More Details About The Ice Palace & Other Locations

It's impossible to traverse an up to date Bond site at the moment without some mention of the Ice Palace being built at Pinewood Studio's, even the BBC have shown footage of it. But we're back with more details on it, this time from Dagbladet, a Norwegian newspaper.

Dagbladet used an ‘octopus’ to describe the Ice Palace being constructed at Pinewood. However, it seems unlikely that the description should be taken literaly. Rather it seems that Dagbladet are referring to pillars supporting the struction coming down from the ceiling – much like tentacles.

The fate of the Ice Palace? Destruction like all lairs of course. Except this one seems more like self-destruction. The Ice Palace will be melted by a new super weapon that will be introduced by the film.

Dagbladet has also spoken of other things they managed to learn while at Pinewood;

A satelite named Solaris Space, a building with resembelences of a iron and the Sydney Operahouse, a diamond-mine inside a conservatory and a hospital in Cuba. They were also shown a diversity of spacesuits, armours, cars and tanks.

Regular news readers will note that this isn’t the first time that a hospital has been referenced in regards to Cuba.

A big thanks to 'Jonas K' for sending the news into us!

Yarborough Updates Us On Bond 20

The official James Bond site has updated with more news from the official insider Yarborough.

To begin with Yarborough has commented on the roles of Rick Yune and Toby Stephens, saying Spoiler Warning (Highlight To Read) contrary to reports Yune and Stephens will be playing two different characters. It seems that Yarborough has been reading CommanderBond.Net (but not dropping me a line unfortunately) as he’s obviously commenting on reports that Zao and Gustav Graves are one in the same people. Perhaps the plot lot which saw the cross-over has no been dropped.

Perhaps more interesting is the comment that Graves and Zao are “partners in crime”.

It seems that Yarborough has also been listening to fans opinions of the lack of a Bond 20 title. About this Yarborough has commented, "This is not for lack of ideas. These days, nearly every title is either already on a film or owned by somebody else and the process of checking out each one is laborious. I took a moment out during Friday to catch up with Rob and Neal, our writers. They've been working long hours recently with director Lee Tamahori putting a final polish on an already excellent script and there are several good title ideas in that which are being investigated." The mind ponders if it is actually such a hard job, we'll take their word for it. Legalities can be such a nasty thing.

Be sure to check out the rest of the report for details on the Aston Martin and the recent press conference!

Rosamund Pike Speaks Of 'Miranda Frost'

For several days CommanderBond.Net has exclusively followed the ever growing confusion over the character Rosamund Pike will play in Bond 20. And while Yarborough's report on the official site still says that Pike will play Gala Brand it seems that the name has been changed.

It now seems definite that the characters name has been changed from Gala Brand to Miranda Frost. The name first came to our attention when The Hollywood Reporter used it in an article describing Pike and made no mention of Gala Brand. And to confirm the name change Pike confirmed Miranda Frost was her characters name in an interview that appeared on Reuters.

As both a Bond fan and a Fleming fan I find the change disappointing. In the 40th Anniversary of the cinematic James Bond such a direct reference to unused Fleming material would only add to the fans enjoyment of it. In the end I believe the reason behind the change is the important thing, something I hope will be revealed in the future.

Until then be sure to discuss the name change in this thread of the Bond 20 Forums.

Finally, a big thanks to Stuart from Dr. Shatterhand's Botanical Garden for sending the news into us!

Details On Bond 20 Opening Sequence Gadget

Details have emerged about a Bond 20 gadget/vehicle. While such a small detail, some people may consider this report a spoiler so you'll have to highlight it to read.

With the recent news on the sequence, which confirmed it was a major action sequence, it’s little wonder that guns will be featured. Perhaps this surf board will actually belong to Bond and has been especially developed by Q-Branch. We shall see!

A big thanks to Jonas K for sending that news into us!

US Focus Group Asked About Title And Teaser Poster

'Aint It Cool News' has reported that a focus group has been run in Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles in relation to Bond 20. The aim of the focus group was to find the most favoured title and teaser poster for Bond 20, those questioned were asked to chose from a selection of four or so options.

The informant for AICN could only remember three of the four selectable titles, however, he assured AICN that the missing one was worse than the others. Three of the titles were: If Looks Could Kill, Double Cross and Black Sun.

To that all I can really comment is they're really bad titles for a James Bond film. If Looks Could Kill is an extremely poor title and would only serve well in the Bond genre as a chapter heading of a novel. Double Cross is probably the best of the three titles and while suitable perhaps for a novel title it doesn't exactly evoke the enthusiasm a Bond title should. Finally, while Black Sun could conjure images of the 'Far East' in ones mind, it too is not worth of a Bond title.

The teaser posters, however, seem more worthy of Bond. AICN's informant has described them as such: We also saw 7 possible teaser campaigns. Most of them involved shots of ice, or cold. There was one very cool one of a martini glass with a bullet inside the drink and it looked a lot like the Absolut Vodka ads. The BEST ONE was of a gun and silencer resting on a block of ice, the muzzle pointed at the viewer, smoke rising from it with Brosnan in the smoke…I'm not even close to describing how unbelievably cool this was.

