The Name's Bond… Period.

Almost every single James Bond film to date has had it’s share of traditions that carry on from one entry to another: the exhilarating pre-credits sequence, the main titles, a briefing from ‘M’, and so on.

Two such traditions that fans have become accustomed to are the famous ‘Bond, James Bond’ introduction and the order for a ‘shaken, not stirred’ martini. Both have appeared in almost the complete roster of 007 films, with the former bringing Daniel Craig’s debut in Casino Royale to a close.

Director Marc Forster

Just don’t expect either of them when Quantum of Solace hits the silver screen next month.

The Independent reports that both of the popular catchphrases have been dropped from the 22nd Bond film.

‘There was a “Bond, James Bond” in the script,’ said director Marc Forster. ‘There are several places where we shot it as well, but it never worked as we hoped. I just felt we should cut it out, and [producers] Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson agreed, and Daniel agreed, too. It’s nice to be open-minded about the Bond formula. You can always go back to them later on.’

These changes should likely come as little surprise to Bond fans since Casino Royale already proved that the filmmakers are not afraid to shake up the formula in the Craig era.

‘It’s nice to be open-minded about the Bond formula.’ – Marc Forster

Graham Rye, editor of 007 Magazine OnLine, stated that Craig’s debut as Bond was much closer to Ian Fleming’s original vision of the character.

‘The Bond films had become tired and needed reinvigorating,’ he said. ‘Rather than going away from Fleming I think the producers have gone back to him.’

Mr. Rye went on to make the point that characters of Q and Miss Moneypenny (who will also both be absent from Quantum of Solace), only made occasional appearances in Fleming’s novels.

Daniel Craig is James Bond

He continued: ‘His announcing of himself had become a bit corny. Casino Royale gets back to the spirit of the books, rather than all the silliness.’

Ajay Chowdhury, editor of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang magazine, said this news was unlikely to upset the 007 community.

‘The producers have been mixing and matching the famous Bond tropes–such as the theme song and the gun-barrel sequence,’ he said. ‘But this time there is a theme song by Jack White and Alicia Keys. If this line of script is not in there it’s not going to undo the foundations of Bond. The fans didn’t miss Moneypenny or Q. Bond is the only British character with worldwide resonance now, apart from Harry Potter. The producers are paying more attention to psychology and relationships, as well as adventure. Quantum of Solace picks up from Casino Royale, which was a really good thriller first and a good Bond movie second.’

What is your take on this news? Voice your opinion here on the CommanderBond.net Forums.

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

'Another Way To Die' Digital Download Now Available To Purchase

Jack White and Alicia Keys’ new James Bond song, Quantum of Solace‘s “Another Way To Die”, is now available to purchase for digital download worldwide, excluding North America.

The track was released on iTunes stores yesterday, while the digitial download will be made available to North American 007 fans on 23 October.

‘Another Way To Die’ 7 inch single

James Bond fans hoping to attain a hardcopy version of the song will have to be quick; the 7″ vinyl single – the only hardcopy release of “Another Way To Die” – will hit US stores on 30 September and UK shops on 6 October. The single is limited to just 6,000 copies worldwide. The single is available to pre-order from Amazon.com.

The first duet in James Bond soundtrack history has stirred fevered discussion among James Bond fans on the CommanderBond.net Forums. A poll started just two days ago has already garnered 252 responses. Nineteen percent of respondents “love it”, while 24 percent “like it”. Another 19 percent think “it’s okay”.

Fourteen percent were “not impressed” by the song, while 18 percent proclaimed it “God-awful”. Just five percent of respondents are undecided on their thoughts on “Another Way To Die”.

If you just fancy having another listen of the song, you can stream it directly from the Third Man Records website.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date James Bond news on the web.

Daniel Craig Interview In Playboy's November 2008 Issue

Daniel Craig

As the theatrical release date of Quantum of Solace draws closer every day, expect a wave of upcoming interviews, talk show appearances and other media events involving the cast of the 22nd James Bond film.

One such interview to keep an eye out for will be with Daniel Craig in the forthcoming November 2008 issue of Playboy Magazine.

While details are limited at this point as to the specific content of the interview, you can bet that the topic of Bond will be on the agenda.

Former 007 star Pierce Brosnan gave a rather candid interview for the magazine back in November 2005, in which he discussed his departure from the famous role. Click here for excerpts from this interview (Warning: adult language).

We’ll keep you updated as further details on this Daniel Craig interview become available. Just keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page.

'Another Way To Die' Single Available For Pre-order

‘Another Way To Die’ 7 inch single

Following up it’s first radio broadcast on BBC’s Radio 1 earlier today, the ‘Another Way To Die’ single is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

The Jack White-Alicia Keys duet for the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, will be released to 007 fans in the United States on a limited edition 7 inch vinyl single on Tuesday, 30 September.

The single, which is also available to order at recordstore.co.uk for UK-based Bond fans, will contain the main title theme and an instrumental version.

The official J Records soundtrack for Quantum of Solace will follow on 28 October.

• Order the ‘Another Way To Die’ 7 inch single from Amazon.com

Have you listened to ‘Another Way To Die’ yet? Be sure to vote in the CommanderBond.net poll and have your say on the forums.

As always, keep your eyes on the CBn main page for all the latest James Bond coverage.

Listen To 'Another Way To Die'!

The wait is over – “Another Way To Die”, the theme song to the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, has received its first radio broadcast on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 1 show.

Jack White

007 fans eager to listen to the first duet in James Bond soundtrack history can head over to BBC Radio 1 and fast-forward 55 minutes into today’s broadcast; the song immediately follows Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Live And Let Die” and a-ha’s “The Living Daylights”.

