Is Charlize Theron Vesper Lynd?

Has the search for a Bond girl already come to an end? The

Daily Mirror’s US correspondent Ryan Parry claims today that South-African
born actress Charlize Theron is to star alongside Daniel Craig in Casino Royale.
Parry calls it an "exclusive information" and goes on saying that Theron has been offered "a megabucks deal".

According to the British paper, Theron, who won an Oscar for Monster in 2003,
is director Martin Campbell’s first choice for the leading part. An insider is
quoted, saying: "She is glamorous but she is also a brilliant actress. It would
be quite a coup to have an Oscar-winner as the female lead."

Which would, of course, be the second Academy Award-winning acress after
Halle Berry. According to the IMDB, Theron’s 2006 schedule is relatively free.

Still, all this should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, the Daily
Mirror is a tabloid and Theron’s name was mentioned by the press already in late
2001, when the search for a Bond girl for Die Another Day was going on.

Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, it will be filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

Another Oscar-winning Bond girl? Discuss this news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the internet.

Thanks to SecretAgentFan for the tip.

One Week of UK Shooting for 'Casino Royale'

The BBC today reports that filming for Daniel Craig’s debut James Bond film, Casino Royale will only take place in the UK for one week.

Pinewood Studios played home to Pierce Brosnan’s two most recent 007 films, but uncertainty concerning Britain’s tax credit policy has forced Casino Royale and other film productions abroad (Financial Director reports that the Batman Begins sequel may also wind up shooting outside of the UK).

Filming, as previously reported, will instead take place in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas and Italy. Soundstage work that would ordinarily have taken place at Pinewood Studios will now occur in Prague. Last month, producer Michael G. Wilson touted Casino Royale to be “very much a location based film”.

UK Culture Minister, Tessa Jowell said in May that “everything possible” was done to woo Casino Royale‘s producers to shoot in Britain; nevertheless, filming is set to move abroad.

In August, Pinewood announced that operating profits were down to £1.6 million for the first half of 2005, compared with £6.6 million for the same period in 2004. Meanwhile, the fifth Harry Potter film remains the only big-budget movie to be shot in the UK next year.

Casino Royale will begin shooting in January for release in November 2006.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale.

Discuss this news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the internet.
Thanks to Harmsway.

Dench Talks About Her Role in 'Royale'

Dame Judi Dench today confirmed she will reprise her role as “M” in the upcoming James Bond film, Casino Royale. The movie will mark Dench’s fifth turn in the role, and her first opposite new 007, Daniel Craig.

In an interview with Empire Online, the actress revealed where we might see her character in the film.

“I heard today that I’m not going to be in London,” Dench said. “I’m going to get to go to Prague and The Bahamas. They’re getting me out of my box. It’s a whole film there. I’m very much looking forward to working with Daniel, but I’ve not even read a script yet. All I know is that we’re due to start in February.”

Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, it will be filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

“M” in action? Discuss this news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the internet.
Thanks to Royal Dalton.

Dench Claims to be Cast in 'Casino Royale'

Now that the riddle of Pierce Brosnan’s involvement in the next James Bond flick, Casino Royale, is solved, fans can turn their attention to Dame Judi Dench’s commitment to the film which has also been snapping back and forth.

In an interview with BBC Five Live, the veteran actress claimed she will indeed be starring in the upcoming Bond film, opposite Daniel Craig in his first turn as 007.

Dench has been in and out of the project at various points, with director Martin Campbell most recently saying they were in talks with her to reprise her role as “M” (which she has played since Campbell’s first Bond flick, GoldenEye).

Nonetheless, the script, as it stood at the Casino Royale press conference, does not feature the characters of Q and Moneypenny. The plan also remained for Casino Royale to depict Bond on one of his first missions, which works against the return of Dench as “M”.

Stay tuned to CBn.

Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, it will be filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

Update (24 Nov, 2005):

Dame Judi Dench has confirmed to Empire Online she will, indeed, be starring in Casino Royale, even offering details on where she will be required for filming.

