100 More Bond Films With Daniel Craig, Says Broccoli

Following up his recent coments that he’ll be sticking around as James Bond as long as the quality of the films does not decline, Daniel Craig spoke more about finding ‘solace’ in 007 to MSN Movies.

‘I love the fact we are doing James Bond,’ Craig said. ‘I could deny it all my life that I wasn’t a huge fan. I have grown up with the franchise. Some of my favorite movies are Bond movies, and, as an actor, it’s a huge challenge, but also a huge honor.’

On location at the Chile’s desolate Atacama Desert for filming of the climactic finale in Quantum of Solace, Craig mentions that he’s been training almost every day of the week in order to keep up with the demands of the production.

‘I’d like to train here, because of the altitude. It’s not easy, but apparently it’s really good to do,’ he said.

Double The Action?

When asked about the mention of ‘double the action’ when compared to 2006’s Casino Royale, a line that the press and many Bond fans alike have latched onto, Craig replies (with producer Barbara Broccoli at his side): ‘They keep saying it’s twice the action. I just think that’s producer speak. Certainly, we’ve upped the rate. I’ve been involved with it as much as I physically can. But we also have the best stuntmen in the world here who are doing the real thing.’

One of the drawbacks for the widespread press and fan coverage Quantum of Solace is receiving in each of the shooting locations.

After having to switch hotels several times in Panama to escape the press, similar situations have occurred while in the Antofagasta region of Chile. Producer Michael G. Wilson mentions a recent example where Craig and director Marc Forster were ‘attacked by the press and almost driven off the road.’

‘The simple answer is I’ll do them until she tells me to stop.’ – Daniel Craig

‘You go from a person who can relatively walk the streets with relative ease to someone who needs to have people around him. Like any of us, he doesn’t like that type of notoriety,’ said Wilson.

Craig quickly brushes the situation aside when asked for his comment on it.

100 More Bond Films

Besides the usual questions about what to expect from the 22nd James Bond film, the topic of how many more 007 adventures after that for Craig is brought up. Before the question is even asked however, Craig quickly responds: ‘Twelve!’

‘He’s doing 100 more,’ Broccoli interjects.

‘The simple answer is I’ll do them until she tells me to stop,’ Craig then adds.

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

Medical Students Assist On 'Quantum of Solace' Set

According to a report from the GW Hatchet, residents in George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Science’s emergency medicine program had the unusual opportunity to assist during the recent filming of Quantum of Solace.

The residents worked as physicians to the cast and crew on the 22nd James Bond film, rotating through one-week stints for six weeks during filming in Chile and Panama.

‘During the stunts people broke legs and arms,’ said Christopher Lang, an emergency medicine professor who oversaw the residents who worked in Chile. ‘There was dehydration and skin infection. If someone needed further attention, we made sure that the hospitals had the appropriate standard of care and communicated with the doctors.’

The residents acted as backup to the normally staffd nurses on the 007 production. Professor Raymond Lucas oversaw the medical care in Panama.

Dr. James D’Orta, chairman and chief executive officer of Consumer Health Services and an adjunct professor of emergency medicine, spent part of his residency at GW. As an interesting bit of Bond trivia, he is also cousin to producer Barbara Broccoli.

‘She called me and was concerned about the medical care in Central and South America for her cast and crew,’ D’Orta said. ‘I know about the quality of GW’s emergency medicine program and asked Dr. Shesser, the chair of the department of emergency medicine, if we could use the residents with some faculty backup. He said “yes”.’

Praising GW’s emergency medicine program, D’Orta said: ‘They reviewed the scenes with action stunts and gave technical advice that averted disaster and prevented serious injury.’

As a thank you to the faculty and residents who assisted on set, D’Orta’s family has extended them an invitation to a special pre-premiere screening of Quantum of Solace for cast and crewmembers in London later this year.

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

Preview: 'For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming And James Bond'

Following up a virtual examination of the forthcoming ‘For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond’ exhibition from The Times last week, The Independent has now posted their own preview of the event.

As one of the many events planned as part of the Ian Fleming centenary celebrations, the ‘For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond’ exhibition is set to run from 25 April 2008 through 1 March 2009 at the Imperial War Museum in London.

This 007 exhibition will bring together both personal effects of the author and an ‘unparalleled range of Bond memorabilia’ in order to discover where the identity of the debonair spymaster and journalist ended and the fictional secret agent began.

The Independent elaborates, saying that Daniel Craig’s bloodstained shirt from Casino Royale and Q’s personal travelling case from A View To A Kill will be two movie props to keep an eye out for.

