had run its course. The best had been done as far as I was concerned…’

Where All Other Bond Sites End…

CommanderBond.net offered several competitions throughout the month, including the chance to win Monopoly: James Bond Collector’s Edition and signed copies of John Griswold’s ‘Ian Fleming’s James Bond’. Our current competition is for a Casino Royale Japanese flyer – enter today!

As always, stay up-to-date with CBn. The RSS feed syndicates CBn news stories all over the world. Be sure to also check out the CBn Podcast–the first and only James Bond podcast on the internet–for all the latest news in the world of 007.

With over 6,500 members, 600,000 posts and endless discussion topics, there has never been a better time to join the CBn Forums to discuss Casino Royale and all other Bond topics. Registration is free and only takes a minute. It’s safe to say that as Bond fans, we have a lot to look forward to. As always, stay tuned to CBn for daily coverage of all things James Bond.

To discuss this month’s CBn Dossier visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related Links

• The CBn Dossier, September ’06
• The CBn Dossier, August ’06
• The CBn Dossier, July ’06
• The CBn Dossier, June ’06
• The CBn Dossier, May ’06
• The CBn Dossier, April ’06
• The CBn Dossier, March ’06
• The CBn Dossier, February ’06
• The CBn Dossier, January ’06
• The CBn Dossier, December ’05
• The CBn Dossier, November ’05
• The CBn Dossier, October ’05
• The CBn Dossier, Special Edition covering ‘Casino Royale’
• The CBn Dossier, September ’05
• The CBn Dossier, August ’05
• The CBn Dossier, July ’05
• The CBn Dossier, June ’05
• The CBn Dossier, May ’05
• The CBn Dossier, April ’05
• The CBn Dossier, March ’05
• The CBn Dossier, February ’05

The CBn Dossier, September '06

Welcome to the September 2006 CBn Dossier, a wrap-up of all the James Bond 007 news and rumours for the month. In this month’s column, we’ll be covering all the latest news regarding the upcoming release of Casino Royale, Bond 22, updates here on CBn, and much more.

This month’s CBn Dossier is delivered by Jim. He has seen diamonds cut through harder men than you. He has also seen Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.

Careless Whispers of Love and Hate

As the month began, and as Casino Royale, comes ever closer, Bond 22 drifted just that little bit further away.

One can speculate why this should be; the favourite theory is that Roger Michell, overrampagingly hot tip as director, backed out. There’s also Daniel Craig’s extremely busy schedule and the probable reality that “they” are waiting to see how Casino Royale, goes down with the audience. There are other more scandalous truths and we could tell you, but then we would have to kill you.

Well, we don’t actually have to; but we might choose to. Everyone must get their jollies somehow.

Still, it’s now looking like November 2008 for Bond 22. Or Bond v2.2. Or whatever it’s meant to be called. “Talking” of which…

Bond 22 – a.k.a….

Amongst the usual fun and larfs that is the CBn fora, with anonymous usernames telling all what they have been listening to, or what they are digesting into waste matter, or speculating about what Daniel Craig may be doing at that very minute (and given the worldwide reach of CBn, at any individual minute a member speculates, he may well be releasing a chocolate hostage; treasure that thought my lovelies), one of the many ooh chilli-hot topics is the mass debate about the title of Bond 22.

Current speculation as to Bond Two Two runs as follows:

Bond Tutu – James Bond goes undercover at the Bolshoi as the Archbishop of Cape Town. Stars Catherine Deneuve as Desmond Tutu and Brian Blessed as, oh I dunno, let’s say Heidi.

Bond 22: Two Little Ducks – following the trend of changing the Casino Royale, card game, in the intense follow-up, Bond finds himself challenged to a high-stakes game of Bingo by the merciless killer Colonel Apocalypse. Played by Dido or someone equally vile.

Bernard the Film.

Ok, so this admits we have no idea. When we do, we’ll tell you. Until then, assume that we don’t know and it will probably be called Valerie.

You Know My Name

And my name is “what the Hell is that supposed to be?”.

Pokemon Theme Lea…Casino Royale Theme Leaked!

I’m sure that it will all make perfect sense in due course, and doubtless I am very, very old, but it’s all a bit of a row and a little disappointing. If you need the words “This is an OPINION” stamped over this column in mile-high letters, then just imagine that they are. Cope.

But it appears that the majority view is that it is, at the very least, OK. Shows what I know. In due course I may learn to like it.

“Yes. Considerably.”

The second (query whether final) Casino Royale, trailer seems to have gone down very well amongst the CBn populace (when distracting themselves away from important matters such as “What colour is your brain?”). Some dialogue about bottoms, some things going bang and whizz, a choir going a bit mentalist and some traditionally, reassuringly awful dialogue for The Dench – all shaping up nicely.

It’s going to make an absolute shedload, isn’t it? There are a number of reasons for this, but one of the main ones is because of who is in it. Not old Blondy Cragface, but…

The Insider

CBn forum member erniecureo was … well, read all about it here.

Amazing story, and a real insight into how these films are made.

And he’s in the trailer.

I have accepted my foaming jealousy and moved on.

Ish.

Killkillkill.

Kill.

42-Hour Bond Marathon is on!

The Empire Bondathon

There have been shorter wars.

You Know My Name, part two.

Nope, still not too sure about it, but those opening chords are quite eventful.

Here’s some tat that you can buy; hooray!

Divest yourself of some money you would otherwise use to feed, clothe and house yourself, on some of this stuff. Credit card debt’s such a winning look, don’t you think?

• New ‘Casino Royale’ Poster
• Turnbull & Asser Casino Royale Limited Collection
• Casino Royale Carrera Go! Racing Set
• Ian Fleming James Bond Reprints
• Titan James Bond collections
• ‘James Bond and Philosophy’
• ‘James Bond: The Secret World of 007’
• ‘So You Think You Know James Bond’
• ‘The Ultimate James Bond Fan Book’
• ‘James Bond In The 21st Century: Why We Still Need 007’
• ‘Blood Fever’ Limited Edition Hardback
• ‘The Ultimate James Bond Film Music Collection’
• US James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVDs

When you stare into the eyes of yet another fly-blown East African child, feel good that you bought this and that you have used your life wisely and unselfishly. Well done you.