Will / should Judi Dench return as “M”? Sound off in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the internet. With thanks to CBn Forum member, Atticus17F for the tip-off.

Worldwide Release Dates for 'Casino Royale'

Today Sony Pictures revealed the world wide release dates for Casino Royale.

We’ve all known for a while now that the 17 November 2006 would be Casino Royale‘s release date in the United States and United Kingdom. We had assumed this would be the first date the film would be going public. But if you live in the Philippines, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan Kuwait, Oman or the United Arab Emirates you can see the film a whole two days before those in the US and UK, on the 15 November. And those in live in Greece, Russia, Malaysia or Singapore, Israel, Lebanon, Qatar or Syria will be able to see it on the 16 November.

Sad to say it, but there will be some unfortunate fans in the Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, Switzerland (Italian), Argentina, Brasil and Japan who will have to wait until early 2007 to see the anticipated 21st James Bond film’.

To view the full list of release dates, check out the schedule on sonypictures.com

To discuss the release dates visit this thread on the CBn Forums
Thanks to Rikard ‘Lionheart’ Andersson for the tip-off.

The Men Who Could Have Been Bond

During the search for the next James Bond (aka: Bond #6), CBn had a policy of not revealing names of actors who we knew to be in contention. A leaked name at the wrong time could ruin the chances for a young actor to land the role of a lifetime. But now that’s it all over and Daniel Craig is the new James Bond in Casino Royale, CBn will spill the beans.

All names on this list are verified, none are rumours. Some names we’ve heard of before, some we haven’t. Updates to this list will be made when more candidates are confirmed (and with Michael G. Wilson’s saying that they looked at over 200 actors, this could become a life-long project).

Okay, we’ve teased you enough. So without further ado, here are 16 men who could have been James Bond…

The Phantom

Gerard Butler

Age: 35 (1969)
Nationality: Scottish
Known for: Dracula 2000 (2000), Reign of Fire (2002), Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life (2003), Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Comments: Often suggested by fans, Butler was considered in March 2005.

The Runner Up

Henry Cavill

Age: 22 (1983)
Nationality: English
Known for: The Count’s son in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

Comments: Director Martin Campbell said that in the end it was between Daniel Craig and Cavill. Cavill lost out because, at 22, he was just too young. Could Cavill become Bond #7?

The Guy Who Kissed Johnny Depp

Rupert Friend

Age: Unknown 20s
Nationality: English
Known for: Kissing Johnny Depp in The Libertin (2004), Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Comments: Friend gave an impressive reading and was at one point in the selection process was as serious a candidate as Henry Cavil.

The BeastMaster

Daniel Goddard

Age: 34 (1971)
Nationality: Australian
Known for: BeastMaster (1999-2002)

Comments: Nothing more is known about Goddard’s candidacy but here’s his official web-site danielgoddard.com.

The Ringer

Martin Henderson

Age: 31 (1974)
Nationality: New Zealander
Known for: Ex-husband in The Ring (2002), Bride & Prejudice (2004)

Comments: At 5’9″ Henderson was the shortest contender.

The Doctor

Julian McMahon

Age: 37 (1968)
Nationality: Australian
Known for: Charmed (2000-2003), Nip/Tuck (2003-Current), Fantastic Four (2005)

Comments: Greatly impressed both Eon and Campbell, but apparently did not make the finals for reasons unknown.

The 41 Year Old

David Morrissey

Age: 41 (1964)
Nationality: English
Known for: Hilary and Jackie (1998), Captain Corelli?s Mandolin (2001), Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

Comments: Nothing additional is known about Morrissey’s candidacy, but his age could have been a factor.

The Oyster Farmer

Alex O’Lachlan

Age: 28 (1977)
Nationality: Australian
Known for: Oyster Farmer (2004)

Comments: O’Lachlan confirmed for The Daily Telegraph that he had tested for the role in full wardrobe.

The Soap Star

Ingo Rademacher

Age: 34 (1971)
Nationality: German
Known for: Jax on General Hospital (1996-Current)

Comments: Rademacher was considered in early 2005 and met with Campbell in Los Angeles.

