Shaken 007 producers put James Bond on ice

[Goldeneye]

This is a rehash of the Sam Worthington next Bond speculation but it has a few relevant paragraphs about the current situation.

From BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/e ... 635409.stm

Worthington tipped to be next 007

Avatar actor Sam Worthington has been tipped to become the next 007 in the wake of news that the 23rd Bond film has been placed on indefinite hold.

Bookmaker William Hill has made the 33-year-old 5/2 favourite to take over the role should Daniel Craig not return for his third instalment in the series.

British actor Christian Bale is 7/1 to take on the highly coveted role - as is Hollywood star Will Smith.

However Craig, 42, is expected to return as Bond for another film.

Previous hiatuses in production have led to the role of Ian Fleming's iconic spy being recast.

A six-year gap between 1989 and 1995 saw the departure of one Bond - Welsh actor Timothy Dalton - and the installation of another - Irish-born Pierce Brosnan.

“ We are very optimistic Bond will be back and we look forward to that ”
Mark Batey, Chief Executive Film Distributors' Association

A four-year break between 2002 and 2006, meanwhile, saw Brosnan leave the series and Craig take over.

Continued uncertainty over the future of the MGM studio prompted Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to announce that work on the as-yet-untitled new film would halt.

"Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM... we have suspended development on Bond 23 indefinitely," the pair said on Tuesday.

Craig said he had "every confidence" in the decision and was looking forward to production resuming "as quickly as possible".

Some are speculating, though, that Craig, Wilson and Broccoli will use the break to collaborate on another project.

Broccoli, daughter of long-time Bond producer Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli, is known to have purchased the film rights to A Steady Rain, the Broadway play Craig appeared in with X-Men star Hugh Jackman last year.

If made, the film would be the first non-Bond film made by the Eon production company since Bob Hope comedy Call Me Bwana in 1963.

On Wednesday, an Eon spokeswoman refused to comment on the speculation.

Born in the UK but raised from an early age in Australia, Worthington can currently be seen in the remake of fantasy epic Clash of the Titans.

The actor did a screen test for Casino Royale, the 21st official Bond movie, but eventually lost out to Craig.

At a launch event on Tuesday for a trailer promoting this summer's film releases, Mark Batey of the Film Distributors' Association said the Bond films were "the backbone of British cinema".

"The prospect of not having a picture in next year's schedule obviously does raise eyebrows," he told the BBC News website.

"But we are very optimistic Bond will be back and we look forward to that."

[katied]

Craig was said to be unhappy working with director Marc Forster

Then why would they ask him to come back for 23? That just doesn't make sense. Some good points and an interesting read although I am surprised to see so many comments around the web from people willing to write craig off so quickly. Guess people are more finicky than i thought.

There are a few(strange few) who want Forster to come back. In terms of who should direct a Bond film, the usual suspects are right at the top of the list-including Martin Campbell.


I won't begrudge people their optimism about Craig doing another Bond film, but I'll just say this:There is only so much you can do with face lifts and Botox!

[Omega]

I won't begrudge people their optimism about Craig doing another Bond film, but I'll just say this:There is only so much you can do with face lifts and Botox!

Now that the facts are coming out and the rumor mill has received a swift kick to the groin some odd things nobody mentions are surfacing. Bond 23 was going to be a 2012 film anniversary. The talk to this point was begin filming January 2011 for a 2011 release date. Mendes may have walked off months ago and the writer they recruited may have done the same. Seems like things were falling a part before MGM started bouncing checks.

If Bond 23 is to be after 2012 I don't see Craig coming back, it would be let down after everyone's expectations are starting to build up for a new Bond.

[katied]

If Bond 23 is to be after 2012 I don't see Craig coming back, it would be let down after everyone's expectations are starting to build up for a new Bond.

If that's the case, then I feel sorry for whoever takes his place. I mean, it is totally concievable that things could fall into place.But I don't see that happening.In which case it makes more sense to hire Bond #7 than to keep Craig around, IMO.

[FormerBondFan]

I won't begrudge people their optimism about Craig doing another Bond film, but I'll just say this:There is only so much you can do with face lifts and Botox!

