CommanderBond.net
  1. Entertainment Weekly Goes Inside Casino Royale

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-12

    Bond fans can now check out the entire Entertainment Weekly article on Daniel Craig and Casino Royale.

    So how did Craig prepare for the daunting role as 007? ‘I watched every single Bond movie three or four times, taking in everything I could about how the character had been portrayed in the past — then threw all that away once I started doing the role. There’s no point in making this movie unless it’s different. It’d be a waste of time unless we took Bond to a place he’d never been before,’ he tells EW.

    According to this new interview, the budget for Casino Royale exceeds $150 million (Die Another Day was around $142 million). Previous amounts mentioned were $72 million as well as £72 million.

    Producer Barbara Broccoli explains that Casino Royale is not ‘a period piece or anything like that. It’s set today, right now, and it’s got all the action fans have come to expect from the movies. But we’re getting back to the essence of Bond, to the Bond in Fleming’s first 007 novel.’

    And why the need for the change? According to producer Michael G. Wilson, after the release of Die Another Day, ‘we spent eight months trying to come up with a story, but just couldn’t … we decided to start all over with the story we’ve always wanted to tell—how Bond became Bond in the first place.’

    Fans have apparently been wondering what the infamous ‘Bond… James Bond’ line will sound like coming from Craig’s mouth. The actor simply replies: ‘honestly, I didn’t rehearse it at all. I didn’t practice it in the mirror every morning or anything like that.’

    ‘He’s never really done an action movie before… He’s used to a deeper sort of acting, but doing a movie like this one, it’s acting in three-second bursts. So it took Daniel awhile to get used to it, to get the rhythm down. But he eventually got comfortable in the role,’ adds director Martin Campbell.

    Click here to read the entire article from Entertainment Weekly on Daniel Craig and Casino Royale. Click here to view the EW covers featuring all six actors that have portrayed James Bond.

    Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale.

    Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Casino Royale will premiere on 14 November in London. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond; locations include the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

    The film co-stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schick, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, and Isaach De Bankole.

    Related ‘Casino Royale’ Articles

    Casino Royale Main Page

    Casino Royale Latest News

    Casino Royale International Release Dates

    Casino Royale Cast & Production Updates

    Casino Royale World Premiere Set For 14 November

  2. Sideshow Timothy Dalton Legacy Edition Figure Available To Pre-order

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-11

    The Sideshow Timothy Dalton Legacy Edition figure is now available to pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles.

    The Sideshow Timothy Dalton Legacy Edition figure is the fourth in this new line of James Bond figures.

    This new 12″ James Bond figure follows the announcement of the Roger Moore Premium Format figure and the three other Legacy Edition figures: Sean Connery, Roger Moore, and Pierce Brosnan. Click here for all the pictures of this 007 figure on the Sideshow Collectibles website.

    This James Bond figure is estimated to ship in the fourth quarter of 2006, and can be pre-ordered now at Sideshow for $44.99.

    The Legacy Collection Timothy Dalton as James Bond Figure includes:

    • Authentic Timothy Dalton portrait
    • Fully articulated body with 30+ points of articulation
    • Expertly tailored fabric costume
    • Accessories include:
    • Poker Chip w/ Timothy Dalton print
    • Martini Glass
    • Walther PPK
    • Walther P5
    • Interchangeable hands
    • Watch
    • 12″ figure display stand featuring the 007 logo print

    Keep watching CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale and all things James Bond 007.

    Related Sideshow James Bond Articles

    Sideshow Sean Connery Legacy Edition Figure

    Sideshow Roger Moore Legacy Edition Figure

    Sideshow Pierce Brosnan Legacy Edition Figure

    Sideshow Roger Moore Premium Format Figure

    The Sideshow CBn Interview

  3. Pre-order 'Secret Servant: The Moneypenny Diaries'

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-11

    Previously announced by CBn back in May of 2006, the second volume of Samantha Weinberg’s (writing as Kate Westbrook) The Moneypenny Diaries trilogy, Secret Servant: The Moneypenny Diaries is set to be released on 2 November 2006.

    The author previously revealed some details as to what fans can expect in volume 2: ‘there are a couple of on-going story lines that I am bound to follow—Miss Moneypenny is going to keep on her father’s trail, for instance, there has to be some resolution over the Prenderghast affair and, of course, Bond does return, with a bang, at the beginning of The Man With the Golden Gun. I don’t want to give too much else away, but she will definitely be getting out of the office again, and probably heading eastwards, towards the Iron Curtain.’

