'Quantum of Solace' Surrey Charity Screening Announced

Another new charity screening has been announced for Quantum of Solace.

The BBC News reports that the 22nd James Bond film will play at the Screen Cinema in Bancroft Road in the Surrey town of Reigate on Friday, 31 October–the same day the film goes on general release in the UK.

Money raised this gala screening will support the Help for Heroes charity, which helps military personnel wounded in Britain’s current conflicts. Over £6 million has been raised since the charity was launced in October of last year.

Mayor Roger Newstead praised this upcoming 007 screening, saying: ‘The charity screening of the film is an opportunity to see it on its release date and to help a great cause.’

As always, keep up-to-date with all the latest Quantum of Solace news by pointing your browsers to the CommanderBond.net main page.

'Casino Royale' Collector's Edition DVD/Blu-ray Overview

CommanderBond.net rounds up all the latest news regarding the upcoming Casino Royale Collector’s Edition, due for release on DVD and Blu-ray in October 2008.

This article will be continually updated in the following weeks.

Originally posted on 29 July 2008.
Last updated on 1 October 2008

Casino Royale Collector’s Edition

Overview

CommanderBond.net exclusively reported back in August 2007 that a three-disc special edition of Casino Royale was in the works, planned for release around the time Quantum of Solace (then titled Bond 22) hit theatres in October/November 2008.

This Casino Royale Collector’s Edition will improve greatly on the original two-disc release with more than seven hours of special features including audio commentaries (compared to 90 minutes on the original).

The Region 1 release date is Tuesday, 21 October 2008, with the Region 2 release slated for Monday, 20 October and Region 4 on Wednesday, 5 November.

Plot Synopsis

Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous, and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to “00” status. “M” (Judi Dench), head of the British Secret Service, sends the newly-promoted 007 on his first mission that takes him to Madagascar, the Bahamas and eventually leads him to Montenegro to face Le Chiffre, a ruthless financier under threat from his terrorist clientele, who is attempting to restore his funds in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale. “M” places Bond under the watchful eye of the Treasury official Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond’s interest in her deepens as they brave danger together. Le Chiffre’s cunning and cruelty come to bear on them both in a way Bond could never imagine, and he learns his most important lesson: Trust no one.

Ordering Details

Region 1:

• Release Date: 21 October 2008
• Retail Price: $29.95 (DVD)
• Retail Price: $38.96 (Blu-ray Disc)
• Format: DVD – Three-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Format: Blu-ray Disc – Two-Disc Collector’s Edition
• 2.40:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Order (DVD) – Amazon.com
• Order (Blu-ray Disc) – Amazon.com

Region 2:

• Release Date: 20 October 2008
• Retail Price: £17.99 (DVD)
• Retail Price: £22.99 (Blu-ray Disc)
• Format: DVD – Three-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Format: Blu-ray Disc – Two-Disc Collector’s Edition
• 2.40:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Order (DVD) – Amazon.co.uk
• Order (Blu-ray Disc) – Amazon.co.uk

Region 3:

• Release Date: 2008
• Format: DVD – Three-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Format: Blu-ray Disc – Two-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish

Region 4:

• Release Date: 5 November 2008
• Retail Price: $29.83 (DVD)
• Retail Price: $39.83 (Blu-ray Disc)
• Format: DVD – Three-Disc Collector’s Edition
• Format: Blu-ray Disc – Two-Disc Collector’s Edition
• 2.40:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Order (DVD) – EzyDVD
• Order (Blu-ray Disc) – EzyDVD

Special Features

EXCLUSIVE BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Bonus View Picture-in-Picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson
• “Know Your Double-O” – the Ultimate James Bond Trivia Quiz, a BD-Live enabled multi-skill level, multi-player trivia game