At least the teaser campaign sounds promising, even if the titles do sound droll. I'd really love to see the artwork mentioned, it sounds very good. Hopefully Bond 20 will produce some drawn artwork like the original films, rather than the computer rendered artwork that's popular today.

Don't forget to voice your opinions in the Bond 20 Forums, specifically in this thread which has just been started about the focus group.

Thanks to 'Beamer' and 'Teodor' for the tip off about the news!

Frozen Hotel Inspiration For Bond 20?

A frozen hotel in Jukkasjärvi, in the north of Sweden, known as the Ice Hotel may be the inspiration for a Bond 20 location. This hotel has derived its name as it is totally made out of frozen water; the rooms are ice, the bar is made from ice, the front desk, and so on. In what may seem a corny line, I'm guessing the hotel doesn't provide its guests with in-room heating!

The news comes from Expressen who have indicated that the hotel will inspire the villains lair in Bond 20. Perhaps the days of hollowed out volcanos are returning!

The hotel's CEO confirmed to Expressen that contact has been made between them and the Bond producers, but he had no further comment about the matter.

We'll let you know more as it comes to us!

Thanks to 'Sanchez' and Rolf van der Vlist for e-mailing me the news!

More On Rosamund Pike's Character

While confusion still reigns over the character Rosamund Pike will play The Times has published an article which, if correct, reveals more information on the character Pike will play. As there are possible spoilers here, despite being subtle, you'll have to highlight the news to read it.

In an aritlce titled “The spy who came back with a cold”, a direct reference to the head cold that Pierce Brosnan was suffering during the press conference last Friday, The Time has said that Rosamund Pike … has been cast as an MI6 agent. She described her character as a sexy match for Bond, “a rival for skill and nerve”.

An MI6 agent they say? That’s the first we’ve really heard of it. Until now we’ve only heard that Pike would be playing a scientist, though this of course is possibly only rumour. Perhaps she’s actually playing a scientist working for the secret service? The speculation could go on forever.

Moving back to Pike's characters name, CommanderBond.Net has been able to confirm from a source close to Pike that the name of Gala Brand is likely to be changed. We first report that news when the Hollywood Reported published an article stating that Pike would play "Miranda Frost" rather than "Gala Brand".

If you'd like to discuss the character Pike will play you can do so in this thread of the Bond 20 Forums. Thanks to 'Jaques Nexus' for the tip off about The Times article!

Brosnan And Berry On Good Morning America

Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry were interview on Good Morning America yesterday, with some great information on how the pair are working together on Bond 20. And we have a complete transcript of the interview for you, thanks to forum user Mister Asterix!

Firstly, some points of interest. From the picture above you may be able to tell that the interview was conducted live from the set that will be M's Office in Bond 20.

Also of interest is Berry confirmation that she's not sure she's playing a villain anymore. While she had been declaring it in all the interviews to day, she said that fact was now up in the air.

So onwards into the interview. Thanks again to Mister Asterix for the transcript and to Zencat for the picture above!