Have a badge.

Pope Catholic. Water wet. And other assorted scandals.

News reached CBn this month that Sony will be using Casino Royale to push some of its lovely consumer goods to potential consumers.

Not that product placement has ever been absent from the Bond series – large chunks of the past decade has been adverts we have paid to watch – so this is hardly news. Even if it does appear to be a teensy bit grubby. Still, what do we know – we’re just the poor saps who pay for this stuff. James Bond uses this grotty laptop, so buy this laptop and you are immediately transformed into James Bond. That sort of rubbish.

Ain’t It Cool? (Is that actually English? I despair)

The website of a fat ginger person seems to have gained entry to an early screening of Casino Royale, and inevitably this appeared on the internet merely moments after it all happened – see here.

I haven’t bothered reading this myself, largely because I can quite live without the overabundance of exclamation marks common to that site!!!!!!??!! But some may find it of interest. Such as Eon’s trained killers.

Mr Owen says something potentially provocative, the scamp.

Full story here.

Whatever can he mean? And to whom could he be referring? Whilst you’re reading the next paragraph, I will retire and have a bit of a think.

Mr Brosnan wins something-or-other.

The Irish Film Academy (new to us too) awarded Pierce Brosnan a lifetime membership this month.

Giddy as a schoolgirl and doubtless barely able to contain his glee, Malibu resident Mr Brosnan expressed thanks and in so doing expressed that he “can only hope that this will lead to the inspiration of future artistic generations to go forth within their time and place in history, fearless with desire”.

Answers on a postcard please as to quite what that actually means.

Mr Owen’s comment

Nope. Still no idea who he’s talking about.

Speculation – here.

Old Bonds, Big Screens

During the month there have been a number of screenings around the world of Bond films – for example GoldenEye, with some attended by Bond stars. Keep your eyes peeled (that’s a really unpleasant image, innit?) for other events by checking the CBn main page calendar.

You Know My Name – part three

Why does he start shrieking at the end? Is this a fashionable thing to do? Is it a necessary thing to do? Please help me; I feel suddenly decrepit.

The Pod Squad

The CBn Podcast continues to grow in popularity; the latest edition is available to download here. Many thanks to Rich Douglas for his music and to all who give up their time to produce something that continues to gather new subscribers as quickly as Apple produce new versions of their iPod thingy machine thing. In the run-up to Casino Royale, stay tuned: there are new developments ahead…

Deva* Fever

If you can’t make it to London for the World/Royal Premiere of Casino Royale (and if you haven’t been invited, assume now that you can’t make it), why not look north to the lovely city of Chester, which may well be getting a regional premiere of the film, given that it is Mr Craig’s home city.

For those unfamiliar with Chester, it is an ancient walled city on the banks of the River Dee, a significant tourist centre and a city where it is apparently still legal to shoot a Welshman with a longbow should he enter the city walls after sundown. Accordingly, after you’ve seen the film, celebrate Bond’s inevitable survival aginst a dastardly foe by getting in some archery practice.

Remember: arm yourself. No-one out there will save you.

(*Roman name for Chester, fans of “fact”)

Pic of the Fic

The CBn Fan Fiction fora continue to grow in popularity month on month, but during September something even more worthy of note occurred: the exclusive publication of Fenna Geelhoed’s second “Joyce Carrington 009” novels, “Past Bearing”: 600 pages of tip top action and secret agent fun slipped between covers once again the product of the genius of Evan W. Give it a try – give it a week! – and you won’t be disappointed; you’ll be thrilled. Roll on the conclusion of the trilogy; Fenna promises an absence of Ewoks, so it can only be good.

Steeped in Blood

During the month, and due to the continued efforts and vision of Dave Winter and Evan Willnow, the CBn fora underwent a transformation; not only are they now dripping with blood (and not just as a result of the ongoing “debate” about the “song”), but members can choose their own “watermark” Bond to appear next to their username. Although those of you with a particular fondness for the Casino Royale ’67 clapping sea lion may be disappointed, or arrested, there’s a wide choice not just from the films, but also from the comic strips and the books. Join up now if you haven’t and show us yer Bond face!

Young Bond Book 3

Is still called Young Bond Book 3.

You Know My Name – part four

Now it’s becoming a bit of a guilty pleasure, like The Birdy Song, or Pearl Harbor.

Let’s rawk!

Ok, let’s not.

On and On and On

News reached us this month that there’s a possibility that the final cut of Casino Royale will go on forever, or at least as long as the current “longest Bond film” title holder, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Whilst this has met with general approval, those of us with children and babysitters charging twenty pounds per hour would much prefer it to be about three minutes long.

I suspect this is not that popular a view.

…and On

Coming up shortly, some film or other. More news when we get it.

To discuss this month’s CBn Dossier visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related Links

• The CBn Dossier, August ’06
• The CBn Dossier, July ’06
• The CBn Dossier, June ’06
• The CBn Dossier, May ’06
• The CBn Dossier, April ’06
• The CBn Dossier, March ’06
• The CBn Dossier, February ’06
• The CBn Dossier, January ’06
• The CBn Dossier, December ’05
• The CBn Dossier, November ’05
• The CBn Dossier, October ’05
• The CBn Dossier, Special Edition covering ‘Casino Royale’
• The CBn Dossier, September ’05
• The CBn Dossier, August ’05
• The CBn Dossier, July ’05
• The CBn Dossier, June ’05
• The CBn Dossier, May ’05
• The CBn Dossier, April ’05
• The CBn Dossier, March ’05
• The CBn Dossier, February ’05

The CBn Dossier, August '06

Welcome to the August 2006 CBn Dossier, a wrap-up of all the James Bond 007 news and rumours for the month. In this month’s column, we’ll be examining the build-up to 2006’s Casino Royale, the many upcoming literary James Bond releases, the ‘Ultimate Edition’ James Bond DVDs, Sideshow Bond announcements, as well as other 007-related events, news on the next Bond game, and much, much more.