BLU-RAY & DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

Documentaries

• Ian Fleming’s Incredible Creation – A remarkable look at the birth and continued success of James Bond, including never-before-revealed information about Bond’s creator and the origins of 007.
• The Road to Casino Royale – The story of why it took over 50 years for the Bond filmmakers to bring Ian Fleming’s first 007 novel to the big screen, featuring the amazing behind-the-scenes stories of the many attempts to make the film.
• James Bond in the Bahamas – A fascinating examination of the links between the the cinematic Bond and the Bahamas, with never-before-told behind-the-scenes stories from Casino Royale, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, For Your Eyes Only and The World Is Not Enough.
• Ian Fleming: The Secret Road to Paradise – A revealing exploration of the world of James Bond’s creator. In this documentary, discover why Ian Fleming was drawn to the Bahamas, and learn the cinematic Casino Royale‘s unique link to an important chapter in 007’s secret history.
• Death in Venice – A break down of one of the key scenes in the film.
• Becoming Bond – An intimate look at how Daniel Craig stepped into the role of James Bond.
• James Bond: For Real – A behind-the-scenes look at the ground-breaking action and the stunts in Casino Royale.
• Bond Girls Are Forever – An extended version of the 2002 AMC television special, with new footage and interviews of the new Bond Girls.

• Featurettes:
• The Art of Freerunning – An in-depth look at the freerunning chase and the freerunning technique with the sport’s founder, Sebastien Foucan.

• Filmmaker Profiles: in-depth conversations with key creative forces behind Casino Royale, including never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage:
• Martin Campbell, Director
• Chris Corbould, Special Effects
• Phil Meheux, Director of Photography
• Gary Powell, Stunt Coordinator
• Alexander Witt, Second Unit Director
• David Arnold, Composer

• Deleted/Extended Scenes:
• “Rescue & Recovery”
• “Squandering Government Funds”
• “Cricket Pavilion”
• “Gettler Raises Bond’s Suspicions”

• Storyboard Sequence:
• Freerunning Chase – Watch the storyboards presented in animatic form, or view them in comparison to the finished film sequence.

• Scene Deconstruction:
• Catching a Plane: From Storyboard to Screen – featuring outtakes and never-before-seen footage.

• Music Video: Chris Cornell “You Know My Name”

• Crew Commentary: Audio Commentary with scene-specific comments and observations from many of Casino Royale‘s creative team.

---

The special features listing was first revealed in March 2008 along with a (now known to be incorrect) Region 1 release date of 3 June 2008 by the DVD Times website.

In addition to the above special features, specially marked copies of the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition will include ‘e-Movie Cash’ to see the 22nd Bond film, Quantum of Solace in theatres.

Cover Artwork

Cover artwork for the Region 1 and 2 DVD and Blu-ray editions uses the image of Daniel Craig as Bond from the International ‘A’ poster artwork for Casino Royale. Front and back artwork is currently available.

Front Cover Artwork | Back Cover Artwork

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of this Casino Royale Collector’s Edition DVD/Blu-ray release.

Promotional Trailer

A 1 minute, 22 second trailer that showcases the much improved set of special features that will accompany this release was made available in mid-September. Click here to view.

Watch The 'Another Way To Die' Music Video

The music video for ‘Another Way To Die’, the title theme for Quantum of Solace performed by Jack White and Alicia Keys, has been released online.

The video, which totals 4:25 in length, does not feature any scenes from the 22nd James Bond film, with the brief exception of a shot of Daniel Craig walking in the desert previously seen in the film’s trailers.

After you’ve checked out the video, be sure to voice your opinion here on the CommanderBond.net Forums and vote in the poll.

Keep your eyes on the CBn main page for most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

'Quantum of Solace' – Official Blog Report #28

The official Quantum of Solace blog has been updated today with two crew members from the 22nd James Bond 007 film: editors Matt Chessé and Richard Pearson.

Working on the film from their office, Pearson explains: ‘We start editing right away in whatever order their shooting, so, yeah, we might get scene 40 first and then the next scene that might come in might be scene 75.’

Chessé adds: ‘It sounds like a cliché, but the footage kind of tells you what it wants to do. I mean, you get inspired and you get ideas by what gets shot and so how that comes together and pulses–you can’t really anticipate it.’

‘Every picture has it’s own language and so finding the language for this particular Bond film, even though it’s a Bond film, it needs to be honest with the material that was shot and the performances,’ Pearson explains.

‘You see those moments and you get to become a ten year-old boy again. It’s a Bond movie!’

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

Virgin Atlantic Launches 'Quantum of Solace' Campaign

Virgin Atlantic has launched their ‘You Only Live Once’ campaign to promote their involvement in Quantum of Solace.

