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.

Cast Spoiler Warning (Highlight To Read)

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;

Plot Spoiler Warning (Highlight To Read)

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!

Bond 20 Is One Year Away

It's commonly believed that on the 22nd of November 2002 Bond 20 will hit screens in the United States. If the date is correct, then that is exactly one year away today! Though we must say that the date has never been confirmed officially.

As for the release of Bond 20 in the United Kingdom the IMDb has reported that Bond 20 won't be released till the 29th of November.

So less than 364 sleeps till the world gets to see Bond 20. Can't wait!

Spy Report: More News From Pinewood?

Bond20.Com has posted a report about the construction of sets at Pinewood. I must emphasise that as this information does not come from our own source we can't gaurntee it's authenticity. But without knowing nicknames or references for any of the insiders for Bond20.Be, I can say that there past Pinewood information has been similair to our own.

Spoiler Warning (Highlight To Read)

Work has been coming on nicely, B Stage is now the successful home of a torture chamber, and either after they have finished filming those scenes, or next to the Torture Chamber set they are going to begin construction on a set known as “BLADES CLUB” maybe as ice skating/nightclub scene, but that is just the opinion of our man inside, not fact.

On that I’d have to say that the Blades Club is most likely not going to be an ice skating/nightclub scene. Fans of the Ian Fleming novels would instantly recognise the Blades Club. As ‘Jay’ points out in the Bond 20 Forums, “they haven’t read any Fleming because as we all know that [Blades] is the gentlemen’s club Bond and the old M used to go to play cards.” So is this the connection? It would certainly meet with screenwriter Purvis & Wades claim that they wish to go back to Fleming for the movies.

In A Stage they have started building lots of cylindrical sections (Purely white), and also a huge crane weight has been moved in, so something big must be in the works!

M’s Office is nearly finished All the glass sliding doors, and backdrops are now in place.

Our man is not too sure what’s happening in D Stage, looks like the grand ballroom set has been scraped!

Today, Construction starts on E-Stage apparently, the set is called Moon Base Interior. Other exterior shots will be filmed at Farnborough.

While it is possible for a set to have been scrapped, what is with the set called ‘Moon Base Interior’. Is it a serious reference? Is Bond going back into space, or atleast the villains? After Moonraker it’s doubtful. You’ll note that the informant has said “the set is called” meaning he or she is likely to be reading it from the set label sign. Producers could have easily named this set incorrectly to throw such informants off from what is really being built inside. It’s quite possible that it’s a crucial set piece and they don’t want it’s true nature to be revealed.

WebTV Users who can't highlight text, please choose the Printer Friendly Version of this page from the options just below the title.

A big thank you to Jay for alerting me to the news, which you can discuss in the Bond 20 Forums in this thread which Jay recently started. See you there!

Scottish Artist 'Fish' Auditions For Bond 20

Scottish recording artist 'Fish' has reported on his own website that he's auditioned for a role in Bond 20. The website of the 43 year old, born Derek William Dick, has this;

November: Fish has auditioned to play a role in the next James Bond movie. Although he’d been asked a few times to go for the part, he thought that he’d miss it due to touring. When he arrived back from South America he was asked again, and the audition went ahead in London on the day before the Mean Fiddler gig. If he gets the part, shooting should take place between January and March 2002 at Pinewood and in Iceland.

Aside from an official admission of an audition from Fish, the locations of Pinewood and Iceland really stand out. We've had many reports from Pinewood in recent weeks, all about set construction for Bond 20. We've also had reports that Iceland would be a filming location for the film. It seems that 'Fish' maybe going for a substantial role if he'd be required for three months of filming.

Sadly, it's hard to get anymore information from the piece. Bar the March 2002 date, which is not necessarily important as it is likely to only be the date that 'Fish' finishes his filming work. On the same page however, it's mentioned that Fish was "told that Cubby Brocolli's daughter was" one of the "guests at the Mean Fiddler show in London.

As casting news hots up keep an eye on Fish. And speculate about him the Bond 20 Forums! Where else?

