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  1. Craig Quizzed On 'Bond 23'

    By Matt Weston on 2008-10-24

    Seven days until Quantum of Solace opens in the UK, and eight days until hardcore James Bond fans begin the countdown to the next 007 movie, tentatively called Bond 23.

    Daniel Craig as James Bond

    Daniel Craig as James Bond

    Hollywood.com quizzed Daniel Craig on what we can expect from his third outing as Ian Fleming’s superspy. The questions asked were, intentionally or otherwise, grounded in the criticisms currently being levelled at the franchise in Quantum of Solace reviews.

    “I would love to [include them next time],” Craig told the website when asked about Miss Moneypenny and gadgetmaster Q. “But I think you offer it to the best actors you can and you say to them, ‘Forget what’s happened, reinvent it, tell us what you think these characters should be,’ and that’s where it should come from.”

    Craig was also asked whether the franchise would move towards lighter fare: “Yeah, there’s room for more comedy,” the actor said. It should be noted that Craig made a similar comment during the production of Quantum of Solace, which had media around the world convinced that the film would be a spiritual successor to Moonraker.

    Hollywood.com also asked Craig whether we’d see his Bond hit the slopes, something that was rumoured for Quantum of Solace. “I’m not a skier, Jesus,” Craig laughed. “I think Bond [would] actually slide down the hill.”

    Curiously, Craig sounded unsure whether he would return for a fourth film as James Bond. “I can’t see doing it beyond another movie. If they ask me back to do another movie I would be thrilled.” However, in other interviews, Craig has implied he is on a four-film contract (it is likely his contract is for three films, with the option of a fourth, as was Pierce Brosnan’s).

    Craig also spoke about his decision to turn down the title role in Marvel’s comic book adaptation, Thor. “They spoke about it, but I thought ‘I can’t play Bond and Thor.’ It’s like some stupid f***ing power trip. Blond hair and a big hammer… it would have been too much of a statement… [Bond] is as physical as I want to get in movies at the moment.”

    Quantum of Solace director Marc Forster also reiterated his desire to leave the franchise after this film: “They offered me the next one, but I am switching genres.”

    Bond 23 has no confirmed release date. Earlier reports suggested Sony was eyeing a 2010 opening.

    Quantum of Solace hits UK cinemas on 31 October and North American theatres on 14 November. In the meantime, keep your web browsers locked on CommanderBond.net for the latest, breaking James Bond news.