This month’s CBn Dossier will be delivered by Luke Freeman.

All aboard the ‘Casino Royale’ bandwagon

(Finally, a little recognition)

Casino Royale is now less than 3 months away, and the buzz is definitely starting to build. James Bond is back.

Oh sure, some of the naysayers may continue to say ‘nay’, as they desperately cling to what has previously been and passed in a manner not unlike having one’s recently deceased pet stuffed and displayed in the living room, but for many previously sceptical about this new Bond and this new direction, apprehension has turned into anticipation. They’ve hopped onboard the Casino Royale bandwagon as it rolls on full steam ahead (I didn’t know wagons produced steam) towards November. Why? Because everything we’ve seen and heard about the film of late looks and sounds so very, very good.

Entertainment Weekly, excited by the prospect of ‘rougher, rawer, rebooted James Bond’, are calling Casino Royale their “#1 Must-See Film of Fall 2006”, while TIME have the film in their ‘Unavoidable, Unmissable and Uncovered’ list.

The word from the inside is good too. “He’s everything Bond should be. He’s sexy and charming and virile, but can also be dangerous” explains Barbara Broccoli. “He’s so violent, and we never see James Bond violent. So modern. It’s completely different from the 20 movies before” says Caterina Murino.

True, they are working on the film with him so they can hardly say “Oh, he’s rubbish. Bring back Roger Moore”, but there’s something real and specific about their praise. This isn’t yet another dusting off of those old worn-out generic stock lines that are used each time a new Bond film rolls around an attempt to create the illusion of excitement. This is genuine excitement. Instead of “she’s not a Bond girl, she’s a Bond woman, blah, blah, blah”, Caterina Murino says she’d tried to “give some humanity to (her character) Solange”. Instead of “It’s like slipping on an old pair of shoes” and (the most dreaded words of all) “peeling back the layers”, we have Daniel Craig assuring us that previously-long-since-forgotten “element of cruelty” to the character will be seen. “Certain things he does should be questionable. I think you should go, “f–k, that’s not nice.” He is an assassin.” says Craig.

“Continuing the legacy” has been replaced by “There’s no point in making this movie unless it’s different”, the phrase “biggest Bond ever” is nowhere in sight and, contrary to what that normally means, neither is the word “gritty”. And yes, while the F word (as in “Fleming”, as in “Flemmmmmming”, as in “back to…”) has been uttered a couple of times, one is inclined to believe them this time around.

Of course, we won’t find out for certain until opening night, but jamesbond.de reports that before then we’ll get a sneak peak curtousy of a new trailer, which according CBn forum member dinovelvet will be broadcast during the season premiere of Nip/Tuck on Tuesday, 5 September at 10PM (ET) on the FX channel.

It’s Game On….

(Eventually)

Turns out that the next James Bond game, the first from Activision, is not going to be released until May of 2008 – to tie in with the release of Bond 22. At this rate, we’ll be playing it on the Playstation 5. Sigh, I still remember playing Rare’s GoldenEye 64 way back in 1997-8. It was tremendous fun and after finishing it I couldn’t wait for the next decent Bond game.

Still waiting.

Give a hoot, read a book

(The books of the month for this month)

With 3 months still to go until Casino Royale, and apparently 21 to go until the next Bond game, you may be looking for something to quench your Bond thirst in the meantime. Fear not, fellow Bond fans, fear not, for there is an abundance of Bond related literature htting stores over the next month.

Christopher Wood, screenwriter of the The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker, and author of the novelizations of those two films, will be releasing a new book in September, as reported by
Dr. Shatterhand’s Botanical Garden. Entitled James Bond, The Spy I Loved, the book will cover Wood’s move to Eon Productions and his work as a screenwriter on two of the biggest films in the series.

Secret Servant: The Moneypenny Diaries – The second volume of Samantha Weinberg’s (writing as Kate Westbrook) The Moneypenny Diaries trilogy, is set to be released on 2 November 2006, and can now be pre-ordered from amazon.co.uk at a discounted price of £11.21

With the original edition now out of print, a new edition of Ian Fleming’s James Bond: Annotations and Chronologies, boasting new illustrations by George Almond, clearer translations, and an additional foreward by Raymond Benson is now available, so if you don’t already have a copy, buy one. And if you do already have one, buy another one. You can never have too many. Aim to have one for every room of your house.

The Science Of James Bond by Lois H. Gresh and Robert Weinberg is shipping early from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. The Science of James Bond covers (make sure you’re sitting down for this) the science of James Bond: the gadgets, cars, and technology. It’s out now in the US, and will available in the UK from 6 September.

And originally set for a 1 September 2006 release in the US,James Bond In The 21st Century: Why We Still Need 007 has hit book shelves early. While not yet released online at amazon.com, it can currently be pre-ordered there for a discounted price of $12.21. The UK release is set for 7 September.

Bond, Young Bond

(Weapons and women, coming up)

We were treated to two helpings of Young Bond news this month, both reported by the Young Bond Dossier.

First off, confirmation from author Charlie Higson of the apache weapon (as discovered by Commanderbond.net forum member ‘K1Bond007’) that will feature in Young Bond Book 3.

Higson says: ‘Nice work on the apache pics. You’ve nailed it. Although my version has a slight adaption to the knuckle dusters in that the gun doesn’t have to be reversed to use them. I saw some pictures of these nasty little guns… and just knew that I had to use them in the book.’

Sounds just like the one I got for my eighth birthday.

That was followed by some Young Bond Book 4 news, with it revealed that the main villain in the fourth book, most likely to be released in 2008, will be a female.

Sideshow Attractions

(Juggling the figures)

The Sideshow Timothy Dalton and George Lazenby Legacy Edition figures are now available to pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles.

These new 12” figures are the fourth and fifth in the new “Legacy Edition” line of James Bond figures. No news yet on a “safari-suit clad Roger Moore with judo chop action”, but we live in hope. Each of these “Legacy Edition” figures includes an authentic portrait, fully articulated body with 30+ points of articulation, expertly tailored fabric costume, and a number of different accessories.