    Secret Servant: The Moneypenny Diaries can now be pre-ordered from amazon.co.uk at a discounted price of £11.21. The official blurb runs:

    From saving spies to private passions, this book covers the secret adventures of James Bond’s right-hand woman. Jane Moneypenny may project a cool, calm and collected image but her secret diaries reveal a rather different story. In the grip of an uncertain love affair and haunted by a dark family secret, the last thing she needs is a crisis at work. But the Secret Intelligence Service is in chaos. One senior officer is on trial for treason, another has defected to Moscow and her beloved James Bond has been brainwashed by the KGB. Only a woman’s touch can save them.

    Moneypenny soon finds herself embroiled in a highly-charged adventure infused with the glamour of the Cold War espionage game. Alone on a dangerous Russian mission she turns, with breathless intimacy, to writing a truly explosive private diary.

    Secret Servant: The Moneypenny Diaries

    Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on the literary James Bond 007 releases.

    Pre-order the UK hardback edition of Secret Servant: The Moneypenny Diaries (2 November 2006)

    Read the Samantha Weinberg CBn Interview.

    Order the UK paperback edition of The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel

    Order the UK hardback edition of The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel

  4. 'Filming The Casino' Video On Official Website

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-11

    Originally released as a video report from GMTV, the ‘Filming The Casino’ video (split into two parts) is now available for viewing on the official website.

    Featuring scenes at the casino table between Daniel Craig and Mads Mikkelsen, (Le Chiffre in the film) also included is additional commentary on the scene by director Martin Campbell and producer Michael G. Wilson.

    The video can be accessed at the official website: click on the left card on the main menu and then ‘Video.’

    Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale.

    Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Casino Royale will premiere on 14 November in London. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond; locations include the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

    The film co-stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schick, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, and Isaach De Bankole.

    Related ‘Casino Royale’ Articles

    Casino Royale Main Page

    Casino Royale Latest News

    Casino Royale International Release Dates

    Casino Royale Cast & Production Updates

    Casino Royale World Premiere Set For 14 November

  5. Casino Royale 'Line Of Sight' Basic Training Available

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-11

    A new ‘mission’ has become available on the official Casino Royale website: Line of Sight.

    ‘All eyes are on 007. In this hand-eye coordination challenge, move Bond (in blue) through the location. Just don’t run into the operatives (in red), or any of the four walls, or your mission is over. The longer you stay out of sight, the higher you score. Click start to begin.’

    Consisting of four ‘missions,’ (Card Shark, Line Of Sight, M’s Assignment, and 120 Seconds) in the Basic Training section, the first two are currently available.

    The Basic Training section can be accessed from the menu located near the bottom of the main screen (when viewing the entire page) on the official Casino Royale website.

    Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale and all things James Bond 007.

    Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Casino Royale will premiere on 14 November in London. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond; locations include the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

    The film co-stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schick, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, and Isaach De Bankole.

    Related ‘Casino Royale’ Articles

    Casino Royale Main Page

    Casino Royale Latest News

    Casino Royale International Release Dates

    Casino Royale Cast & Production Updates

    Casino Royale World Premiere Set For 14 November

  6. 'James Bond Spectacular' Concert Tonight

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-11

    Previously announced by CBn in May, the ‘Live and Let Die – James Bond Spectacular’ concert, which will be performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Nic Raine, is set to begin tonight – Friday, 11 August.

    The concert event, highlighting much of the music from past James Bond films, encourages fans to ‘dress up as 007 himself, or play an evil villian or glamorous Bond girl’, as there will be prizes for the best costumes, reports ticketsouth.co.uk. The full setlist includes:

    • The James Bond Theme
    • Licence to Kill
    • Diamonds are Forever
    • You Only Live Twice
    • Goldfinger
    • Nobody Does It Better
    • For Your Eyes Only
    • We Have All The Time In The World
    • Tommorrow Never Dies
    • From Russia With Love
    • A View To A Kill
    • From Russia With Love Suite
    • The Living Daylights Suite
    • Goldfinger Suite
    • Moonraker Suite
    • On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Suite

    Venue Information
    Friday, 11 August 2006 (gates open at 6:00pm)
    Broadlands
    Romsey
    Hampshire
    SO51 9ZD
    For further information, visit the venue website.

