By Matt Weston on 2007-09-07
Trade newspaper Variety today published an excellent article on the state of the James Bond franchise – and landed some revealing quotes from key personnel working on Bond 22.
Barbara Broccoli: “Casino Royale has set a new standard, and it’s now a question of meeting those expectations for the next one.”
Significantly, it was revealed that the current script for the next 007 film does not contain the characters of Miss Moneypenny and Q, who were both absent from Casino Royale. Producer Barbara Broccoli said, “Certainly, there may come a point where those beloved characters return, but, at the moment, they’re not in 22.”
Michael G. Wilson: “You’re always looking back at Fleming for inspiration … all the writers do.”
Broccoli continued, “We were very excited that the response to Daniel was so strong. Casino Royale has set a new standard, and it’s now a question of meeting those expectations for the next one and delivering a film that is emotional and dramatic as well as action-packed.”
Marc Forster: “It’s important that the action is good, but it’s important to me to never lose that connection to Bond and the emotional arc he goes on.”
According to Broccoli, Bond 22 “will continue the path of Bond trying to find out who was behind the Le Chiffre operation. That’s as much as we’re going to say.”
Writer Paul Haggis was more forthcoming. “I can tell you it starts right where Casino left off. Yes, Bond will be going after the organisation that we hinted at. It will be the same Bond you saw in Casino … a very human and flawed assassin, a man who has to navigate a morally complex and often cynical world while attempting to hold onto his deep beliefs of what is right and wrong.”
Paul Haggis: “It will be the same Bond you saw in Casino … a very human and flawed assassin.”
Producer Michael G. Wilson added, “You’re always looking back at Fleming for inspiration … all the writers do. Without getting specific, maybe there will be references to certain episodes. The approach to it is that Fleming is very much in the fabric of it.”
Bond 22‘s director, Marc Forster said, “I’ve always been a fan of Bond, so this has been a childhood dream of mine. Daniel Craig is a fantastic actor, and it becomes more character-driven just because of him. That inspired me to be part of this. It’s important that the action is good, because I want it to be exciting, but it’s important to me to never lose that connection to Bond and the emotional arc he goes on.”
Amy Pascal: “What we found is that you can strip away a lot of the bells and whistles, but it still feels uniquely like a Bond film.”
“We have always believed that great filmmakers can always work in multiple genres,” said Broccoli. “[Forster] is certainly a great filmmaker and a great storyteller … Bond 22 will not only pack a dramatic punch, but also deliver on the action.”
Sony co-chairman Amy Pascal added, “Marc is an incredibly sophisticated filmmaker with great visual style and a lot of energy. The pairing of Marc and Daniel is very exciting, and it was in keeping with the new direction of the franchise to bring in a fresh and original talent like Marc.”
Broccoli also spoke enthusiastically about Eon’s relationship with Sony, which began with last year’s Casino Royale. “What’s great about Sony is that they are truly with you through thick and thin. They really want to be partners and are a valuable part of the whole enterprise. They have the passion for it, but will also spend the time when it’s needed and do whatever needs to be done. They are very committed to the partnership. We couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Said Pascal, “What we found is that you can strip away a lot of the bells and whistles, but it still feels uniquely like a Bond film. Throughout the history of the franchise, the actors, tone and style of the films have changed, but the fundamental essence of what makes Bond endures.”
To read the whole article, click here.
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