The new figures are both estimated to ship in the fourth quarter of 2006, and can be pre-ordered at Sideshow for $44.99 each. So what are you waiting for? Pre-order Timothy Dalton and George Lazenby figures now. Do you hear me? NOW! Don’t bother with the rest of the dossier, you won’t be missing much. Just me waffling on about stuff that’s already happened (and stuff that wont even be happening).

Ultimate Edition DVDs

(Just how ultimate are they?)

The Ultimate Edition DVDs and been released recently in UK (July 17) and Australia (August 14). For this new DVD release, the films have been restored with a “breakthrough digital process” by Lowry Digital, greatly improving both picture and sound, though according to some fans, with varying degrees of success. Apparently GoldenEye is rubbish (and the picture quality isn’t that great either – zing!), while Dr. No and Moonraker on the other hand look like brand new films.

So are these Ultimate Editions a) very ultimate, b) pretty ultimate, or c) not yet ultimate enough?

With the improved picture and sound, the all new extras, and the Roger Moore commentaries where he can be talking about the change in tone of For Your Eyes Only one moment, then jump into the story of how he took the part in Cannonball Run the next, it’s a definite “a” from me.

Details on the Region 1 release where announced. They will be released as four separate volumes of 5 films each, with Volumes 1 and 2 due out on November 7th and Volumes 3 and 4 on December 12th. Doesn’t worry me as I’m about as American as humble pie, but many Stateside folk seem none to happy about the broken up release dates and the serious lack of attache case.

Click here for CommanderBond.net’s round-up of all the latest James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVD news: front and back cover art, worldwide release dates, menu and screen caps, new certificates, pre-ordering details, special features, technical specs, and more.

Class Reunions

(Together again, for the first time)

Just a quick heads up about two upcoming James Bond “reunions” being held in September. The James Bond reunion at Collectormania 10 from Friday 29 September through Sunday 1 October with feature George Lazenby, Yaphet Kotto, Madeline Smith, Martine Beswick, Caroline Munro and Burt Kwouk.

Also The STARCONUK show, which is set for 23-24 September 2006, will feature over 40 stars from the 007 films, including Bond girls Maud Adams, Maryam D’abo, Shirley Eaton, Britt Ekland, Eunice Gayson, Caroline Munro and Lana Wood.

Breaking news: The following will not be happening…

(Not that they were ever going to anyway)

‘I’ve signed up for two more, and then I can get on with my life!’ says Daniel Craig. Does this count as our first official bit of Bond 24 news (i.e. that Craig will not be doing it (at this stage (although of course things could change (but they probably wont (or at least everyone I know says they wont)))))? I think it does.

Here are a couple of other things that we learnt will not be happening:

The OHMSS theme will not be featuring on the Casino Royale Score

Roger Michell will not be directing Bond 22

That is all.

CBn – The Bondiest Bond site on the web

(and getting Bondier by the minute)

You may have noticed that our main page has undergone a bit of a facelift. It now boasts a cool new colour scheme, a calendar of upcoming Bond related events and a Casino Royale countdown clock. Don’t like it? Well, start an online petition and get it signed by Bodnfan, BrosnanGirl79, and Bodnfan using a different alias (a delightful little entourage who refer to themselves as “most people”, and whose opinions / barely-coherent ramblings have been proven to carry incalculable weight , if the overwhelming success of previous online petitions is anything to go by (I’ve just discovered that sarcasm works better spoken than it does written)).

The results of our member survey to find the 50 greatest moments of James Bond movies, books, and videogames are in, and it make for a truly fascinating read. Thank you to all who contributed. No doubt we’ll be running future surveys at some point, so be sure to join up on the CBn forums so that you can have your say.

CBn is now on MySpace. It’s all part of our plot for internet domination. We start bombing Google in 5 minutes.

If I could think of anything else worth mentioning I’d mention it.

Stay in school,

Freemo

To discuss this month’s CBn Dossier visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related Links

• The CBn Dossier, July ’06
• The CBn Dossier, June ’06
• The CBn Dossier, May ’06
• The CBn Dossier, April ’06
• The CBn Dossier, March ’06
• The CBn Dossier, February ’06
• The CBn Dossier, January ’06
• The CBn Dossier, December ’05
• The CBn Dossier, November ’05
• The CBn Dossier, October ’05
• The CBn Dossier, Special Edition covering ‘Casino Royale’
• The CBn Dossier, September ’05
• The CBn Dossier, August ’05
• The CBn Dossier, July ’05
• The CBn Dossier, June ’05
• The CBn Dossier, May ’05
• The CBn Dossier, April ’05
• The CBn Dossier, March ’05
• The CBn Dossier, February ’05

The CBn Dossier, July '06

Welcome to the July 2006 CBn Dossier, a wrap-up of all the James Bond 007 news and rumours for the month. In this month’s column, we’ll be examining the constant news coming in on 2006’s Casino Royale, Bond 22, the many upcoming literary James Bond releases including Charlie Higson’s Young Bond Book 3, the ‘Ultimate Edition’ James Bond DVDs, Sideshow Bond announcements, as well as other 007-related events, and much, much more.

This month’s CBn Dossier will be delivered by Devin Zydel.

Enjoy.

Counting Down To ‘Casino Royale’

It seems that recently each successive month gets flooded with more news about 2006’s Casino Royale than the last. July is certainly no exception. Principal photography was completed, the main title song performer was announced, reports from the official website were filed, the world premiere was announced, filming and video reports were revealed, and so much more…

July began with the announcement that the Casino Royale production would be filming in Black Park. James Bond fans may best know the area as the location where Tilly Masterson is killed by Oddjob in Goldfinger. The early forest chase in Octopussy and the pipeline sequence in The World Is Not Enough are also featured here. Pictures were later posted on CBn from the filming. It was later on reported that Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic airline owner, will be making a cameo appearance in the film. He will apparently be playing himself at one of the scenes set at Miami Airport for the upcoming Bond film.