Finally, if you're interested in reading more about Fish check out his official website and this biography.

Flashback: 'TWINE' Opens In The US

'Level007' reminds us in the Pierce Brosnan Forums that two years ago today Bond 19, The World Is Not Enough, opened in theatres across the United States, Canada and Iceland.

While it had premiered in the US on the 8th of November, it had already opened elsewhere in the world. Namely Malaysia and Singapore.

Fans from the UK still had three days to see TWINE, it didn't premiere or open there till the 22nd.

Brosnan Reveals No Shooting In Ireland & Shooting Date

ShowBizIreland.com has scored an interview with actor Pierce Brosnan about future projects, including Bond 20.

Brosnan has revealed that the cameras will begin to role on the set of Bond 20 Bond "on January 13th [2002]" But it seems that Bond 20 may be his last time in the shoes of Bond.

"They have me for three with the option for a forth and this is the option. I don't know where it's going to go after this. As for a fifth Bond, I'd like to do one – I've never really got them too tightly about a fifth," says Brosnan, downplaying earlier rumours that he had signed a fresh contract for a total of seven films.

As for the persistant rumours that Bond 20 will be filming in Ireland Brosnan says, "Reports that parts of the Bond film will be shot in Ireland are just rumors, unfortunately Ireland will not feature in the next Bond film."

The article is well worth a read so head over to ShowBiz Ireland. Brosnan mentions his current project, Evelyn, which is he is currently filming in Ireland. He also makes a mention of Thomas Crown 2. Sadly it seems that it's a project never destined to go ahead!

Thanks to 'M_Bajle" for e-mailing this in!

Salma Hayek Up For Role As Bond Girl

The London Evening Standard has reported that Mexican actress Salma Hayek is considering a role in Bond 20. The news apparently comes from the acress herself.

She jokes that she can’t afford to buy clothes any more because she has spent all her money on art. Perhaps that’s why she is considering a role in the next Bond film. But isn’t she trying to get away from stuff like that? ‘Yes, but it’s being directed by Lee Tamahori, who made one of my very favourite films, Once Were Warriors.’

The news of course holds credibility as it has been revealed by Hayek herself.

With a casting announcement expected soon you can be sure that we'll know if Salma Hayek will appear in Bond 20 fairly soon. Until then, you can discuss the news in the Bond 20 Forums, especially in this thread which was recently started about Hayek!

A big thank you to Jacinda from HayekHeaven.net http://www.hayekheaven.net for sending in this news to us! It's greatly appreciated.

Possible Title And Script Review Surfaces

DarkHorizons has today posted what their source is claiming is a script review of James Bond 20. I must say that I'm personally sceptical about the details contained in the script review. Spoiler warnings do exist for this piece so you'll have to highlight it to read it, Web TV users please view the printer friendly version of this document to read it.

To begin with it's best that you read the review as it appears on DarkHorizons and then read the commentry below it.

Spoiler Warning (Highlight To Read):

“I just finished the third draft to the twentieth James Bond film last night. It’s 132 pages in length, scripted by the writing team of Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, is dated 4/23/01, and has the title “Terminus” on the cover sheet. If I were to describe the tone of it in relation to the legacy of 007 films, it’s a cross between “The Living Daylights” and “For Your Eyes Only”. It has the sweeping epic feel of ‘Daylights’ (Bond travels from Australia to Ireland to Morocco in this one) and the realism of ‘Eyes’ (Bond is seriously hurt a few times throughout the script and is good and bloodied by the end – which reminded me a lot of Mel Gibson in the denouement of “Lethal Weapon 2”). Purvis and Wade have written a serious-minded Bond adventure here, with a fairly engaging storyline.
The script opens without much exposition — a first for a 007 film, I think. It opens with Bond and two other British agents chasing down an IRA cell in Sydney. No one can explain why the IRA is in Australia right off, but one of the members was responsible for an attack that killed several SAS agents years before. Soon enough, the cell knows they’re on their trail, so they go on the run. Bond is the only one of the three to figure out that they’ve wired Sydney with proximity bombs — closing off the main arteries in and out of the city. A large biochemical explosive has been rigged in the basement of a prominent opera hall to go off. Again, no one knows why.