Other Bond materials to be featured will include a yellow helmet worn by Drax’s men in Moonraker; Kara Milovy’s bullet-pierced cello from The Living Daylights; a spear-gun from Thunderball; a transparent bomb from The World Is Not Enough; a prototype of Rosa Klebb’s flick-knife shoes in From Russia With Love; the golf shoes worn by Auric Goldfinger in–you guessed it–Goldfinger; the wing-mirror dart-gun from Live and Let Die; the heart transplant unit used for smuggling diamonds in The Living Daylights; the overcoat worn by Sean Connery in Dr. No; and a picture of Halle Berry her orange bikini from Die Another Day.

This is all in addition to the numerous Fleming and literary 007-related material, including a desk and chair transported from his Goldeneye villa in Jamaica.

Refering the historical contexts of James Bond in books, co-curator James Taylor said: ‘We don’t get much back-story until the last book, You Only Live Twice. There are snippets in other books, but it’s clear that Fleming and Bond are not the same person. Bond is Fleming’s fantasy. There are parallels between them–both are orphans [Fleming lost his father just short of his ninth birthday], Old Etonians, fluent in German and French and have Scottish blood–but the comparisons stop there.’

Stay tuned to CommanderBond.net for all the latest details and coverage on all the Ian Fleming centenary events and James Bond-related releases.

Behind The Scenes Of 'Quantum' With Location Manager James Grant

A two-minute long behind-the-scenes production blog with location manager James Grant has appeared online at AOL Video.

Grant, who is the Panama location manager on Quantum of Solace, gives fans a brief look at what is required for his job on a production as large as a James Bond film.

Grant informs fans that he’s been in the country since October of last year in order to coordinate the specific locations required at Panama City and Colón for the Quantum of Solace shoot.

He explains that it’s his job to be aware of the many logistics of a large production at the locations and coordinate and communicate with local businesses and residences in order to hopefully avoid any problems.

Click here to watch the full video.

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

"A grown-up in a world of boy racers."

Less than a month out from the publication of the third novel in her James Bond spin-off series, Samantha Weinberg has contributed an excellent account to Times Online of her time spent with the world’s most famous secretary: Miss Moneypenny.

“Bond is cruel, M ruthless, most of the girls damaged dolly birds; Moneypenny alone is intelligent and loyal, a grown-up in a world of boy racers.” – Samantha Weinberg

Samantha Weinberg, under the alias of Kate Westbrook, became the first female author to pen a 007 novel, when she wrote 2005’s The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel (the U.S. publication of which is, at last, imminent). This was followed by 2006’s instalment, subtitled Secret Servant and this year’s Final Fling. A couple of short stories round out her contribution to the world of Bond.

In her article, Weinberg dissects what makes Miss Moneypenny such an icon. “[It] undoubtedly owes much to Fleming’s genius for picking memorable names (Goldfinger, Oddjob, Pussy Galore). But it’s also down to Moneypenny herself. Of all his characters, she is the only one who is unequivocally likeable. Bond is cruel, M ruthless, most of the girls damaged dolly birds; Moneypenny alone is intelligent and loyal, a grown-up in a world of boy racers.”

From a handful of rather vague descriptions in Fleming’s original 14 novels, Weinberg fleshed out a lush history for the secretary, from her colonial childhood in Kenya through to her complicated double life as an employee of MI6. Though Weinberg is quick to note the impact the character’s cinematic incarnation had upon Miss Moneypenny’s legacy, and particularly the impression left by the late Lois Maxwell.

“[Maxwell] explained to me shortly before her death last year, ‘I decided – with a little nudge from Sean [Connery] – that, when Moneypenny was still in the secretarial pool, Bond invited her to spend a long weekend at his aunt’s cottage in Kent. They had a most splendid time, but she knew that if she allowed herself to fall in love with him, he would break her heart. And he knew that he would never get his 00 number’.”

Similarly, Weinberg offers Roger Moore’s take on the Moneypenny enigma. “Bond was quite willing to bed any female, but when it came to Moneypenny, although he enjoyed flirting with her, he treated her unlike any other lady – that is, with great respect. She brought humour, humility and class to Bond’s world.”

“While the Bond books were highly coloured accounts of secret service action, Miss Moneypenny’s diaries could be a bit more real, a little murky.” – Samantha Weinberg

Weinberg notes a strong desire to make her and Ian Fleming’s Miss Moneypennys one and the same. “When I took on Moneypenny four years ago, I was determined to be true to Fleming’s creation. I wanted anyone who had read his books to recognise her character from my books – but also to relate to her in the present.”

“Moneypenny had to have a birthday, a family, a dress size, somewhere to live and someone to love; she needed memories of childhood, her first kiss and favourite holiday. Before I wrote a word, I had to know what she ate for breakfast and who cut her hair, as well as how she would react in any given situation.”