Behind-the-scenes photographs of Daniel Craig meeting with fans were revealed on 7 July. On the same day, GreekGeek.de posted the Casino Royale banner that was previously seen at the Cannes Film Festival. Eva Green, Caterina Murino, Ivana Milicevic, Michael G. Wilson, and Debbie McWilliams were all interviewed by Coming Soon / SuperHeroHype as well. Questions regarding casting, preparation, rumours and more were asked.

A set report from the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome (which doubles as Miami International Airport in the film) was filed thanks to CBn forum user ‘marktmurphy.’ Included were several pictures from the location. Additionally, shots from the Miami sequence were also posted. ‘What happens between Bond and Carlos (a villain in some of the photographs) is breath-taking. It is some of the best stuntwork you are likely to see…’ says a movie insider.

It was also reported that Smirnoff Vodka will once again team up with the James Bond 007 films and be featured in Casino Royale as ‘007’s vodka of choice.’ Later on, some of the Smirnoff Vodka campaign details were revealed. They include a $10,000 sweepstakes (where contestants enter codes from the bottles) and a TV ad featuring a bottle of Smirnoff being broken out of a booby-trapped briefcase (view a picture from this upcoming TV ad here) are planned. Smirnoff is one of only eight marketing partners for Casino Royale. The reason for this change, according to Mary Goss Robino, senior vice president, global marketing partnerships is ‘by choice… We work hand-in-hand with them to make sure everything fits with the brand and the character James Bond.’ Mitch Litvak, CEO of The L.A. Office (a company connecting studios and marketers) says: ‘there’s a point where there are too many partners, but the studios are much more proactive about making sure they don’t overdo it, especially for something with as much caliber as Bond.’

Casino Royale made the front cover of Empire magazine. Daniel Craig features on the front cover and included is the ‘biggest ever preview’ of the newest James Bond film. An image from the magazine can be viewed here. Click here for a wallpaper featuring Craig on the Empire website. A video report featuring several action shots from the stairwell sequence in the film was also revealed.

Principal photography on Casino Royale was completed in mid-July. The film then moved into post-production. Details on the world premiere of the film were also released. The date chosen is 14 November 2006 at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. It will be the 60th Royal Film Performance.

After endless months of rumours, suggestions, and wondering the main title theme performer was chosen: Chris Cornell. In collaboration with composer David Arnold, Cornell has written and will perform the main title song ‘You Know My Name’ for the film. Casino Royale will be the first film since 1983’s Octopussy to not feature a main title song that matches the name of the film. ‘I’ve always loved Chris’ work, both as a writer and as an artist, and had hoped someday to find the right film to inspire him… His music is both soulful and tough. It was the perfect complement to Daniel Craig and Casino Royale‘, says Lia Vollack, President, Worldwide Music for Columbia Pictures. In an article on MTV, Cornell expressed some of his early concerns about taking the job, saying: ‘I wasn’t really sure about doing a Bond theme, because I wasn’t really a big fan of the last several movies,” he said. “And then I heard that there was going to be a new guy-Daniel Craig-who was going to play Bond. And he’s so different…’

The official Casino Royale website was also updated with several new reports, including #8, #9, #10, and #11. In addition, three video reports: ‘The Fighting’, ‘Directing Bond’, and ‘007 Stage’.

As a truly unfortunate and shocking end to the Casino Royale news for July, it was reported that the ‘007 Stage’ at Pinewood Studios has been destroyed by a fire that required at least eight fire engines to put the blaze out. The Casino Royale production had luckily finished and the set was being de-rigged at the time of the fire.

James Bond Will Return… In 2008

It was revealed in mid-July that the release date for Bond 22 has been set for 2 May 2008, finally shutting down the 2007 rumour. It was also reported that it was very unlikely that Martin Campbell would be returning to direct the 22nd James Bond adventure. The other bit of Bond 22 news came from the Hollywood Reporter. The report claims that Roger Michell is in negotiations to direct the film, with a script not written by Neal Purvis or Robert Wade, but instead with a script based on an original idea from Bond producer Michael G. Wilson.

Time will tell…

Bonding With The Literary 007

The ever busy world of the literary 007 didn’t take a break in July either. The month started off with the news that the recently announced James Bond comic strip collection from Titan Books, Trouble Spot, is now discounted on both amazon.co.uk and amazon.com. This new 007 collection, made up of the Isle of Condors, The League of Vampires, and Die With My Boots On strips in addition to the title story. It will feature an introduction by Bond girl Martine Beswick, who portrayed Paula Caplan in Thunderball and gyspy girl Zora in From Russia With Love, amongst other special features that accompany these releases.

Perhaps the biggest news of the month was that ‘Ian Fleming Publications Ltd have commissioned a very well-known and highly respected author to write a new James Bond novel. The launch of the new book, which promises to be a major publishing event, will mark the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth in May 2008. Corinne Turner of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd comments, “We are delighted to have secured this particular author who we have had in mind for some time now. He is the perfect writer for this project and we are greatly looking forward to his take on James Bond, in what we are convinced will be a stunning novel.”‘

Other big news included the announcement of the authors to introduce the 2006 reprints of the Ian Fleming James Bond novels by Penguin UK. The complete list is: Jeffery Deaver, Louise Welsh, Michael Dibdin, Jonathan Kellerman, Charlie Higson, Simon Winder, Ben Schott, Barry Eisler, David Wolstencroft, Nick Stone, Val McDermid, Mo Hayder, Charles Cumming, and Robert Ryan. Each Bond novel will be released on 26 October 2006 from Amazon UK and will retail for £6.99 each. No details yet on an Amazon US release.

As the premiere of Casino Royale gets closer, so does the release dates for the many 007-themed tie-in books. Bond On Set: Casino Royale is now available to pre-order discounted on amazon.com.

The book follows the 2002 release of Bond On Set: Die Another Day in that it will feature photography from the James Bond set by Greg Williams. The full blurb follows: ‘Featuring the debut of a brand-new Bond and set in a number of spectacular European locations, Casino Royale is the latest addition to the most successful film series ever made. Working alongside cast and crew, premier showbiz photographer Greg Williams creates a unique visual record of the making of the movie.’

