Casino Royale

[MacGuffin]

Interview: Campbell on Casino Royale
The director talks Bond!

The James Bond news machine is heating up with the recent announcement (finally!) of the lead actor to portray Bond in Casino Royale, Daniel Craig. The film is to begin shooting soon and the release date is now set for November 17, 2006.

This weekend IGN FilmForce had the chance to question Royale helmer Martin Campbell at the press day for his latest film, the upcoming Sony sequel Legend of Zorro, which releases on the 28th of this month.

Though Campbell and everyone else involved is still remaining tight-lipped about the specifics of James Bonds' 21st big screen adventure (not counting the original Casino Royale or Never Say Never Again), Campbell answered as many questions as he could this weekend and shed at least a bit of light on the upcoming spy flick.

Q: Did you have any input in the selection of Mr. Craig?

MARTIN CAMPBELL: Oh, yeah.
 
Q. Is there going to be anything of the novel in the movie?

CAMPBELL: A lot of it, yeah.

Q: How are you going to handle the genital flogging scene from the book?

CAMPBELL: Very interesting. You're the second person who's asked that. I think I'll do it in close up. (Laughs) There are a lot of women who will love that. I've got to get PG-13, so it's a very interesting dilemma.

Q: Every time they have gone from a popular Bond and replaced him, the films have not been as successful. How do you avoid that?

CAMPBELL: I dunno. You just do the best movie you can make. It's as simple as that.

Q: Why do you think Craig will make a great Bond?

CAMPBELL: Because, first of all, he's a great actor. And I think it's in Casino Royale, where Fleming said he looked like Hoagie Carmichael, which is a very interesting comparison. And he's a very interesting looking guy and I think he has all the attributes to make a grittier and tougher bond. A much more interesting – just different and more interesting in my view.

Q: It seems every time they say that the story is overwhelmed by all those gadgets.

CAMPBELL: Well, first of all there are no gadgets in the first one. So, how about that?

Q: So is it mostly the title being used and the basic plot rather than specifics from the book?

CAMPBELL: The only thing you can't use from the book – I don't know how many of you have read it – it was written in 1953 [and] was set against the Cold War. In fact, it was the first one that involves Smersh, and we've obviously had to change that. But, essentially the book remains pretty much in tact. The whole game takes place. La Chiffre is the bad guy, who was the bad guy there. Your genital whacking scene, whomever came up with that, that all remains. So, it's pretty much the last 2/3rds of the movie will be like the book. And Bond will fall in love with Vesper Lynd, as he does in the book. He's just got his 007 stripes when he gets into the story so he's got some rough edges on him to begin with and hopefully, by the end of it, he'll become the 007 we all know and love.
 
Q: Does it restart the franchise?

CAMPBELL: Yeah, I guess so.

Q: Does this mean you start remaking the other movies?

CAMPBELL: That's exactly the same question I asked them. When's the point you start re-making Dr. No? Who knows? No, this is the last book they are filming. Because, all the rest have been done.

Q: Do you think the re-start of Batman Begins had to do with this?

CAMPBELL: No, I think they always wanted to get the book and they never have been able to till just recently. Now they have the book. I think Cubby, Barbara, said Cubby always wanted to make the book. They made one. Not a good movie. A spoof with five bonds, which Ursula Andress was one, by the way.

Q: Have you cast any of the new Bond girls?

CAMPBELL: Not yet. We were more worried about casting Bond…

Q: Is there a chance Judi Dench will return as M?

CAMPBELL: Yeah, we're discussing that at the moment. Yeah, maybe.

Q: Did you talk to Pierce about coming back?

CAMPBELL: No, that wasn't my choice. That was over before I came into those discussions as they were.

Q: When is it going to start?

CAMPBELL: End of January. I hope!

Q: Do they have a release date?

CAMPBELL: Yes, November.



Next James Bond film to start shooting in January

PRAGUE (AFP) - Shooting of the next James Bond film, "Casino Royale," will start in the Czech Republic in January, Prague-based international film production Stillking Films said.

"It's the first time a Bond film will be shot in the Czech Republic," said Misha Olexova, marketing director with Stillking Films, which has landed the role of local co-producer. "I believe it is also the first time that most of the film will be shot outside the UK," she added.