Citing her temporal distance to the events of the 1960s – something Fleming did not have – Weinberg argues this enabled her to “inch [Miss Moneypenny’s world] a little closer to the real events that were hidden from the headlines”.

“While the Bond books were highly coloured accounts of secret service action, Miss Moneypenny’s diaries could be a bit more real, a little murky.”

“I can’t pretend that it hasn’t been a romp at times. I managed to persuade myself that, to inhabit Moneypenny fully, I needed to go where she went, which provided me with wonderful opportunities for research trips to Cuba, Jamaica, Moscow, Miami and Berlin. I also met some spies: men and women who had been in the service at the time she hypothetically worked there.”

“A year and a half ago, Casino Royale was released and, like millions of others, I loved it … But it had one gaping absence: Miss Moneypenny.” – Samantha Weinberg

While Miss Moneypenny has never before been given a richer history than in Samantha Weinberg’s series, her character is famously absent from Daniel Craig’s James Bond films. The author is proud to have kept the character alive in print.

“A year and a half ago, Casino Royale was released and, like millions of others, I loved it; as promised, it was a return to Fleming’s Bond: brave, hard, cruel. But it had one gaping absence: Miss Moneypenny. Apparently her services have not been required for the forthcoming Quantum of Solace, either. I think that’s a shame.”

“I’m just delighted to have been allowed an opportunity to put on her pearls each day, and to keep her alive – between the covers of a book.”

For the fascinating full article, be sure to check out Times Online.

The Moneypenny Diaries: Final Fling will be published in the UK by John Murray on 1 May. Meanwhile, The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel will be published in the U.S. by Thomas Dunne Books on 13 May.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the latest literary James Bond news.

The Sun Says 'Quantum' Singer Is Amy Winehouse

Every James Bond film has it’s share of rumours, some more far-fetched than others. Quantum of Solace is no exception.

One particular rumour that has stuck with the 22nd 007 film since late 2006 is that Amy Winehouse would be performing the title song.

Now, according to a source for The Sun, Winehouse, along with producer Mark Ronson (who contributed heavily on her five-time Grammy award winning album Back to Black), will write and record the newest Bond theme. The two will supposedly begin work at Ronson’s country retreat in Henley in the next few days.

The source said: ‘Amy and Mark are really excited. They see this as the biggest thing they have ever done.’

‘Mark collected her clothes and guitar to take to his place. She will join him soon and they will lock themselves away to write and record the song.

‘They have no idea what they’re going to do. In true Amy fashion, they’re going to busk it. But I’m sure it will be brilliant. The new Bond film is supposed to be really dark so Amy will fit the bill perfectly. They’ve got a great understanding. She comes up with a basic idea and he makes it happen.’

As a general note, it’s important to keep in mind that this rumour has not been confirmed by Quantum of Solace composer David Arnold or anyone else associated with the film.

Bond fans are only too well aware that there are often endless artists who are reportedly ‘confirmed’ at one point or another. What makes the Winehouse case interesting is a quote from producer Michael G. Wilson in the April 2008 edition of Total Film magazine. When asked about the possibility of her involvement, he replied: ‘She could do a wonderful job. We’ll have to wait and see if she can do it.’

Former Bond performer Paul McCartney endorsed Winehouse in March, saying: ‘I think Amy Winehouse would be really good, and I think she would do a really good job.’

In the case of 2006’s Casino Royale, Chris Cornell wasn’t offcially confirmed until late July of that year, so it may be a while until we know for certain whether this rumour is fact or fiction.

Just keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page and we’ll keep you updated.

Charlie Higson To Take Part In James Bond Discussion In July

Although it isn’t for several months, fans of the literary 007 can look forward to a talk by Young Bond author Charlie Higson on the subject this upcoming July.

The Young Bond Dossier reports that Higson will be taking part in a discussion entitled ‘James Bond the spy we love’ at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, a town in the North Yorkshire region of the UK.

In addition to Higson, the discussion panel will include Simon Brett from Macmillan as the chaiman, Philip Kerr, Joseph Finder, and Catherine Sampson.

The Penguin-sponsored Bond discussion will take place on Friday, 18 July 2008.

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will run from 17 to 20 July. For further information about attending, phone +44 (0)1423 562303 for weekend package rates or visit the official website.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Young Bond news.

SPOILERS: No Quantum Of Solace For Dominic Greene

WARNING: Major spoilers

Pretty big spoiler-news following. You’ve been warned.

Quantum of Solace villain Mathieu Amalric has mentioned on several occasions in the past couple months that his character, Dominic Greene, will differ from past villains in the James Bond series when it comes to battling with 007.