The second edition of 007: A Literary Dossier has been announced, with a release date set for November. The second edition features bonus material and all new artwork along with synopses of all 35 original James Bond novels, 7 movie novelizations and all spin-off novels to date.

Casino Royale was released on On Audio CD, Cassette, & MP3 on 15 July, The Science Of James Bond is now available to pre-order at a discounted price of $9.72, and the release of James Bond: The Secret World of 007 was pushed to October.

All Things Young Bond

The big news in the Young Bond world was undoubtedly the details surrounding Charlie Higson’s third novel in the series, Young Bond Book 3.

This novel, which follows the successful SilverFin and Blood Fever will be released on 4 January 2007. It can currently be pre-ordered for a discounted price of £5.59. The official blurb runs:

Bond is back! This is the third brilliant “Young Bond” adventure by Charlie Higson.

With kidnap, violence, explosions, and murder, it was no ordinary weekend. But then, James Bond is no ordinary boy…In a North London cemetery, a professor is kidnapped at gunpoint. A suspicious letter crammed with cryptic clues arrives at Eton. To decipher the deadly mystery, James Bond must take a series of dangerous gambles. Once the code is cracked, he has just 48 hours to save the professor from the dark forces that threaten to destroy them both. And if the professor can’t escape, it’s not only his future under threat. It’s the rest of the world’s…

Charlie Higson’s Young Bond Book 3

In an interview on the official Young Bond website, Charlie Higson also revealed his James Bond ‘formula’. Finally, the Spanish edition of SilverFin is available to order from amazon.com.

Sideshow

July was filled with several different Sideshow Collectibles announcements. The three new figures are the Sean Connery Legacy Edition, Roger Moore Legacy Edition, and the Pierce Brosnan Legacy Edition figure. All three James Bond figures are estimated to ship in the fourth quarter of 2006, and can be pre-ordered now at Sideshow for $44.99.

Each of the Legacy Edition James Bond figures include an authentic portrait, fully articulated body with 30+ points of articulation, expertly tailored fabric costume, and many different accessories.

Check out CBn’s Comic-Con 2006 report for coverage on the Sideshow figures, Sony, DK, Profiles in History, and so much more.

Double-Oh-DVDs

In mid-July, possible Region 1 packaging for the ‘Ultimate Edition James Bond 007 DVDs was posted online. Two different boxed sets were highlighted: a gold and red one. Each boxed set has five rows of stills from five different Bond films on the front. One would assume this means each boxed set would contain five James Bond films, for a grand total of four Region 1 boxed sets. Another theory is that each of these sets will contain ten films each–with five rows of stills on both sides of the boxed set (two sets total). Keep in mind that this first picture of the Region 1 packaging is not confirmed yet – there is still no official announcement regarding the Region 1 James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVDs.

The red boxed set includes stills from Thunderball, Die Another Day, The Spy Who Loved Me, A View To A Kill, and Licence To Kill.

The gold boxed set includes stills from Goldfinger, The World Is Not Enough, Diamonds Are Forever, The Man With The Golden Gun, and one other film (stills cannot be viewed for this final row).

The James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVDs were released on 17 July in the UK. Click here for CommanderBond.net’s round-up of all the latest James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVD news: front and back cover art, worldwide release dates, menu and screen caps, new certificates, pre-ordering details, special features, technical specs, and more.

Events, Boat Shows, Marathons, And More

Bond fans will want to take notice of the upcoming Boats of Bond exhibit, which is set for 3 to 8 August 2006 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will be showcasing the Tow Sled from Thunderball, the Bath-O-Sub from Diamonds Are Forever, the Neptune Submarine from For Your Eyes Only, and the Q-Boat from The World Is Not Enough.

Lana Wood and David Hedison will be appearing at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention in September 2006. Joanna Lumley met with fans at the Vintage Magazine Shop on 29 July.

A new 007-themed event will be coming in November 2006 to celebrate the release of Casino Royale. It is planned on Sat and Sun 18th/19th November at the Mill Hotel & Spa Destination, Chester: ‘Destination Bond:’ A Celebration Of 007 And Casino Royale.

Click here to read Chris Wright’s report on the International Sports & Entertainment Festival, which featured David Hedison and Priscilla Barnes from Licence To Kill.

Get ready for a new James Bond 007 marathon on TV. Yahoo reports that Spike TV will feature James Bond movies all throughout August in their ‘Bond Days Of Summer’ marathon, telecasting every Tuesday evening in “Casino Cinema,” and every Saturday and Sunday starting at 4:00 PM, ET/PT.

On Saturday 18th November, lucky Bond fans will have a chance to spend ‘An Evening With Eunice Gayson.’

Monopoly: James Bond 007 Collector’s Edition was released and CBn took a look at several new James Bond models coming from Corgi, a brand which has been associated with the James Bond series before, in October 2006.

Bonds Keep Busy

Sir Sean Connery, Sir Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig have or will be involved with several other projects outside of the 007 world lately.

It was recently reported that Rome’s new film festival would honour Sir Sean Connery, ‘an actor of extraordinary quality who has worked with the world’s greatest directors and written some of the most unforgettable moments in movie history.’

Additionally, fans of the actor can watch the American Film Institute’s (AFI) Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony for Sir Sean Connery online. Featured are speeches by Andy Garcia, Harrison Ford, George Lucas, Tom Jones, Eddie Izzard, Steven Spielberg, Pierce Brosnan, Tippi Hedren, Catherine Zeta Jones, Julia Ormond, Ian McShane, and Greg Ferguson. The opening by Mike Myers and the Daniel Craig video appearance are also included.

It was also reported that Sir Connery will be writing a book about his life and views of Scotland.

Sir Roger Moore, UNICEF goodwill ambassador, attended the J8 Youth Forum in St. Petersburg on 8 July 2006. Pictures from the event can be viewed on the official Roger Moore website and on the CBn forums.

Pierce Brosnan, honorary chair of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), will be serving as ambassador for Lee National Denim Day. The event helps to bring more awareness to the fight against breast cancer and encourage people nationwide to participate.