The IMF Agent

Dougray Scott

Age: 40 (1965)
Nationality: Scottish
Known for: Ever After (1998), Mission: Impossible II (2000), Enigma (2001), Ripley’s Game (2002)

Comments: Scott was ultimately considered too old for the role.

The Footballer

Christian Solimeno

Age: 30 (1975)
Nationality: English
Know for: Jason Turner on Footballers’ Wives (2002-2003)

Comments: Campbell is said to have liked Solimeno a great deal, but it is not known how far the actor made it in the audition process.

The Giant Killer

Antony Starr

Age: 30 (1975)
Nationality: New Zealander
Known for: David (as in David and Goliath) on Xena (1996), Without a Paddle (2004)

Comments: Starr gave an impressive reading in Summer 2005.

The Caesar Salad

Karl Urban

Age: 33 (1972)
Nationality: New Zealander
Known for: Caesar on Xena (1996-2001) Eomer in The Lord of The Rings (2002, 2003), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), Doom (2005)

Comments: Was considered in March 2005, but his look was not right for James Bond.

The Croatian

Goran Visnjic

Age: 33 (1972)
Nationality: Croatian
Known for: Jimmy Anglov in Practical Magic (1998), Dr Luka Kovac on ER (1999-Current), Elektra (2005)

Comments: Visnjic had impressed Campbell with a screen-test for Zorro so the director suggested he test as 007.

The Guitarist

Dominic West

Age: 36 (1969)
Nationality: English
Known for: 28 Days (2000), Rock Star (2001), Mona Lisa Smile (2003), The Forgotten (2004)

Comments: West told the Daily Telegraph he appeared at his audition in jeans and a t-shirt to be “different from the other actors who were all wearing suites and tuxes.”

The Aussie

Sam Worthington

Age: 29 (1976)
Nationality: Australian
Known for: Dirty Deeds (2002), Thunderstruck (2004)

Comments: Worthington was reportedly one of the full dress screen-test finalists and may have been in the final three with Craig and Cavill.

You may also be interested to know?

Remember Orlando Bloom? Well, it is unknown whether or not Eon ever seriously considered Bloom, but MGM did.

And the men who (really) weren’t going to be 007: Clive Owen, Hugh Jackman, Jude Law and Ewan McGregor. Despite constant media reports and rumours that major stars were in the running to play 007, CBn has not been able to confirm if any of this was true. CBn was told early on that Clive Owen was “too old” for what they had in mind. Campbell recently stated that, to his knowledge, Owen and Jackman were never approached. Eon’s standard Bond deal (which includes a multi picture deal and no profit participation) probably ruled out “name” stars from the very beginning.

As for Pierce Brosnan, he was officially out of Casino Royale in February 2004 (the decision had been made as early as Dec 2003). Despite constant rumors to the contrary, sources say he was never again in the running.

Campbell Explains His "Big Bang Theory"

The back-to-basics approach planned for the next James Bond film continues to head closer to earth.

In an interview with Times Online, Casino Royale director Martin Campbell revealed there is just a single explosion scheduled for the next 007 film – and even that is off “in the distance”. “How many more huge bangs and 747s going down in flames can you do?” the director asked.

The news continues to reveal the producers’ planned left-field approach to making Bond films, particularly in light of the explosion-laden Pierce Brosnan era movies.

Fleming aficionados will recall Casino Royale also contains a single explosion – is this the blast to which Campbell refers? According to the article, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade’s script (which is being polished by Oscar nominee Paul Haggis) loses the first half of Fleming’s novel. The focus will instead be on the characters. “Paul’s job is to make sure [Vesper’s] relationship with Bond is an interesting one,” Campbell said.

The director also spoke more about the less confident, more arrogant 007 we can expect to see in Casino Royale. “It’s when Bond earns his double-oh stripes. It’s his initiation. He makes mistakes and he thinks with his heart, not his head. It’s attractive to see him bleed a little bit, have some arrogance and rough edges knocked off him.”