---

Good Morning America, ABC, January 11, 2002
Diane Sawyer>IT's a historic milestone. All of history is leaning in to listen. As filming begins today on the 20th James Bond Film and as we've said this is the most successful film serious in the history of Hollywood. Also on of the most successful actors in this role, conceivable, is Pierce Brosnan and hes joining us this morning. And he's joining us from London's Pinewood studios were filming is about to begin and he's going to introduce us to some who's going to be his challenge and arch-rival, coming up. And Good Morning and happy 20th, Pierce.
Pierce Brosnan>Thank you very much Diane. Good morning. It's great to be speaking with you this morning from Pinewood Studios and as you know the 40th anniversary of this great franchise.
DS>And I've always wanted to ask you something and finally I get my chance. When you get this role and you know your going to play it do you stand in the mirror and practice saying Bond, .James Bond?
PB> <pause>Yes. You do. It's pretty pathetic. It's just you can't get away without doing it. I mean because the words are immortal. Every guy has said them. So brushing the teeth, yes, usually with a mouth of toothpaste. But I do find myself doing it. I had to.
DS> That's a thrilling and glamorous concept. Alright, you want to introduce us to someone I understand.who is going to be one serious Bond Girl.
PB>Yes, I thought she lost interest but I will introduce the beautiful and wonderful Halle Berry. Come in Halle, please. Its lonely without you.
Halle Berry> I was sad out there with out you.
<pierce kissed Halle's cheek>
DS>Hey, Halle how are you?
HB>Hi Diane I'm wonderful. Its good to be talking to you again.
DS>So am i right that this is your first villain and is it very physical? Is there something thats brand new for you?
HB>Well I'm not sure Im a villain. that might be a bit of misinformation. Im not sure what i am really. but it is something new for me. Although Ive had some introduction to this kind of filmaking with X-men and Swordfish but i think i get to do it in high style this time.
PB> there's a physicality between us I think.
HB>I think we do.
PB> there's a few clinches between our characters
HB> Yeah, I just found out about it this morning actually.
DS> What can you tell us? scoop. scoop.
PB> Well you know the love interest for Bond, he meets these beautiful women and they usually end up in the bedroom together. Or the beach… or the back of the car. Or wherever.
HB>Ooo.. the back of the car.
PB>The old fashoin way.
PB to Halle>What do you mean you just found out this morning?
HB> Hes joking.
DS> I want ask this because every one sitting at home would imagine that when the sexiest man alive, and People Magazine has confirmed it really its pretty official really you can't get better evidence than that.
PB> I acccept it, Diane, I accept it.
DS>I understand its a great burden to carry but it yours. Take it. And when the certifiably, unbelievably sexy Halle Berry are on the screen together or on the set toghether. What is it like? I mean we imagine the two of you shooting smoldering looks. We imagine the showing up everyday in your tuxedo and your–
<Pierce shakes his head No>
DS>No?!? No!?!
PB> We don't know we just met about two hours ago…
DS> Did you really?!
PB>…in front of the world press.
HB> Yes
PB> Two hours ago we did our press confirence and we stood in the coridor about ten minutes ago and talked about family anf life. That was our first conversation and now…this is how the world sees us for the first time.
DS> But Pierce did they come to you and ask you who would you like did you help choose Halle?
<Pierce and Halle are having a few word and not quite listening to Diane at this time>
PB> In a heartbeat. I've been watching this women for sometime now, on the screen, and in the pages of all the magazines. And I think this is a most beautiful woman. She has proven to herself and the world that she is a fine actress. So she can do anything she wants really and I'm so pleased that she's chosen to do this film. I really am. Because you want to have somebody that who respect, admire,and who's going to challenge you. And Halle has done that for herself with career.
DS>You know Halle, when we talked and I think it was over a year ago last time, you said to me that really what you want to do is play alot of roles in which race was irrellevant or rellevant as you chose it to be, but simply to be the women you that wanted to be on screen and this has been such a phenominal year for you. I have to think you've acheived exactly what you told me you wanted.
HB> Oooh, thank you. It certainly does feel like I'm on the right road, that's true. And being a part of Bond was exactly what I was talking to you about. In this movie I get to just be a women, who's not only sexy but she's smart and a formidable opponent for Bond. And that feels good that my colour does not proceed me as I enter in to this amazing franchise.
DS> And we will say again for the record because you've said it over and over there was a rumour out that you were going to go topless in this film and you've said veatmaly that this is a PG movie. No way.
HB> The only person who'ss going topless is Pierce.
<Laughs> <Pierce covers his face>
PB> Sexiest man…
DS>Pierce you've said once I'd like to keep doing Bond as long as I can.
HB> (about Pierce's comment) And I must say he absolutely is Diane., In case the world is wondering is he as good looking upclose , is he as sexy as they say he is. The answer is yes. And I think might be topless in all these love scenes. Not the women.
DS>Well the world is buying tickets.
PB> (about Halle's comments) We're saving that til the end of the schedule.Preperation, preperation.
DS>Get those abs working. And thank you both and congratulation on the opening day of filming. And get to know each other you two.
PB> Have we lost you? Have we lost you.?
DS> No

---

If you want do discuss what happened on Good Morning America visit this thread of the Bond 20 Forums. See you there!

Confusion Arises Over The Character Of Gala Brand

Confusion over the character of Gala Brand has arisen in the wake of the press conference. While the official site had revealed that Rosamund Pike would star in Bond 20 as Gala Brand (a name taken from Ian Fleming's novel "Moonraker" and not used in the film of the same name) the Hollywood Reporter has indicated that Pike's character is actually called "Miranda Frost".

Have the Hollywood Reporter simply got it wrong? They have details about the character Gustav Graves correct. Discuss the name change in the Bond 20 Forums, we'll have more news as it comes to light!

A big thanks to Beamer for the tip off!

Toby Stephens To Play Gustav Graves

A German new source Web.De has just revealed further details on Bond 20, however, the validity of the report can of course not be verified.

To begin with, actor Toby Stephens will apparently play a villain character Gustav Graves. Could this be the mysterious character with a Blofeld likeness that German TV stations have been reporting about? We're sure to find out. This report possibly runs contrary to previous speculation about Stephens character. Bond's hunt for Gustav will apparently take him to Cuba, Hong Kong and finally to London. It's strange that there's no menion of Korea in there.

They have also reported Spoiler Warning (Highlight To Read) that Bond 20 will open with a hovercraft action sequence and this action will take place in the demilitarised zones between South Korea and North Korea. Could the previous news about the surfboard sequence in Hawaii be related?

Also mentioned are details on Halle Berry’s character of Jinx. According to the news source she will apparently help Bond reveal a traitor. An interesting notion. Will Gala Brand be the traitor? While she is undoubtedly the main Bond girl in Fleming’s novel she does leave Bond at the end. One can only make the logical conclusion. But, we’ll see!

We'll tell you more news as it breaks!