Daniel Craig doesn’t just have a new James Bond role on his plate. He will be appearing in an animated film with a former Bond villain. PR Inside reports that new 007 Daniel Craig will be appearing alongside Jonathan Pryce (Elliot Carver in 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies) in film noir cartoon Renaissance.

CBn – James Bond At Its Best

Be sure to check out the most interesting and enjoyable interview by CBn’s Blair Pettis with Simon Winder, author of The Man Who Saved Britain. Later on in the month, CBn gave away a free copy of the novel to one lucky winner. Congratulations to CBn forum member ‘Jericho_One.’

Lastly, the CBn forums celebrated a milestone number of 6000 members in July 2006. In addition, the CBn RSS feed syndicates CBn news stories all over the world. Check out the CBn Podcast–the first and only James Bond podcast on the internet–for all the latest news in the world of 007.

With over 570,000 posts and endless discussion topics, there has never been a better time to join the CBn Forums to discuss Casino Royale and all other Bond topics. Registration is free and only takes a minute. It’s safe to say that as Bond fans, we have a lot to look forward to. As always, stay tuned to CBn for daily coverage of all things James Bond 007.

To discuss this month’s CBn Dossier visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related Links

• The CBn Dossier, June ’06
• The CBn Dossier, May ’06
• The CBn Dossier, April ’06
• The CBn Dossier, March ’06
• The CBn Dossier, February ’06
• The CBn Dossier, January ’06
• The CBn Dossier, December ’05
• The CBn Dossier, November ’05
• The CBn Dossier, October ’05
• The CBn Dossier, Special Edition covering ‘Casino Royale’
• The CBn Dossier, September ’05
• The CBn Dossier, August ’05
• The CBn Dossier, July ’05
• The CBn Dossier, June ’05
• The CBn Dossier, May ’05
• The CBn Dossier, April ’05
• The CBn Dossier, March ’05
• The CBn Dossier, February ’05

The CBn Dossier, June '06

Welcome to the June 2006 CBn Dossier, a wrap-up of all the James Bond 007 news and rumours for the month. In this month’s column, we’ll be examining the constant news coming in on 2006’s Casino Royale, the many upcoming literary James Bond releases, the ‘Ultimate Edition’ James Bond DVDs, as well as other 007-related events, and much, much more.

This month’s CBn Dossier will be delivered by Chris Wright and Devin Zydel. Apologies for the lateness of this month’s CBn Dossier.

Enjoy.

The ‘Casino Royale’ Report

Unfortunately, June didn’t see the release of a second Casino Royale teaser trailer or the announcement of the title song performer (although David Arnold made a confirmation and a denial regarding that subject). However, a myriad of interesting set reports and pictures and a few rumours made this month far from boring.

The month began with EvaGreenWeb.com releasing fifteen pictures taken from the set at Lake Como, Italy, featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond and Eva Green as Vesper Lynd. Pictures from the set in the Czech Republic can be viewed in German Bond fan Heiko Lorson’s set report and here for photographs taken by Alex from Switzerland. JamesBond-fr.com, revealed several exclusive pictures from the Bahamas set. One of the photographs near the bottom reveals an aspect of the plot some Bond fans may not want to know of until seeing the film. It is labeled as a spoiler so scroll down the page slowly if you want to avoid it. Later in the month, Badtaste.it posted an exclusive insider report, complete with photographs from the set in Venice, Italy. Throughout the month, Yarborough posted four reports on the official Casino Royale website blog. His reports are stale when they’re posted which means there will continue to be “new” reports well after principal photography commences in late July. These reports are good despite Yarborough’s odd emphasis on Dame Judi Dench’s involvement but not a good source for up to date news on the production.

Mads Mikkelsen and Eva Green spoke out about their characters Le Chiffre and Vesper Lynd, respectively, and the film this month. Mikkelsen spoke to The Sun and FilmFocus. Ms. Green spoke to Entertainment Tonight in a video report. Composer David Arnold also spoke to the media about Casino Royale this month. CBn reported that Arnold speaking to 6 Music, shut down the rumour that British electronic group Goldfrapp were selected to perform the title theme for the film. He also said that he is currently working on the title theme for the new 007 film with the chosen artist, who will be revealed to the public soon.

The Aston Martin DB5 and Aston Martin DBS were revealed as the two cars in the upcoming James Bond: Casino Royale Carrera Go! racing set. Pictures and specs can be viewed here. Speaking of Aston Martin’s, The Sun reported on the fate of the three real Aston Martin DBS’s used by the 007 production here.

Perhaps the most exciting news regarding Casino Royale this month is the Variety report that lucky Bond fans at the Euro Cinema Expo at the Amsterdam RAI convention center on 29 June got a chance to see twenty minutes of the film.

Bonding With The Literary 007

June started off with the official US release of Charlie Higson’s second Young Bond novel, Blood Fever. It was a magnificent success, just as the first novel, SilverFin, was in 2005. Blood Fever has since gone on to be praised by the New York Times, where it was labeled a ‘parent’s dream: young-adult beach reading from which the young adult can actually learn something. Via his exposure to weird Latin teachers, mysterious surrealists and gangsters with names like Count Ugo Carnifex, young James Bond, conveniently orphaned, learns about the etymology of the word “ogre” (Magyar), the Roman rape of Carthage, the wines of Oliena and the cult of Mithras.’

In addition, details were finally released on the upcoming Young Bond graphic novel. SilverFin will be the first novel to get the graphic treatment, and is set for release in the summer of 2008. Artwork illustrations will be provided by Kev Walker. Also, for the 007 collectors: Blood Fever is set to be published in Sweden in March 2007. A German SilverFin audiobook edition was also announced and is due for release in September of 2006.

For the fans looking to meet with author Charlie Higson, take notice! He will be making an appearance at the Edinburgh Book Festival, which is set to run between 12 – 28 August. He previously attended the Word Festival on 17 June, where he spoke about his Young Bond series.

In other literary James Bond news, The Ultimate James Bond Fan Book, which is a ‘never-before compiled compendium of lists, facts, anecdotes, trivia, commentary, photos and much, much more, about the most valuable movie franchise in movie history’ was pushed to a September 2006 release.