Love it or hate it – and there’s plenty of feedback on BBC’s Forums to indicate both are popular opinions – “Another Way To Die” will feature on Quantum of Solace‘s official soundtrack, due for release on J Records late next month.

Share your opinion on the CommanderBond.net Forums!

'Quantum of Solace' TV Spot #2 Airs

The second TV spot for Quantum of Solace made it’s debut late last night in the US according to CommanderBond.net Forum members and is now, naturally, available to view online at YouTube.

Click below for a full one-minute preview of the 22nd James Bond film, including more discussion between villains Dominic Greene and Elvis, the stunning, action-packed car and boat chases, Bond girl Camille in action and much more…

We’ll keep you updated on the CBn main page with all the latest news regarding new TV spots for Quantum of Solace. Just keep your browsers pointed at CommanderBond.net.

Sir Sean Connery To Present 'The Man Who Would Be King' At ArcLight Hollywood

Sir Sean Connery is scheduled to make an appearance at the ArcLight Hollywood cinema next month to introduce a special screening of his 1975 film The Man Who Would Be King.

The former James Bond star is taking part in the Target Presents AFI Night at the Movies event, scheduled for Wednesday, 1 October. The event will feature 12 modern and classic American films, all screened on the same night.

Each of the selected films will feature an introduction by one of the legendary stars or filmmakers associated with it. Sir Sean will be introducing The Man Who Would Be King, while other films such as The Silence of the Lambs, Tootsie and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotess Mind will feature Jodie Foster, Dustin Hoffman and Jim Carrey, respectively.

All of the film screenings begin at 7:00pm. Doors open to ticketed guests at 5:30pm. Ticket costs per person are $25. Tickets can be purchased online at www.arclightcinemas.com or in person at the ArcLight Hollywood box office (6360 W. Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028) beginning Wednesday, 17 September.

Click here for the full press release and additional details on this upcoming event.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest James Bond news.

'Quantum of Solace' – Official Blog Report #26

The official Quantum of Solace blog has been updated today with another crew member from the 22nd James Bond 007 film: make-up designer Paul Engelen.

Watch The Paul Engelen Blog Report Online

‘I’m the chief make-up artist on this Bond film,’ Engelen says on location.

‘This is my sixth Bond film. I started with Roger Moore initially and then Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day and now with Daniel Craig.’

He continues: ‘First thing in the morning, we’re the first people [the cast] see. I like to think that our trailer is sort of a very tranquil place to be. There’s bit of music playing, you can have a cup of coffee or something and just generally chill out and concentrate on what’s going to lie ahead for the course of the day.’

‘With all make-up really, I’ve got to make it the most effective and in the speediest way I can do it. It’s really in my interest to get it down to as limited a time as possible. But I love it. It’s like painting, it’s part of the whole reason I do this job I suppose. And coming away to these very glamorous locations.’

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

"It just had to feel like Bond."

The 2 October edition of Rolling Stone goes inside the production of the latest James Bond theme song, Quantum of Solace‘s “Another Way To Die”.

Jack White

“I didn’t want to imitate anything or be retro … It just had to feel like Bond,” said Jack White, of his collaboration with Alicia Keys.

According to the magazine, White used to listen to John Barry’s James Bond soundtracks in between early White Stripes gigs. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service‘s instrumental theme song – one of Barry’s finest contributions to the 007 canon – was a particular favourite.

So, White is perfectly aware of the footsteps he is following in. “You’re definitely taking on a responsibility – there’s a tradition of powerful music in all these films … But that’s why I’m involved creatively with music – for challenges like this. That’s what I live for.”

White recorded the track with Raconteurs bassist Jack Lawrence before having Keys record her vocals. Keys also plays the track’s piano, while White features on the drums.

White mixed the track while watching main title sequences from past James Bond films.

Alicia Keys

Both White and Keys clearly enjoyed the collaboration. Says White, “I like that [Alicia] sneaks odd-sounding things into pop music that shouldn’t be there.” Keys was similarly admiring: “I love Jack and the White Stripes, the rawness of their style. ‘Seven Nation Army’ obviously is crazy. And ‘Icky Thump’ – the intro to that is off the chain.”

The duo have already shot the song’s music video and plan to perform it live on several occassions, including, potentially, at the Quantum of Solace premiere.

Keep your browsers tuned to CBn for the most up-to-date James Bond news on the web.

'Quantum of Solace' Scottish Charity Screening Announced

Daniel Craig is James Bond in Quantum of Solace

The Herald‘s Friends of Maggie’s campaign has been announced as the host of the Scottish charity screening of the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

Like several of the other recently announced regional screenings for Quantum of Solace, this gala event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 30 October, one day after the 007 film has it’s world premiere and a day before general release in the UK.

The venue for this regional screening is the Cineworld in Renfield Street, Glasgow. The Aston Martin will be on display and guests will be able to walk up the red carpet and have the chance to pose for photos with the car outside the cinema. There will also be an auction and raffle with lots of exciting prizes.

Funds raised at the event will benefit The Herald’s Friends of Maggie’s campaign, which was launched earlier this year to mark The Herald’s 225th anniversary. The campaign aims to provide lasting support for people affected by cancer.

Maggie’s CEO, Laura Lee, said the event promised to be a fabulous night. ‘We’ve always said that fundraising is fun but this takes it to a new level, as you can’t get much better than glamorous outfits, fast cars, free champagne and the chance to see one of the year’s most highly anticipated films before anyone else.’

‘It is an evening to indulge yourself but it’s all guilt free as all the money spent on tickets, raffles and auction prizes goes directly towards helping people affected by cancer.’

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