'Bond 22' Filming Due To Start Late 2007/Early 2008

According to a report from The Guardian, revenues at Pinewood Studios will be hit during 2007 due to a number of major productions that will ‘commence filming some weeks later than previously expected.’

While Pinewood would not comment on which specific projects had been delayed, a spokesperson for Eon Productions told Reuters that Daniel Craig’s second James Bond film, Bond 22 (set for theatrical release on 7 November 2008), was due to begin filming at the end of 2007. She had no comment on whether this was a delayed start to filming.

As a result of the timing delay at Pinewood, reported film revenues for 2007 are likely to be flat year-on-year. 2008 will, in turn, likely see an increase in profits.

Nonetheless, many industry experts are predicting 2007 could be the most lucrative yet for the British film industry, despite Pinewood’s update and fierce competition from countries in eastern Europe with cheaper costs (as was the case with Prague’s Barrandov Studios for Casino Royale). This is largely because, from this year, the Treasury will be offering up to 20% tax relief for small budget films and 16% for films costing more than £20 million.

One of Pinewood’s main attractions is the newly rebuilt ‘007 Stage,’ which was burned down by a fire in July 2006. The new stage has increased the usable area inside from 45,424 square feet to 59,000 square feet. Click here for an in-depth report on the rebuilding of the ‘007 Stage’.

CBn will keep you updated with all the latest news, rumours and details regarding Bond 22.

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Martin Campbell To Helm '36' Remake

CBn reported last Friday that Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, Casino Royale) was in negotiations to direct Unstoppable, a 20th Century Fox drama about a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals. Now, Reuters reports that Campbell is additionally attached to direct 36, a remake of a 2004 French-language thriller.

36 revolves around two detectives who try to solve a series of armored car robberies in the hopes of landing a promotion promised to whoever catches the perpetrators. Robert De Niro is producing the project and has been attached to star. The original film, 36 quai des orfevres, starred veteran actors Daniel Auteuil and Gerard Depardieu.

With pre-production commencing on Unstoppable, which isn’t due for release until 2009, and now the 36 remake, it is looking quite unlikely that James Bond fans will see Campbell return for Daniel Craig’s second 007 film.

CBn will keep you updated with all the latest news, rumours and details regarding Bond 22.

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Win A James Bond Colour Sketch By Artist Robert McGinnis

A lucky CBn member now has the chance to win a James Bond colour sketch created by artist Robert McGinnis.

Robert McGinnis is best known by Bond fans as the man behind the memorable poster campaigns for Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Diamonds Are Forever, and more. As previously reported on CBn, the following sketch accompanies the art prints that are part of the Robert McGinnis Hollywood Edition.

This colour sketch can be obtained by ordering two or more of the art prints (which cost $199 / £159 each), but CBn members can win one for free!

Click Here To View The Robert McGinnis Colour Sketch

This competition is open to all members of CBn. You must be a registered member of the CBn Forums and answer the following question correctly to be eligible to win. Not yet a member of CBn? Register here now – it is free and only takes a minute!

To enter, fill out the following questionnaire and send a Communiqué/Private Message on the CBn Forums to ‘CBn Competition’ (Subject: CBn Sketch) by Midnight EST on 29 June 2007 (simply click on the link in this paragraph).

1. Which James Bond film is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year: Thunderball | You Only Live Twice | On Her Majesty’s Secret Service | Diamonds Are Forever
2. What is your CBn Forum Screen Name?
3. What country/state do you live in?

To discuss this CBn competition or if you have any questions visit this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet.

All those who answer correctly will be put into a drawing and the winner will be sent a Communique/Private Message via the CBn Forums to the Screen Name they provided to inform them of their winning. The winner must respond to this PM within three (3) days with the requested information (name, mailing address, etc) or another drawing will be held. The winner will be announced once shipping information has been received. The item will be shipped from the USA. In the event that a prize has been stolen or mishandled during shipment, CBn will not be able to replace the specific item–this has yet to be a problem.

'You Only Live Twice' Celebrates 40 Years

‘You Only Love Twice’ litho by Jeff Marshall

40 years ago today Sean Connery’s fifth James Bond film, You Only Live Twice, held its world premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. Emphasizing the fact that Connery ‘IS’ James Bond as a result of competiton from the unofficial Casino Royale spoof, the film went on to ultimately gross over $111 million worldwide. It was the first step down in the box office history of 007 (Thunderball had previouslly taken in $141.2 million), but the film was still a massive success.