CBn also previewed a new James Bond book which will be released later this year. James Bond in the 21st Century: Why We Still Need 007 ‘provides an entertaining and smart look at secret agent 007. Leading writers look at the evolution of Fleming’s secret agent, the classic Bond debates, and the films’ deeper subtext, offering advice for Mr. Bond, would-be villains, and discarded Bond girls alike, discovering why we still need 007.’ It will be released in September 2006.

It was also reported that ‘The Phoenix Project’ will be the newest James Bond collection from Titan Books. It will include The Black Ruby Caper, Til Death Do Us Part and The Torch-Time Affair in addition to the title story. It is slated for a February 2007 release.

All CBn readers are encouraged to join the The Blades Library Book Club. June saw the club start reading Colonel Sun by Kingsley Amis.

Ian Fleming’s 007 To Return

The big news of June came near the very end of the month. all 14 of the Ian Fleming James Bond novels will be reprinted by Penguin UK on 26 October 2006. They will feature the retro cover artwork created by Roseanne Serra and Richie Fahey which was used for the 2002/2003 Penguin US editions. They will also feature brand new introductions by a collection of different authors. The complete list is: Jeffery Deaver, Louise Welsh, Michael Dibdin, Jonathan Kellerman, Charlie Higson, Simon Winder, Ben Schott, Barry Eisler, David Wolstencroft, Nick Stone, Val McDermid, Mo Hayder, Charles Cumming, and Robert Ryan. In addition, the Penguin Modern Classics collection will be completed in October 2006 as well with the release of the four Ian Fleming novels missed during the first run.

The ‘Ultimate’ James Bond

CBn rounded up all the latest news in regard to the upcoming release of the ‘Ultimate Edition’ James Bond 007 DVDs. Check out the article for front and back cover art, menu and screen caps, worldwide release dates, special features, technical specs, pre-ordering details, and much more.

A View To A Kill, GoldenEye, and Tomorrow Never Dies will all be released with new certificates.

A View To A Kill: 12 (Previously PG) CBn member ‘Bourne’ has pointed out that the back cover of the new A View To A Kill DVD states: ‘Some of the added value material has rated this film a 12’

GoldenEye: UNCUT / 15 (Previously 12) As collected on the IMDb, GoldenEye has had an interesting history with the censors on both sides of the Atlantic. The headbutts featured during the battles between Xenia Onatopp and James Bond, as well as Bond and Alec Trevelyan had all been removed for the UK release. The US release (which features a PG-13 rating) reportedly trims down the shooting of Trevelyan during the pre-title sequence, the scene of the attack on Severnaya by Xenia, as well as her own death.

Tomorrow Never Dies: UNCUT / 15 (Previously 12) Originally carrying a ’12’ certificate when first released in 1997, the IMDb reports that some footage (roughly six seconds worth), which included the throwing stars on the Stealth Ship, as well as Bond hitting a man’s face with his boot, were cut to qualify for the rating.

Sideshow

Two new James Bond figures were announced by Sideshow in June. The first is the Roger Moore Premium Format figure. Premium Format/semi-articulated figures include authentic likeness, polystone head and hands, film accurate costume, and a James Bond themed base. It is expected to retail for $225.00.

The next announcement was the Sean Connery Legacy Edition figure. The official announcement from Sideshow follows: ‘We’d like to take this opportunity to give Bond fans a peek at our next 12-inch figure: Sean Connery in his classic white tux! This will be the first in a new line of James Bond figures we call ‘The Legacy Collection.” This collection is meant to highlight the iconic look of different actors who played the sophisticated spy through the ages, rather than focusing on 007 from specific films.’ Both figures will be previewed at the Comic Con 2006 event in San Diego, California next month (19-23 July).

007 Events

Two major James Bond TV marathons took place in June of ’06. The first was the FilmFest HD marathon. Uncut, commercial-free, and in high definition, the marathon was hosted by David Hasselhoff. The next was AMC’s ‘Viva Bond!’ marathon, which included Bond double features for a week.

Two James Bond film stars, David Hedison (Felix Leiter in Live And Let Die & Licence To Kill) and Priscillia Barnes (Della in Licence To Kill) appeared at the International Sports and Entertainment Festival in Cleveland, Ohio in mid-June.

Fans who want to check out the 1967 spoof version of Casino Royale will get a chance in late July. The American Cinematheque Egyptian Theatre will be showing the film on Sunday, 30 July.

Be sure to check out Charles Helfenstein’s excellent interview with Sylvan Whittingham Mason and Jonathan Whittingham, Jack Whittingham’s heirs. Read all about Thunderball, the swinging ’60s, and the unmade Ian Fleming biography film.

Lastly, CBn would like to congratulate Sir Sean Connery, who was awarded the American Film Institute’s (AFI) Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, 8 June 2006. This being the 34th Lifetime Achievement awarded, it is one of the highest honours in film. The award was presented at a gala tribute in Los Angeles. The event was later broadcasted on TV.

With over 550,000 posts and endless discussion topics, there has never been a better time to join the CBn Forums to discuss Casino Royale and all other Bond topics. Registration is free and only takes a minute. It’s safe to say that as Bond fans, we have a lot to look forward to. As always, stay tuned to CBn for daily coverage of all things James Bond 007.

To discuss this month’s CBn Dossier visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related Links

• The CBn Dossier, May ’06
• The CBn Dossier, April ’06
• The CBn Dossier, March ’06
• The CBn Dossier, February ’06
• The CBn Dossier, January ’06
• The CBn Dossier, December ’05
• The CBn Dossier, November ’05
• The CBn Dossier, October ’05
• The CBn Dossier, Special Edition covering ‘Casino Royale’
• The CBn Dossier, September ’05
• The CBn Dossier, August ’05
• The CBn Dossier, July ’05
• The CBn Dossier, June ’05
• The CBn Dossier, May ’05
• The CBn Dossier, April ’05
• The CBn Dossier, March ’05
• The CBn Dossier, February ’05