In the first fifteen pages, Bond figures out that the other members of the IRA cell are decoys — the main villain (his pursuer) is the only true terrorist. There is no IRA cell whatsoever. He flees on a motorcycle, then escapes via a new bullet train (Sydney doesn’t have one though). After a pretty exciting fight that takes place on top and within the train, Bond wounds the operative, but he gets away. Now, Bond has to make it **back** to the opera house before it goes off. This is where the suspense really ratchets itself. Needless to say, Bond makes it (barely) to the house, yet loses the rest of his team.

Sir Edmund Terminus is described as a well-respected British industrialist and, at one point, “an older, refined version of Bond himself.” The villain’s plot is this: his family was murdered years before in a botched SAS operation against the IRA (the same one that triggered 007’s involvement … how convenient!) Now Terminus has a vendetta against England, so he’s put up faux IRA cells across the globe and plans to level the economic stability of the world by detonating biochemical weapons. The trick? The weapons are already all in place — one will be detonated every 24 hours once the sun crosses a computer-pinpointed “terminus” on the globe.

Bond’s ally is a redheaded Irish terrorism expert named Ariel Stiph (pronounced ‘Stiff’ and who has marginally better lines than Denise Richards’s improbable Dr. Christmas Jones), though her intentions are veiled in secrecy throughout. You’re never quite sure if she’s working for Terminus or not — they have a strange history that’s never explained. One problem: she says (by my count) “something doesn’t feel right” three times, in regards to the pseudo-IRA attacks. Also ringing false: we’re simply told that other agents have defused the other bombs around the world. Bond defuses three in the film himself, but all require abnormal feats and derring-do. Why not simply pare the threat down to three?

The action scenes are well-scripted, but seem somewhat a retread of “The World is Not Enough”, we have the standard underwater-search-for-the-hideout scene, yet another ski chase, and a major set piece in the Moroccan desert, involving tanks and a slick little Q plane. If nothing else, the end of “Terminus” has a bit of shocker to it. It marks the first time — at least in my knowledge of the Bond canon — that the 007 universe will be markedly different next time around. If done correctly, it will provide dignified (and logical) closure to a Bond character.

All in all, I felt that this script is much different than TWINE, despite having the same writers. It’s good – quite good, in my opinion – but could use some more inventive action sequences and better dialogue throughout. It might be the first time that Brosnan has good, solid material to work with.

I’m sure some more work on the script would help, and I’m sure the writers are well into their fifth or sixth draft. Hell, by this point, they might not even be working with the same storyline, for all I know. It’s much better than TWINE, but it’s still a far cry from ‘Eyes’ – a highwater mark, in my opinion. “Terminus” seems to occupy the same world as ‘Eyes’ and ‘Daylights’ in terms of realism in a fantastical world.”

Now onto the commentry which contains far less spoilers;

The review has rumoured elements that have appeared online throughout it, which is bound to raise some eyebrows. One will note the IRA connection was mentioned as a possible plot in October of 2000. Brosnan at the time denied that the plot would revolve around the IRA as he didn’t want the Bond series to affect a very real and volatile situation.

The mentioning of the Opera House will also raise eyebrows. Sydney was a prominent location in Mission Impossibile 2 and hence is unlikely to be featured in Bond anytime soon. If the producers were keen on sending Bond to Australia (finally!) then no doubt they’d pick the other major city Melbourne in Victoria, or perhaps even Brisbane in Queensland.

If we can rely on Spy Reports we’ll note that the script makes no mention of an Ice Cave (though it does make a mention of a ski-sequence) and rather than mentioning a Hovercraft it mentions a Q-Plane.

On the upside its mentioning of an Irish assistant, Ariel Stiph, does have connections to the recently rumoured Irish beauty Jean Butler. But again if this review was ‘fan made’ then they would most likely be aware of the Butler rumour.