Prague film studios will be used for the six-month shooting in the Czech Republic. The Czech capital and its surroundings as well as the spa town of Karlovy Vary will serve as a backdrop for the screen adaptation of Ian Fleming's first novel with newly-selected Daniel Craig in the star role of the legendary British secret agent.

Shooting will also take place in the Bahamas, Italy and Britain.

Stillking Film's managing director, Matthew Stillman, said the co-production deal signed with EON Productions, the film company behind the series of Bond films over the last four decades, is "an important step for us as well as the local film community."

Apart from Craig who replaces Pierce Brosnan, other roles in "Casino Royale" still have to be decided, Olexova said. "We are still in the pre-production phase," she explained. "Casino Royale" should be released worldwide on November 17 next year.

Stillking Films, which also has offices in the Britain, Chile, South Africa, Spain and the United States, has been involved in a series of major feature films since its creation in 1993, including "Van Helsing", "The Bourne Identity", "Everything is Illuminated", "Doom" and "The Illusionist."

Prague has become a major center for movie production over the last decade, with recent major feature films including Roman Polanski's film "Oliver Twist".


Moneypenny axed from Casino Royale

(Yahoo! UK) Producers of the forthcoming James Bond movie Casino Royale have axed the legendary Miss Moneypenny character.

Moneypenny, who has waved the suave superspy off on some of his most perilous missions, been written out of the new film because she only fleetingly appears in Sir Ian Fleming's original novel.

Gadget inventor Q, last played by John Cleese will also be absent from the new film - in which British actor Daniel Craig will play 007 for the first time.

The news is the biggest indication the new film will deviate substantailly from the spirit of previous Bond adventures.

Co-producer Michael G Wilson confirms, "Neither Miss Moneypenny nor Q will appear. Neither of them are in the book.

"The film will update the novel but stick very closely to the storyline."

[MacGuffin]

Campbell's Royale Decree
New film to get personal with James Bond.

Director Martin Campbell spoke with USA Today about his next project, the James Bond adventure Casino Royale. "We're going toward a much more realistic Bond, much more From Russia with Love than we've had in the past."

The filmmaker promised that Casino Royale will explore the "embryonic stuff" about Bond, such as his choice of martini, car and, of course, his treatment of women.

"(Bond) talks about how it's too boring to have a relationship," said Campbell. "You meet, and it's all exciting, then it starts to fade, and you go through the uncomfortable part of having to get rid of the girl, etc. It's a very interesting observation, given his sort of misogynistic views."

As in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel, 007's love interest in the film will be Vesper Lynd, a key role that remains uncast.

"She's the one who forges him into the Bond that we all know and love," Campbell revealed. "He certainly falls in love with (Vesper), and it does change him forever. It's a genuinely deeper relationship. The film deals much more on a personal level with Bond."

[MacGuffin]

James Bond Loves Lara Croft?
The latest on the Jolie rumors.

The rumor mill recently suggested that Daniel Craig's leading lady in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Oscar winner Angelina Jolie, was in the running to play Bond girl Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale.

According to The Sun, Jolie has read the script but wants the character "toughened up" before she would agree to accept the role.

"Angelina would rather play a baddie than eye candy," an alleged insider advised the tabloid, which has proven fairly accurate in its past Bond reports.

[Gold Trumpet]

And there we have the injection of a mega star to gurantee this boat doesn't sink.

[MacGuffin]

Craig Talks Casino Royale
The new James Bond spills some beans.

MTV spoke with Daniel Craig, the big screen's new James Bond, who revealed some tidbits about the next installment of the franchise, Casino Royale. "It's going to be very different from anything else," the Munich co-star told MTV. "It will have certain elements that will make it a Bond movie."

"[Screenwriter] Paul Haggis has done a rewrite of the script and has written great dialogue. The lead girl part is fantastic, the characters are all fantastic. It's a Bond film. We're making a Bond movie first and foremost."

Craig also confirmed that Casino Royale will essentially restart the franchise, focusing on 007's early days. "There's a lot of similarities with the book but yes, of course it's been updated. It has to be. It's a suspension of disbelief that we're renewing Bond, and that this is the first time you see him."