CBn takes a look back at what some of the critics have had to say about You Only Live Twice throughout its 40 year history…

The plot itself is protracting and quite confusing for a Bond film, ultimately just a distraction from one of Bond’s most memorable adventures…

Christopher Null, FilmCritic.com

Even more surprising than his being chosen to adapt a Bond novel is that none of Dahl’s gifts for dark humor or sparkling writing is evident. Although the script is good, it is a direct descendent of all of the preceding Bond scripts and breaks no new ground…

Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews

A great deal of money was spent on the fifth Bond epic in an attempt to duplicate this mystique, but in You Only Live Twice the formula fails to work its magic. Like its predecessor Thunderball, another below-par entry, this one is top-heavy with gadgets but weak on plotting and getting everything to work at the same time…

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It also has the rare aspect of a Bond film having a real feel for the exotic locations. Whereas most Bond films are content simply to go somewhere beautiful for nice backgrounds, Gilbert really dips the film into the beauty of the Japan. This respect shows in one extended sequence where Bond is initiated into Japanese life from Ninja school to a fishermans life (it goes without saying however that Connery couldn’t look less Japanese if he tried)…

MP Bartley, eFilmCritic.com

You Only Live Twice is classic 007 from top to bottom. Although some may think it’s a little too light, the action and soundtrack place this one near the top in the entire Bond series…

Ryan Cracknell, Apollo Guide

Nevertheless, any Bond movie with Sean Connery can’t be all bad, and there are the usual chases, fights, and amazing stunts–all sprinkled with a dash of Japanese flavoring. Bond learns what it means to be a ninja, and gets an opportunity to put that knowledge to use as he zigs and zags, avoiding assassination attempts. Then there’s the usual assortment of women, both European and Asian, for Britain’s most dashing secret service agent to romance. In short, while You Only Live Twice falls somewhere in the middle of the 007 film heap, it still offers that unique brand of wit, style, and adventure that only comes with Bond.

James Berardinelli, ReelViews

But the plot seems more directionless than most Bond efforts, the emphasis on scenic beauty and stunning set pieces rather than on intrigue or suspense. There are death-defying escapades, naturally, but they appear more contrived than ever…

John J. Puccio, DVDTOWN

This movie stands trial for being lifeless, over-the-top, and just plain odd. You Only Live Twice is unfairly maligned; people accuse Connery of boredom and they find the action fantastical. Those claims can be supported, but You Only Live Twice is a landmark in the series. It is the first Bond film with a mostly original script, and it is the film that establishes the template for later films in the series…

Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict

If interested in further reviews of You Only Live Twice, be sure to check out this article in the ‘CBn Reviews…’ series or add your own thoughts on the CBn Forums.

To discuss these ‘You Only Live Twice’ reviews, visit this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet.

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James Bond Double Feature In July 2007

Two James Bond films will be shown back to back early July in Austin, Texas as part of the 2007 Summer Classic Film Series at the Paramount Theatre.

Sean Connery’s first two 007 films–Dr. No and From Russia With Love will play back to back on Thursday, 12 July.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12, students with ID and Seniors 65+.

The Paramount Theatre is located at 713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701. For more information, phone 512-472-5470 or visit the official website.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

Discuss this James Bond 007 news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. Thanks to CBn Forum member ‘RazorBlade.’

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Will Martin Campbell Return For 'Bond 22'?

With the Bond 22 rumours and news now in full swing, many James Bond fans have been hoping that Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, Casino Royale) would return for Daniel Craig’s second 007 outing.

Variety reports that Campbell is in negotiations to direct Unstoppable, a 20th Century Fox drama about a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals. As a result, the likelihood of his return for Bond 22 is very slim.

Written by Live Free or Die Hard scribe Mark Bomback, the drama pits an engineer and his conductor in a race against time. They’re chasing the runaway train in a separate locomotive and need to bring it under control before it derails on a curve and causes a toxic spill that will decimate a town.

Back in March 2007, CBn reported that Campbell had left the field open, saying: ‘After GoldenEye, I was asked to do subsequent Bonds, but I declined because it felt as if I’d be repeating myself. But this one is based on a Bond that’s more interesting. To be honest, I would just say I’d never say never.’

CBn will keep you updated with all the latest news, rumours and details regarding Bond 22.

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Trailer For Daniel Craig's 'The Invasion' Online

The trailer for The Invasion, one of Daniel Craig’s many upcoming non-James Bond films, has now been posted online according to Cinematical.