The airline first announced their involvement with 22nd James Bond film this past February, following up their previous appearance in Daniel Craig’s debut 007 entry, 2006’s Casino Royale.

The press release follows:

“YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE”
VIRGIN ATLANTIC LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN

Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, has unveiled its campaign to promote its partnership with Quantum of Solace, the James Bond adventure in cinemas in the UK from 31st October.

In the film, James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, flies Upper Class across the Atlantic. It’s the second time that Virgin Atlantic has appeared in a Bond movie, after its successful partnership with Casino Royale, which became the most successful in the James Bond franchise.

Virgin Atlantic will be promoting its partnership via Upper Class and Economy service advertising in print, poster sites (outdoor), online and through incentives with the travel trade. The airline will also be showing behind-the-scenes footage on its in-flight entertainment system onboard each flight.

The economy advertising promotes Virgin Atlantic’s latest fares with the theme “You Only Live Once,” highlighting the fact that, if we’re going to fly abroad, there’s only one airline to choose. The Upper Class advertising focuses on the airline’s “Fastly Superior” check-in and security channel for business passengers at Heathrow Terminal 3’s new Upper Class Wing.

Paul Dickinson, Sales and Marketing Director for Virgin Atlantic, said:

“As you only live once, Virgin Atlantic is the airline to fly with. Being James Bond’s favourite airline means we have to live up to his desire to travel in style. Our new campaign will highlight our great range of fares and superior product offering compared to other airlines. We’re delighted to be part of Quantum of Solace.”

Daniel Craig reprises his role as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Quantum of Solace, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures release of EON Productions’ 22nd adventure in the longest-running film franchise in motion picture history. The film is directed by Marc Forster. The screenplay is by Paul Haggis and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli produce.

For further information please contact the Virgin Atlantic Press Office on +44 (0) 1293 747373 or log onto www.virginatlantic.com.

About Virgin Atlantic

• Virgin Atlantic is one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines
• It flies to 30 destinations worldwide from its main base at London Heathrow and London Gatwick
• There are 38 aircraft in its fleet, comprising 747-400s, A346-600s and A343-300s
• Sir Richard Branson is the President of Virgin Atlantic; Steve Ridgway is the Chief Executive
• In 2007, Virgin Atlantic carried around 6 million passengers

About EON Productions

EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC, is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty two James Bond films since 1962, including Quantum of Solace. The James Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the longest running franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, Die Another Day and Casino Royale. EON Productions and Danjaq LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

About Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 100 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com.

As always, make CommanderBond.net your one and only stop for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

'Quantum' Cast And Crew To Attend Sydney Premiere In November

In June of this year, CommanderBond.net reported that negotiations were currently underway to get Daniel Craig and other members of the Quantum of Solace cast and crew to attend the film’s Australian premiere.

Now, Sony Pictures has stated that Craig will indeed visit Sydney in November to promote the 22nd James Bond film.

In addition, Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, director Marc Forster and producer Barbara Broccoli are also scheduled to attend.

Quantum of Solace opens on 19 November in Australia.

Keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

Sony Electronics Kicks-Off James Bond's 'Mission For A Million'

Sony Electronics Kicks-Off ‘Mission for a Million’ James Bond Promotion Tied to Quantum of Solace

Exclusive 007 Products Offered at Sony Style

Sony Electronics today announced a national promotion called “Mission for a Million” developed in support of the upcoming James Bond film Quantum of Solace, which will be released in theaters by MGM Pictures and Columbia Pictures on Nov. 14. The promotion, which brings together Sony’s leadership in high-definition with one of the most recognized movie franchises in history, allows people to compete for a chance to win a $1 million grand prize.

Reinforcing Sony’s “HDNA” — the notion that high-definition is a key part of the company’s DNA — the promotion begins today and runs through Nov. 7. It tasks registered “agents” to use virtual Sony high-definition products to solve missions in search of Sony’s stolen HDNA. Each completed mission gives consumers a chance to win $1 million and a trip to a top secret location. People can enter via a dedicated site at http://www.sony.com/missionmillion.

“Sony’s reputation for premium technology and great entertainment work well with Bond’s legacy and innovation,” said Stuart Redsun, Sony Electronics’ senior vice president, corporate marketing. “The film’s anticipated arrival is a perfect opportunity to tell Sony’s high-definition story to consumers in an interactive way.”