Craig concedes slipping on Bond's tuxedo is a big risk. "Yes, I could fail miserably, but maybe I can do something that's different and make the franchise last another 30 years - as opposed to another three."

[hedwig]

It will have certain elements that will make it a Bond movie
It's a Bond film
We're making a Bond movie

how insightful 

[MacGuffin]

Bond Finally Gets Byrned
Vesper Lynd reportedly cast.

The Mail on Sunday is the first outlet to report that 26-year-old Aussie actress Rose Byrne has won the role of Bond girl Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale. Byrne's name first surfaced as a contender over the weekend. The Mail claims the official announcement will be made Friday; a production source has also advised IGN FilmForce that the role has been cast and will be announced this week.

Byrne is best known for her role as Briseis in Troy. She has also appeared in Wicker Park and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The rumor mill once pegged her as a contender for the role of Lois Lane in Superman Returns.

The Mail claims "Rose had to give a special password, Alcazar, to get into the audition. People were joking that they didn't want Daniel Craig's mum to find out and spill the beans like she did when her son was cast. ... All the actresses had to perform a bedroom scene with Daniel where Bond says he is leaving the service to be with Vesper Lynd. [Producer] Barbara Broccoli was particularly impressed by Rose."

Casino Royale begins filming at the end of the month. The other rumored cast members include Simon Abkarian, Caterina Murino and Seydina Balde.

[polkablues]

This is good news.  She was great in "Wicker Park".  Inasmuch as anything was great in "Wicker Park", she was.

I'm starting to get good feelings about this flick.  Bond movies seem to go in waves, where there will be a good movie, then a stretch of self-parodying crap, then a good movie again.  This one seems like it might be a good movie.

[Pubrick]

hell yes. this might be the first bond movie i'll pay to see.

hopefully, also the last.

[MacGuffin]

'Royale' pain: New Bond girl, villain missing
Source: Hollywood Reporter

Sony's "Casino Royale" kicked off its long-anticipated production in Prague on Friday. Although the globe-spanning shoot has locked down exotic locales and an intrigue-laden script, at least two things are still missing: a leading lady and a worthy opponent for Agent 007.

Although it isn't unprecedented for a studio to begin principal photography on a film with two major cast elements unsettled, it is unusual for a project of this budget and scope. However, a source familiar with the Martin Campbell-helmed production said scenes involving James Bond's love interest don't begin for more than a month, and the studio still has some breathing room before compromising the film's schedule.
 
"They're talking to three to four girls right now," "Royale" scribe Paul Haggis said. "Every week I read there's a new Bond girl, and I call them and they say, No, you idiot."

Daniel Craig was cast as Bond in October, leaving the remainder of the cast a mystery. In recent days, Rachel McAdams and Thandie Newton have emerged as possible Bond girls. An insider said casting of the villain is much further along than that of the female star.

One agent familiar with the film's casting said Sony is in an unenviable position because anyone the studio chooses will have leverage during negotiations because of the ticking clock.

"To be that exposed is unheard of," the agent said. "(The actor or actress) can have them over a barrel. Not to have your two principal leads (by now) is awfully strange."

[MacGuffin]

Mikkelsen is le villain in 'Casino' pic
Source: Hollywood Reporter

The cast of Sony's "Casino Royale" is near completion.

Mads Mikkelsen will fill the shoes of James Bond nemesis Le Chiffre, sources confirmed. The Danish actor joins Daniel Craig and Judi Dench in the Martin Campbell-helmed film, which began principal photography Jan. 27 in Prague. All that's missing now is a leading lady for the martini-loving agent; the studio is expected to make an announcement within days.
 
In the book, which was Ian Fleming's first in the long-running series, Bond matches wits with Le Chiffre while playing high-stakes baccarat. The evil genius, also known as the Number or the Cipher, is a banker for terrorists and criminals with a penchant for torture. Le Chiffre is rumored to have been inspired by British occultist Aleister Crowley.

Mikkelsen's casting had been widely expected after news surfaced this week that the actor's taxi driver father reportedly told fares that his son had won the coveted role.

Mikkelsen's credits include "King Arthur" and the first two installments of the gritty Danish crime trilogy "Pusher."

[Reinhold]

why not just double-cast judi dench as M and the new bond girl?