‘He was supposed to have a secret skill. But we had this idea that maybe James Bond would be more surprised if the villain doesn’t know how to fight. Sometimes with anger you can be much more dangerous than with skill… I’m going to fight like in school,’ he stated previously.

As explained in the recent USA Today report, the finale of Quantum of Solace takes place in the Atacama Desert in Chile, with Daniel Craig’s Bond pursuing Greene throughout his ‘eco-hotel’ headquarters (the Paranal Observatory in reality).

A newly posted set report at AOL News appears to shed a lot of light on how Greene meets his end in the film, stating that ‘after getting the bad end of his own ax in a fight, [he] limps alone in a stark desert [and] stumbles to the red, rocky ground.’

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

No 'Double or Die' US Book Tour For Charlie Higson

For Young Bond fans and collectors alike, The Young Bond Dossier today reports on two dissapointing developments regarding the forthcoming US publication of Double or Die.

First is news that Charlie Higson will not be making a book tour for the release of his third Young James Bond novel in the US. He had previously Los Angeles and San Francisco for SilverFin and Blood Fever, respectively.

The website also notes that there will be no US proof edition for Double or Die.

Uncorrected/Advance proofs are early copies of a novel sent to bookstores and media outlets meant to generate public awareness and interest. Since they are not readily made available to the general public and are published in limited quantities, they can be difficult to track down.

SilverFin and Blood Fever were previously published in proof editions in the US–both with different cover artwork in comparison to what was finally used.

The US hardback and audiobook edition of Double or Die will be released on 22 April. Pre-order online:

• Order the US hardback edition of Double or Die from Amazon.com
• Order the US audiobook edition of Double or Die from Amazon.com

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Young Bond and literary 007 news.

Marc Forster Not Planning On Return For 'Bond 23'

WARNING: Major spoilers

Although it may be a long way off, brief little tidbits on Bond 23 are starting to pop up during the production of the current James Bond adventure.

According to new set reports from Yahoo (1 and 2), Quantum of Solace director Marc Forster has stated that isn’t planning on returning for the next 007 film.

‘If I would ever do a big movie again in that size,’ he said, ‘it has to be my own franchise, which I would create from scratch, which I would cast, create the look and really create the franchise on my own.’

Producer Michael G. Wilson also added that he expects the Bond production to pause for at least a year following ‘Quantum‘. ‘I need a break for a little while,’ he stated.

Action and Romance

The other major news centers on the relationship between Daniel Craig’s 007 and Olga Kurylenko’s Camille–the first leading Bond girl that will reportedly not share a single kiss with Bond in the film.

After previously describing her character as bit feisty and independent, Kurylenko further characterized Camille as a Bond girl with a ‘masculine spirit.’

‘When she meets Bond, it clashes,’ she said. ‘She’s careful and she doesn’t trust that easily. So basically with men, she either uses them, or if they’re no use, and she sees that they can’t serve her, then she throws them away.’

‘It’s not like we’re making some sort of big action romance here,’ said Craig. ‘This is a Bond movie first of all. You have to apply the Bond equation, which is that we have to have as much action as we possibly can that fits in with the story, which makes sense.’

‘There’s a theme in the movie, which is about shortages in the world and how people are abusing them and this sets it up quite nicely really…’ – Daniel Craig

Craig continued, regarding the film’s finale in Chile’s Atacama Desert: ‘I’m bruised up from the fight scenes, but that’s part of the deal. I wouldn’t have done the movie without going all the way.’

‘We’re not making a kitchen sink drama here. We are making a Bond movie. What Marc wanted and the producers and what I wanted is to bring back a visual flair to the movie, so that every frame in every shot that we see is beautiful. And there may be things exploding, but they’re good to look at.’

Emotional Tone

With filming now completed in Chile, the cast and crew have reached the halfway point in the production. Craig mentioned that the tone is lighter than 2006’s Casino Royale–but only slightly.

‘It’s kind of Bond’s journey into, at first we think it’s vengeance, but it goes somewhere else,’ he said. ‘They’ve killed the love of his life, this organization, and we don’t know who this organization are, and he needs to find out who they are. And it’s for personal reasons but also professional reasons.’

The Best Gadget There Is

According to Craig, Quantum of Solace continues the pattern that began in Casino Royale of placing less emphasis on gadgets. ‘The Aston Martin’s there, and that’s still the best gadget we have.’

‘I want them to stand alone and be good films. As long as that continues, then we’ll keep making them. And if it doesn’t, then we’ll stop.’ – Daniel Craig, planning to stick around as 007

Forster also commented on the stylistic look of the film, comparing it to 1962’s Dr. No (a film that villain Mathieu Amalric also brought up when talking specifically about the Paranal Observatory as Dominic Greene’s headquarters).

‘I want to go back to the 60s and 70s thriller look,’ the director stated.

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