The film, which also stars Nicole Kidman and Jeremy Northam, centers on a mysterious, mind-altering epidemic that has infected mankind. When a Washington, D.C. psychiatrist (Kidman) discovers that the outbreak seems to be extraterrestrial in origin, she struggles with help from a colleague (Craig) to save her son from infection in this sci-fi thriller.

The Invasion, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, is due for release on 17 August 2007.

Other current and upcoming projects for Craig include The Golden Compass, I, Lucifer, Flashbacks Of A Fool and Defiance. He will return as 007 in Bond 22, due out in November 2008.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

Discuss this James Bond 007 news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet.

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Sir Sean Connery Not Returning In 'Indiana Jones IV'

Sir Sean Connery has finally announced his decision on Indiana Jones IV: he’s not coming back.

For months, numerous reports on the status of the fourth Indiana Jones adventure have all made mention of the fact that no-one was quite sure whether or not the former James Bond would reprise his role as Professor Henry Jones from 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

With official details on the cast now posted online at IndianaJones.com, it is quite clear Connery isn’t returning. In a statement, he said:

‘I get asked the question so often, I thought it best to make an announcement. I thought long and hard about it and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun. I, do however, have one bit of advice for Junior: Demand that the critters be digital, the cliffs be low, and for goodness sake keep that whip by your side at all times in case you need to escape from the stunt coordinator! This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, “Break a leg, everyone.” I’ll see you on May 22, 2008, at the theater!’

Connery’s final film role was Allan Quatermain in the 2003 critical and commercial failure, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Shooting on Indiana Jones IV begins this summer with a release date set for 22 May 2008. The film stars Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone and John Hurt.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

Discuss this James Bond 007 news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. Thanks to CBn Forum member ‘Ry.’

Roger Michell Discusses Turning Down 'Bond 22'

‘I didn’t feel comfortable with the Bond process…’

CBn reported previously in March that Roger Michell had turned down the chance to direct Daniel Craig’s second James Bond film because there was not a possible way to make all parties involved happy with the script.

In a new interview posted in The Times, Mitchell further explains why he walked away from Bond 22.

‘Well, I did give up directing the Bond film. And it wasn’t quite $8 million but it was a lot of money. It was because in the end I didn’t feel comfortable with the Bond process, and I was very nervous that there was a start date but really no script at all. And I like to be very well prepared as a director.’

The Bond people–who are lovely–are used to going into these massive productions in quite a chaotic way: ‘Oh, we’ll fix that later.’ I panicked about this. And it was starting to make me feel very, very unhappy about what I was doing and who I was. The more the money went up, the worse it made me feel,’ he says.

‘I felt a bit like the character in Landscape with Weapon [a weapons designer who pulls out of a massive payday after he gets cold feet about his work] and a little bit like Doctor Faustus, and just decided eventually that I’d be doing it for the wrong reasons. I’d be doing it for my friendship with Daniel Craig. I’d be doing it for the money. And not really because I yearned to do it.’

Previously, Michell commented that the director’s chair for Bond 22 was ‘absolutely up for grabs.’

CBn will keep you updated with all the latest news, rumours and details regarding Bond 22.

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'Goldfinger' To Be Re-released Digitally In UK Cinemas

The Sunday Herald reports that Sean Connery’s third James Bond film, Goldfinger is set for a major re-release in the UK across 150 multiplexes and other mainstream commercial venues this upcoming July.

John Letham, managing director of Park Circus, the Glasgow-based film distribution company behind the re-release of Goldfinger, said it was ‘testing the water. The thing about James Bond films is that they work so well on the big screen. They’re designed to be watched on the big screen.’ Re-releases of other classic 007 films, such as From Russia With Love and Thunderball could follow.

With traditional film prints costing £2000 to £7000 each, digital copies (which cost about £50) make short runs of films more economically viable. This re-release of Goldfinger will be the first Bond film ever released digitally in the UK and it could pave the way to a digital release of Daniel Craig’s second 007 film, Bond 22, due in theatres in November 2008.

Anne Bennett at Eon (who is working with Park Circus on this re-release) said: ‘Goldfinger was rereleased with From Russia With Love. And a lot of the films got shown in cinemas over Bond-themed weekends–but, as for a full-scale re-release, I don’t think anything has happened since the introduction of video.’

‘It was the third one and it was probably the pivotal one,’ said Letham. ‘People always talk about what is their favourite James Bond, and Goldfinger is one of the ones that always come up. But there are others as well, so it could well be the first in a series of rereleases.’

According to the Film Distributors’ Association website, the re-release of Goldfinger is set for 27 July.

Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

Discuss this James Bond 007 news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. Thanks to ‘Paul’ and ‘zencat.’

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