Possible Plot & Cast Comes Comes To Light
Coming Attractions have posted news that has appeared in the Korean media regarding the plot and cast of Bond 20. CA have always proved to be a reliable source in the past, but it should be noted that this information does come from media outlets. That said, certain parts of this information follows information that I have been given by various sources, not all of which whom have been authenticated.
I must warn you that possible major spoilers do apply. To begin with we'll take a look at the casting news and then move onto the possible plot of Bond 20. Before you read the following, I must say you'll see the names of possible cast members of Bond 20.
The Korean media have reported, ‘Female lead will be played by American actress Halle Berry of X-Men and Swordfish fame, and Michelle Yeoh, who appeared as the first Asian Bond girl in 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies, is scheduled to appear as well.
The first name that really stands out is Michelle Yeoh. She’s been rumoured since day one as having a role in Bond 20. The news originated from Yeoh, who admitted her agent were in talks with EON Productions.
Hally Berry is a completely new name to the game. However, it doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. An American actress was always a possibility. By their own admission, MGM asked producers to screentest Whitney Houston for Bond 20. However, they wouldn’t elaborate on the role Houston could possibly play. Houston and Berry have obvious similarities. Berry would also hold a strong box office pull in major cinematic countries such as the United States.
An major Asian connection in Bond 20 has always been rumoured and been deemed highly likely. With this news come more confirmation for the rumour. ‘More than 15 top Korean actors are said to have been contacted about possible roles in the next James Bond movie. The news continues by indicating that Korean actors will be required for three roles. One that is between 55 and 60 years of age, his son early 30’s and another character in his early thirties.
All I can add to this is that most of my sources indicate that such roles have already been cast, and not necessarily with Korean actors. However, when the announcement is made we shall know more.
The Korean media have also reported: ‘Debbie McWilliams, who has worked as the casting director for 007 series for 20 years since For Your Eyes Only in 1981, has finished her visit to Korea, and is staying in Hong Kong currently. Already several Korean actors have auditioned in front of the British casting director during her visit to Korea, and others have auditioned indirectly by videotape. Actual contact with Korean actors are being conducted by McWilliams’ proxy, a Korean casting director known as “K.” “K” said “I plan to meet personally with the top Korean actors, and no one is confirmed for any of the roles yet.” “K” also said “the casting decisions for the North Korean characters will be made by the middle of December at the latest.”‘
Now, to move onto news regarding the plot of Bond 20;
The Korean media have reported ‘James Bond will face three North Korean characters in the yet untitled 20th 007 movie. Currently, MGM is looking for three Korean actors who will play the parts of a North Korean general (between 55 and 60 years of age), his son, also a North Korean military officer (early 30’s), and a North Korean military special agent (early 30’s) who is given a mission to assassinate James Bond. Nothing else about the movie’s plot or detailed character descriptions were revealed. The only things known are that the character of the North Korean general will be portrayed as having a strong desire for a peaceful reunification of North and South Koreas, and that the producers are looking for an actor with an evil appearance for the character of the special agent/assassin.
It seems like a very interesting plot. Of course it’s authenticity can’t be gaurnteed as it has come from a media outlet. I’m not aware of how the Korean media operates, this plot description could have easily come from a tabloid paper. But it has elements that fans have long suspected. But it definetley fits as a James Bond film.
If this news is true, it could be a major news leak for those invovled in the production. And someone within EON or MGM would have had to purposely leak the news. Should the news be true we shall soon know as it is expected that an official announcement will be made during December 2001 about the cast of Bond 20.
Until the discuss the news in the Bond 20 Forums, which are currently buzzing. Forum user Tim007 has created this thread especially for the news. See you there!
Thanks to Rolf van der Vlist for sending in the news! It's greatly appreciated!