In addition to the James Bond promotion, Sony will offer limited edition licensed 007 products including a VAIO(R) notebook computer, a Reader Digital Book and Micro Vault(TM) USB storage media which will all be available in U.S. Sony Style retail stores and online at sonystyle.com.
An exclusive, limited edition VAIO TT notebook comes emblazoned with a 007 logo on the palm rest and a matching leather protection case. Only 100 units will be available and each unit will bear a serialized number.

The Special Edition Bond bundle for the Reader Digital Book features an embossed cover with a 007 logo and coupon codes for free downloads from the Sony eBook Store of Ian Fleming’s novels Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

An exclusive 007 USB Micro Vault, in 8 or 16GB capacities, comes pre- loaded with the Quantum of Solace movie trailer and bonus contents.

As the contest kicks off, a corresponding advertising campaign featuring a mix of creative images from Quantum of Solace featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond, the Mission for a Million promotion and Sony high-definition products launched this month nationwide. Running through the fall to coincide with the film’s release, the campaign can be seen on various web sites and social networking sites, in print and at retailers, as well as in theaters. For example, web sites like AOL will feature the Mission for a Million execution and a fully interactive application can be found on the social/community site Facebook.

A main attraction at all Sony Style stores across the country and online at sonystyle.com, the campaign will also be extended to Sony retail partners. Stores will be transformed with Bond-themed window displays from October through November. In-store displays will also feature the Sony PLAYSTATION(R)3 title Quantum of Solace, an officially licensed video game from Activision, and the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition DVD and Blu-ray Disc(TM), which features more than seven hours of bonus material not featured in the original theatrical version of the movie.

Daniel Craig reprises his role as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Quantum of Solace, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures release of EON Productions’ 22nd adventure in the longest-running film franchise in motion picture history. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are the producers. The film is directed by Marc Forster. The screenplay is by Paul Haggis along with Neal Purvis and Robert Wade.

About EON Productions

EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC, is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty two James Bond films since 1962, including Quantum of Solace. The James Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the longest running franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, Die Another Day and Casino Royale. EON Productions and Danjaq LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

About Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 100 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com.

About Sony Electronics

Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony has played a key role in the development of Blu-ray, Disc(TM), CD and DVD technologies, among many others. The company is noted for a wide range of consumer audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA(R) LCD high- definition television, Cyber-shot(R) digital camera, Handycam(R) camcorder and Walkman(R) personal stereo. Sony is also an innovator in the IT arena with its VAIO(R) personal computers; and in high-definition professional broadcast and video equipment, highlighted by the XDCAM(R) HD and CineAlta(TM) lines of cameras and camcorders, as well as the SXRD(TM) 4K digital projector. The latest news and information is available at the company’s web site at http://www.sony.com/news.

As always, make CommanderBond.net your one and only stop for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

The Many Marketing Partners Of 'Quantum of Solace'

Even though it was mentioned last month that the number of promotional partners featured in Quantum of Solace was expected to total around 10, many websites are starting to focus on exactly how big a role product placement will have in this James Bond film.

The Independent has reported that Quantum of Solace may even end up nearing the record total of 20 partners that were featured in 2002’s Die Another Day–a film that some critics labeled ‘Buy Another Day’.

Several companies have already been confirmed for this 007 adventure, including: Aston Martin, Ford Motors, Heineken beer, Smirnoff vodka, Omega watches, Virgin Atlantic, Coca-Cola, Sony Ericsson cell phones and other Sony electronics.

One particular company drawing much of the attention at the moment is Ocean Sky Aviation, who first announced back in May that they had provided a whopping eight jets for Quantum of Solace.

The company’s owner, Kurosh Tehranchian, said: ‘It was a major investment for us financially and in terms of plane usage but it is something we feel will be very worthwhile in terms of the exposure it gives us.’

He continued: ‘The James Bond brand is unique. It is known worldwide, yet it is completely non-controversial: everyone likes it. It was something we felt we wanted to be associated with.’

Andy Payne, global creative director of Interbrand, stated that many companies jump on the opportunity to have their products featured in a Bond film.