So there you have it! Is this an elaborate fan made deception or the genuine article? We'll wait and see. Until then discuss it in the Bond 20 Forums where mkkbb has created this thread to discuss the review.

Finally a big thank you to 'Beamer', Dave Ebersole and mkkbb for alerting me to the news!

Update:
Dark Horizons has posted this information

Not unsurprisingly yesterday’s apparent script review for a Bond 20 possibility entitled “Terminus” has, like “Final Assignment”, turn out to be bogus and officially denied by MGM. This is about the fourth such type of rumoured storyline out there and each has fallen through, making one wonder whether even if a real synopsis comes out that anyone would believe it (Bond film news, like “Star Wars”, is rife with misinformation). Anyway my apologies for including it and/or confusing anyone. Thanks to the ‘LA Football Girl’.

Seems that our suspicions were warranted to begin with. But let's look forward to some real news in the future!

Estella Warren To Be Bond Girl?

The IMDb, and other press agencies, have reported that model turned actress Estella Warren is being considered for a role in the next Bond film.

Model turned actress Estella Warren is being wooed to play a Bond girl in the next 007 film. The 22-year old stunner caught the eye of Bond producers after appearing in this summer’s Planet Of The Apes remake in a skimpy skinpiece. According to Britain’s Punch magazine, a pal of one of the producers says, “She looks great in and out of swimwear and has the most kissable lips imaginable. Estella’s got ‘Bond girl’ written all over her.”

Denise Richards, who was the last Bond Girl in the World Is Not Enough, was 28 when she played the role of Dr Christmas Jones opposite Pierce Brosnan who was then 47. Brosnan will celebrate his 49th birthday during production of Bond 20. The question of a 27 year age difference would certainly raise eyebrows, along with sceptisim about the report.

However, the rumour does come at a time when EON are casting roles for Bond 20.

Be sure to leave your thoughts and feelings in the Bond 20 Forums, where Tim Roth has started this thread about the possible casting of Warren in Bond 20. See you there!

Finally, a big thanks to Dave Ebersole for alerting us to the report!

Spy Report: New Bond 20 Vehicle Comes To Light

The news that Bond will drive an Aston Martin in Bond 20 is by now old. However, new information has come to light about another vehicle that will feature in Bond 20 that we may just get to see Bond control.

As like our last report on the Ice Caves this report contains spoilers, again about a possible action scene in Bond 20. So, for those of you who don't wish to spoil possibly integral parts of Bond 20 I advise you don't read on. For that reason those who wish to read the following information must highlight it first.

Spoiler Warning (Highlight To Read):

We can now reveal that information has been uncovered at Pinewood that suggests a Hovercraft, though most likely more than one, will feature in Bond 20.

Furthermore, there have been reports that footage of Hovercrafts racing has been shot for production purposes. This footage will be used by crew and action choreographers to learn and replicate exactly how a hovercraft behaves on certain terrains. While there is no direct word on what terrain the footage depicts it is believed that it would be irrelevant to production anyway.

I also asked Vanquish if the hovercraft was similar to this one. Vanquish told me that larger crafts that are under consideration.

On a speculative note, it seems that if used a hovercraft would be especially designed for Bond 20, much like the Q-Boat was especially designed for The World Is Not Enough

So there you have it. Exciting news there! A big thank you to 'Vanquish' for that bit of info.

CommanderBond.Net Staff Member Rory Couper, an obviously talented fellow, has made a piece of conceptual artwork for Bond 20, the first of it's kind! It's his interpretation of what the sited vehicle could look like should it come from Q-Branch. As the image is a spoiler we've had to hide it, but simply click on it to view the 'clean' image.

You can find the discussion for this in the Bond 20 Forums in this thread. Don't forget to drop in and leave us your speculation on what the role of the vehicle will be! Will it be a vehicle from Q-Branch? If so what gadgets could it have? The possibilities are endless. Be sure to share your thoughts! And be sure to drop Rory a line and tell him what you think of his artwork!