  7. All Six James Bond Actors On Entertainment Weekly Covers

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-11

    Jumping on the hype of the upcoming release of Casino Royale in November, Entertainment Weekly has released its fall movie preview issue with new James Bond Daniel Craig on the cover.

    The good news doesn’t end there though. In addition to the Daniel Craig issue, EW has also released five in-period covers of the previous actors to portray 007: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan.

    For a chance to catch a glimpse of the covers as well as a new picture of Craig, click here to visit the Young Bond Dossier.

    Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale and all things James Bond.

    Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Casino Royale will premiere on 14 November in London. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond; locations include the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

    The film co-stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schick, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, and Isaach De Bankole.

    Related ‘Casino Royale’ Articles

    Casino Royale Main Page

    Casino Royale Latest News

    Casino Royale International Release Dates

    Casino Royale Cast & Production Updates

    Casino Royale World Premiere Set For 14 November

  8. Daniel Craig Interviewed By Esquire

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-10

    Daniel Craig has been interviewed by Esquire about the bumpy road he’s had so far as the new James Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale.

    ‘You lose your sense of humor very rapidly… I remember when the s–t hit the fan on the Internet. We were in the Bahamas, working really hard. Then you read this stuff. I had a very dark two or three days. I was very despondent. But I realized I was peeing into the wind. I vowed to work twice as hard and get it right. Get it beyond right,’ Craig tells David Katz.

    When originally asked by producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli if he’d be interested in the role, Craig asked for the script. Upon not currently having one and the dragging on that followed, Craig’s reply was ‘sorry, I can’t be bothered…’

    ‘Eventually, they came back with a script. Paul Haggis had done a rewrite on it. They said they wanted to make a good movie … and I sat down, read it from cover to cover, and loved it.’

    When the subject of suits in Casino Royale was brought up, Craig replied ‘I think if you go back to the original Fleming, the reason Bond wore such good suits is because a good suit lasts. You fall out of your car, you roll over, you dust yourself off, and it still looks good.’

    ‘Daniel has a weight to him that no other Bond has had,’ says director Martin Campbell. Producer Michael G. Wilson reveals that they chose Craig because he’s a blank slate. ‘We might disappoint some people who want more fantasy, but I think a lot of people are waiting for this type of Bond.’

    Click here or here to read the entire excellent interview by Esquire.

    Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale.

    Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Casino Royale will premiere on 14 November in London. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond; locations include the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

    The film co-stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schick, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, and Isaach De Bankole.

    Related ‘Casino Royale’ Articles

    Casino Royale Main Page

    Casino Royale Latest News

    Casino Royale International Release Dates

    Casino Royale Cast & Production Updates

    Casino Royale World Premiere Set For 14 November

  9. Casino Royale Is Entertainment Weekly's #1 Must-See Film

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-10

    With the big summer blockbuster movies winding down, the focus is now shifting to what is in store for the 2006 holiday season.

    Entertainment Weekly has released their top ten must-see movies of Fall 2006 and Bond fans will be pleased to see that Casino Royale is number one.

    Why do they place the newest James Bond film at the top? ‘The idea of a rougher, rawer, rebooted James Bond leaves us both shaken and stirred.’ No doubt this is the same case for many of the fans.

    Additionally, EW poses the question that has been up for debate since Daniel Craig was announced as the new 007: Will he win over doubters who’ve complained that he doesn’t look the part? Time will tell.

    98 days an counting…

    Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale.

    The film co-stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schick, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, and Isaach De Bankole.

    Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Casino Royale will premiere on 14 November in London. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond; locations include the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

    Related ‘Casino Royale’ Articles

    Casino Royale Main Page

    Casino Royale Latest News

    Casino Royale International Release Dates

    Casino Royale Cast & Production Updates

    Casino Royale World Premiere Set For 14 November

  10. Search For 'Bond 22' Director Continues

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-08-10
    Negotiations with Roger Michell for 'Bond 22' fall through

    Negotiations with Roger Michell for Bond 22 fall through

    While Casino Royale isn’t even in theatres yet, news has been coming in on the next James Bond installment, currently titled Bond 22.

    Previously reported by the Hollywood Reporter in July, director Roger Michell was supposedly in negotiations to direct the film. Michell’s previous films included Changing Lanes, Notting Hill, and Enduring Love which starred Daniel Craig.

    Today, Variety / Coming Soon reports that negotiations with Michell have fallen through due to ‘creative differences.’

    Keep watching for all the latest Casino Royale and James Bond news.