‘Companies will fight for the rights to be a partner in a James Bond film and they’ll pay considerable amounts of money to get the contract,’ he said. ‘Bond is cool and has kudos and that status rubs off on the products that he is seen to endorse. For a company like Ocean Sky this could be a very good move because even though they have given up the use of five of their jets for a week, they will view the money they will have lost as a good investment in terms of the amount of global brand identification they will achieve and the worldwide audience they will reach.’

Another featured company in the film, Ford Motors, will showcase their new car, the Ford Ka, which is driven by Bond girl Olga Kurylenko.

A spokeswoman for the company said they had been approached by Eon Productions, shown the script, and asked to provide a car for the character of Camille. She further said Ford had paid for the placement, but–as is the case for many of the film’s promotional partners–would not reveal the exact financial details.

The advertising campaign for Quantum of Solace, which begins it’s main marketing push in October, was earlier estimated to be around £50 million ($100 million)–roughly the same amount as the Casino Royale campaign.

Keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

'Another Way To Die' Music Video On BBC One Tomorrow

James Bond fans in the UK will want to tune in to BBC One’s The One Show tomorrow, 30 September to get a look at the music video for ‘Another Way To Die’.

The Jack White-Alicia Keys duet for Quantum of Solace will play on the show, which begins at 7:00pm tomorrow.

If you happen to miss the airing tomorrow, the most recent episode of the program also plays on the official website.

As a reminder for US 007 fans, the ‘Another Way To Die’ music video will be featured on ESPN’s Monday Night Football in just a few short hours. Click here for full details.

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

Daniel Craig Finds Solace In Unconventional Bond Film Title

Echoing similar statements made in January of this year when Quantum of Solace was announced as the title of the 22nd James Bond film, the Telegraph reports that Daniel Craig has again thrown his support behind the rather unusual selection.

In a new interview with GQ magazine, Craig states he’s a clear supporter of the title. ‘I was involved in making the decision,’ he says. ‘Names were coming out, some ludicrous stuff was going back and forth–I can’t remember exactly, but you know the sort of thing: “The Blood On Your Face”. I knew I didn’t want “death”, “die”, “bleed” or any of those things in the title.’

‘We had it written down on boards and we’d literally go and sit in rooms and stare at this title. If you look at ‘Q’s, they’re really weird in a title.’

‘As soon as it came out, people were saying, ‘Ooh, it sounds like Harry Potter.’ No, it’s Quantum of Solace. I was saying, ‘It’s a Bond title! The name of a Bond film is not about anything. Live And Let Die? Octopussy? What does it mean? It means very little. We’ve got nothing to worry about.’

And if it wasn’t the odd Bond title that the media was focusing on, then the so-called ‘Bond curse’ had a dedicated share of followers as well. As many CommanderBond.net readers are well aware, Quantum of Solace had it’s fair share of on-set accidents, including an Aston Martin DBS swerving off a road into Italy’s Lake Garda and a serious car/lorry crash just a few days later.

Other minor events in comparison, such as Craig injuring a finger, also made the news.

In the GQ interview, Craig angrily dismissed such claims. ‘The thing about the Curse of Bond is that it’s offensive, really. Let’s be honest,’ he said. ‘There’s a risk to everything we do and we have literally the best people in the world who do this and every precaution is taken to minimise the risk, but there is a risk.’

Referring to the injured stuntman, Aris Comninos, who was airlifted from the car crash in Italy, Craig added: ‘He was in a very bad way. We had a helicopter standing by with paramedics because that’s the way it works every time we do a sequence like that. And they literally saved his life.’

‘It was horrendous and the only thing that matters is that Aris is getting better. It knocked everybody, as you can well imagine. But taking my finger as part of a “curse”–that’s offensive. This is what we do, this is what happens, but it gets magnified and completely taken out of context.’

Of his own injuried sustained during the 007 production, Craig waved the issue away. ‘It’s exactly what happens every time you do something like this. You get your finger trapped or your face split open… I had a boo-hoo, but it’s amazing how the human body can repair itself. I lost my fingerprint so I can now commit all sorts of crimes with that finger. I look forward to that.’

The GQ interview will be available from this upcoming Thursday, 2 October.

Stay tuned to the CBn main page for most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.