[pete]

[Paul Haggis said. "Every week I read there's a new Bond girl, and I call them and they say, No, you idiot."

that's because you wrote Crash.

[MacGuffin]

Bond Girl Search Over
Green, Wright Enter Sony's Casino.

Sony Pictures has announced that French actress Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven) has been cast as love interest Vesper Lynd in the next James Bond installment, Casino Royale. Today's official announcement brings to a close a long, highly publicized search for the next Bond girl. A string of big-name Hollywood stars and lesser known foreign actresses were linked to the role that eventually went to Green, who first became known stateside for her role in The Dreamers.

"Vesper is a pivotal role in Casino Royale and it takes much more than beauty to make this role work," said Amy Pascal, Chairman of the Columbia Pictures Motion Picture Group.  "When you think about the great James Bond adventures, of course you think about action and espionage, but you need to have palpable sexual tension in the movie and in casting Vesper, we really needed to up the ante, because this character is very much an equal to Bond and central to our story.  We believe Eva as Vesper, Mads as Le Chiffre and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter are perfect additions to our cast and we couldn't be more excited about the way this project has come together."

Also officially cast in the film is U.S. actor Jeffrey Wright (Shaft, Syriana) as Bond's CIA counterpart and friend, Felix Leiter. Wright is only the second African-American actor to portray Leiter (Bernie Casey was the first in the unofficial Bond pic, Never Say Never Again). Leiter was maimed and written out of the series in 1989's License to Kill so Wright's casting confirms that the series will be rebooted with Casino Royale.

Other announced cast members include: Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis, Caterina Murino as Solonge, Simon Abkarian as Dimitrios, Tobias Menzies as Villiers, Ivana Milicevic as Valenka, Clemens Schick as Kratt, Ludger Pistor as Mendel and Claudio Santamaria as Carlos.

These new additions join a cast that already includes Daniel Craig as the big-screen's sixth actor to play 007, Judi Dench reprising her role as his boss "M"," and Danish thesp Mads Mikkelsen as the villainous Le Chiffre.

Casino Royale is now filming in Prague for a fall release.

[polkablues]

Bond Girl Search Over
Green, Wright Enter Sony's Casino.

Sony Pictures has announced that French actress Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven) has been cast as love interest Vesper Lynd in the next James Bond installment, Casino Royale. Today's official announcement brings to a close a long, highly publicized search for the next Bond girl. A string of big-name Hollywood stars and lesser known foreign actresses were linked to the role that eventually went to Green, who first became known stateside for her role in The Dreamers.

"Vesper is a pivotal role in Casino Royale and it takes much more than beauty to make this role work," said Amy Pascal, Chairman of the Columbia Pictures Motion Picture Group.  "When you think about the great James Bond adventures, of course you think about action and espionage, but you need to have palpable sexual tension in the movie and in casting Vesper, we really needed to up the ante, because this character is very much an equal to Bond and central to our story.  We believe Eva as Vesper, Mads as Le Chiffre and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter are perfect additions to our cast and we couldn't be more excited about the way this project has come together."

Also officially cast in the film is U.S. actor Jeffrey Wright (Shaft, Syriana) as Bond's CIA counterpart and friend, Felix Leiter. Wright is only the second African-American actor to portray Leiter (Bernie Casey was the first in the unofficial Bond pic, Never Say Never Again). Leiter was maimed and written out of the series in 1989's License to Kill so Wright's casting confirms that the series will be rebooted with Casino Royale.

Other announced cast members include: Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis, Caterina Murino as Solonge, Simon Abkarian as Dimitrios, Tobias Menzies as Villiers, Ivana Milicevic as Valenka, Clemens Schick as Kratt, Ludger Pistor as Mendel and Claudio Santamaria as Carlos.

These new additions join a cast that already includes Daniel Craig as the big-screen's sixth actor to play 007, Judi Dench reprising her role as his boss "M"," and Danish thesp Mads Mikkelsen as the villainous Le Chiffre.

Casino Royale is now filming in Prague for a fall release.

Okay.  That's an impressive cast they've assembled.  Jeffrey Wright + Giancarlo Giannini = instant credibility. 

No Rose Byrne makes me sad, though.