Expect Casino Royale to continue to be a hot topic as Campbell’s Zorro sequel opens around the world.

Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, it will be filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

Just one explosion? A travesty or a step in the right direction? Sound off in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the internet. With thanks to CBn Forum member, lorna99 for the tip-off.

Does Cécile De France Have a Date at Casino Royale?

Two weeks ago Dark Horizons reported that Belgium born Cécile de France was among the actresses rumoured to be in consideration for the role of Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale. Now de France’s name is listed below Daniel Craig on IMDb’s Casino Royale webpage.

Could this mean the actress has landed the part?

Of the many names bandied about in the weeks following the announcement of Craig as Bond (Jasmine Lennard, Angelina Jolie, Billie Piper), de France seems one of the more realistic Vesper contenders. Says director Martin Campbell, “First of all, what we’re going to get is a terrific actress. I think that’s really important. She has to look beautiful, she plays a very important role in the piece, and she also spends a lot of time with Bond. So clearly, when we decide who it is, it’s got to be somebody who has all of those attributes.”

One of France’s most promising young actresses, Cécile de France was awarded the coveted Cesar award for her role in Cedric Klapisch’s L’Auberge Espagnole. Born in Belgium, de France’s early interest in theatre led to her theatrical training at L’Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Techniques du Theatre in Paris and Lyon. After graduating in 1998 stage and TV roles were followed by such feature films as L’Art délicat de la seduction, Irène, and the horror thriller, Haute Tension (2003). Around The World in 80 Days with Jackie Chan marked her debut in an English language Hollywood film.

“It’s a terrific part,” says director Campbell. “It’s actually probably the best Bond girl part, if you will.”

In other Casino Royale casting news, IGn Filmforce is reporting the possibility that English actor David Suchet (best known as TV’s Hercule Poirot) may be in the running for the role of the villain Le Chiffre.

Casino Royale will be the 21st James Bond film produced by EON Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK. It will be release worldwide on November 17, 2006.

Update (6 November, 2005)

Cécile De France’s manager has told the Belgian newspaper La dernière heure that while de France did audition for a role in Casino Royale, the actress did not get the part.

Disscuss this news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the internet.
Thanks to “Abdel” for the update.

Related Articles:

• The ‘Royale’ Couple
• Daniel Craig is James Bond

Majority of CBner's Approve of Craig as 007

It’s been just over two weeks since the announcement of Daniel Craig as James Bond and the media has not been kind to the actor. Articles have appeared harping on the fact that Craig just doesn’t LOOK like 007. Pundits complain that he’s not as tall as the other actors who have played the part, and that he has blonde hair (ignoring that fact that Roger Moore sported near blond hair in one of his best Bond films, For Your Eyes Only).

The media has also cavalierly characterized Bond fans as rejecting Craig, snatching negative comments from the various online forums to run as “evidence” of this. The Contra Costa Times even characterized CBn’s satirical “What are you blaming Craig for today?” thread as a prime example of fan discontent.

However, two separate polls taken on CommanderBond.net show 80% of Bond fans here on the internet’s largest James Bond forum support the casting of Daniel Craig as 007 or will wait for the movie before they judge.

In a poll taken on the day of Craig’s announcement, 59% of Bond fans said they approved of Craig; 28% disapproved; and 13% elected to “wait and see.” The same poll taken two weeks later — after the avalanche of negative publicity — showed CBn support of Craig actually moving up to 61% with 21% electing to wait and see. Craig’s disapproval rate fell to only 18%. (These results are as of 29/10/05 — the CBn Daniel Craig poll remains open.)

Composer David Arnold, who scored the James Bond screentests for EON Productions, takes aim at those who have judged Craig too quickly: “It would be a very foolish person who made any kind of judgment from how he answered tabloid questions at a press conference,” Arnold told the BBC. “People should be very excited about what’s going to happen.”

Indeed, “what’s going to happen” seems to be the key to understanding why EON dropped former Bond Pierce Brosnan in favor of Daniel Craig.

Both director Martin Campbell and EON Productions have said Casino Royale will be a Bond film grounded in realism and suspense, much more that any pervious Bond film. One the largest and longest “set-pieces” in this new film will be an intense gamble scene. As in the original Ian Fleming novel, Casino Royale will also feature a brutal torture scene. It’s a bold and risky approach. The last attempt at realism, 1989’s Licence To Kill, did not find favor at the U.S. box office. Nevertheless, Bond fans on CBn approve of the new approach by 76%.

But even going beyond this new realistic approach is the fact that Casino Royale will attempt to restart the James Bond franchise. Director Campbell has confirmed that his film will portray one of Bond’s first missions as a double-oh agent. But Casino Royale will NOT be a prequel, nor is it meant to fit into a chronology with the other 20 films (despite the re-casting of Judi Dench as M). As screenwriter Paul Haggis puts it, “the producers are doing with James Bond what the Batman franchise did with Batman Begins.” Casino Royale is not Bond 21 — it’s Bond #1.

Taking all this into account (which the media has universally failed to do), the casting of Daniel Craig as James Bond begins to make perfect sense. Eon has vowed “back to basics” Bond films before, but they usually fall short. “We always start out trying to make another From Russia With Love and end up with another Thunderball,” says producer Michael G. Wilson. But the selection of Craig shows the filmmakers are deadly serious this time, extending this new “realism” to casting the lead role. An impossibly handsome male model type or an actor known for light comedy would not work in Casino Royale (just as Craig would not work in, say Moonraker). This is a film that will show what James Bond would really look and act like. The REAL James Bond. Even Columbia Pictures head Amy Pascal ultimately gave her thumbs up to Craig based on this criteria. “He seems like he could be a spy,” she said.

Meanwhile, back here on CBn, even some Bond fans who initially rejected Craig are starting to rethink their position.

“I was very against Craig becoming Bond, but now he has I actually really welcome it,” says member MKKBB. “I have now totally changed my mind about Craig, and can’t wait to see what he does, and hope all fans will get behind him, and all the others will wait to see how he turns out next November.”

Casino Royale will be the 21st James Bond film produced by EON Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK. It will be release worldwide on November 17, 2006.

How do YOU feel about the reaction to Craig as Bond? VOTE and sound off in this thread on the CBn Forums.

Related Articles

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• DANIEL CRAIG IS JAMES BOND
• ‘Casino Royale’ official website

The 'Royale' Couple

In an interview with USATODAY.com, Casino Royale director Martin Campbell spoke at length about the relationship between James Bond and fellow agent, Vesper Lynd in the upcoming film.

“[Vesper]’s the one who forges him into the Bond that we all know and love,” Campbell said. “He certainly falls in love with her, and it does change him forever. It’s a genuinely deeper relationship. The film deals much more on a personal level with Bond.”

Campbell said the relationship will also exhibit some of the “embryonic” traits of Bond (Campbell has already revealed Casino Royale will hint at the origins of Bond’s martini preference and why he prefers Aston Martin cars).

“[Bond] talks about how it’s too boring to have a relationship. You meet, and it’s all exciting, then it starts to fade, and you go through the uncomfortable part of having to get rid of the girl, etcetera. It’s a very interesting observation, given his sort of misogynistic views.”

Campbell said casting for Vesper will take place soon. “We were so wrapped up getting Bond, that’s what we have to do now.”

More generally, Campbell reiterated the fact that the new film will echo the Bond adventures of the 1960s. “We’re going toward a much more realistic Bond, much more From Russia With Love than we’ve had in the past,” Campbell said.

“[The villain, Le Chiffre] has to mount a card game in order to win the money back. Bond is sent in to make sure he doesn’t win.”

According to the article, Campbell is in the process of going over the film’s action scenes with screenwriter Paul Haggis.

Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, it will be filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

Share your thoughts on Bond and Vesper’s relationship in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond forum on the internet.