Now that the facts are coming out and the rumor mill has received a swift kick to the groin some odd things nobody mentions are surfacing. Bond 23 was going to be a 2012 film anniversary. The talk to this point was begin filming January 2011 for a 2011 release date. Mendes may have walked off months ago and the writer they recruited may have done the same. Seems like things were falling a part before MGM started bouncing checks.

If Bond 23 is to be after 2012 I don't see Craig coming back, it would be let down after everyone's expectations are starting to build up for a new Bond.

I don't see a DC Bond film being released in 2012. To me, DC's Bonds and 2012 don't go together. If there is a Bond film out by 2012, the new faces (including the new Bond) are needed. But I prefer a long rest for the franchise.

[Omega]

If Bond 23 is to be after 2012 I don't see Craig coming back, it would be let down after everyone's expectations are starting to build up for a new Bond.

If that's the case, then I feel sorry for whoever takes his place. I mean, it is totally concievable that things could fall into place.But I don't see that happening.In which case it makes more sense to hire Bond #7 than to keep Craig around, IMO.

I don't think Bond #7 will have many problems. Especially if it is someone young who looks the part like Sam Worthington.

[katied]

Well, the consensus with many is they would prefer Craig for Bond 23. If EON were to hire another Bond, I am almost positive there would be some sort of backlash.

[FormerBondFan]

I don't think Bond #7 will have many problems. Especially if it is someone young who looks the part like Sam Worthington.

What do you think of this individual as Bond #7?

[Omega]

I do not know what he is doing and I don't want to know

[Eye Of The Tiger]

Quite fittingly, this continues the run of bad luck for Babs and Michael since dumping Brosnan in favor of that hack Daniel Craig. It's great to see that moron Barbara-B have everything falling down around her. Not surprising either.

[Kristatos]

Craig was said to be unhappy working with director Marc Forster

Then why would they ask him to come back for 23? That just doesn't make sense.

I thought hiring Forster was Craig's idea in the first place.

[Blowfeld]

Craig was said to be unhappy working with director Marc Forster

Then why would they ask him to come back for 23? That just doesn't make sense.

I thought hiring Forster was Craig's idea in the first place.

They were well please with Forster and jubilant about Quantum of Solace before the reviews came back. After that I believe Daniel was very upset by criticism and wanted to change direction as a result.

Well nothing like a career change to brighten ones perspective.

The odds makers are setting it at 8/1 that we've seen the last of him as Bond.

Craig said diplomatically that he had "every faith" in the decision. But industry insiders say that by the time shooting begins – 2012 at the earliest - Craig may walk, or worse, be considered "past it". William Hill yesterday offered odds of 8/1 that we have already seen the last of him as Bond.

Perverse but funny, I read a write up today in the Telegraph were a female contributor was trying exalt Craig and lament his possible passing. Among his attributes so goes one to document how unlike the other Bonds he was and how frankly scary he could be. Adding basically that he wasn't date movie unless your husband was as uncouth and working class as Craig. My words not hers.

Astounding how many forgot or forgave his complete lack class and any of the attributes Ian intended 007 to have.

[katied]

Hiring Forster was Craig's idea...obviously they had some sort of falling out.


8 to 1 that Craig is out?Yikes.

[JackWade CIA]

The full odds are;

BetNose sniffs out the betting news from William Hill.

Things are looking bleak for Bond fans with 2010 certain to have no new releases and William Hill are 5/1 that there will be no new Bond film in 2011. Hills are 8/1 that we have seen the last of Daniel Craig as Bond but he is favourite to do three more at 7/4. Sam Worthington is the 5/2 favourite to replace Daniel Craig as Bond!

"The worst case is that we have seen the end of Bond!" said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

Who will play the Next 007 AFTER Daniel Craig?: 5/2 Sam Worthington, 7/1 Will Smith, 7/1 Christian Bale, 8/1 Clive Owen, 10/1 Dougray Scott, 10/1 Alex O'Loughlin, 12/1 Orlando Bloom, 16/1 James Purefoy, 16/1 Henry Carvill, 20/1 Julian McMahon, 20/1 Goran Visnjic, 25/1 Ewan McGregor, 33/1 Jude Law, 33/1 Robert Pattinson, 50/1 Brad Pitt, 50/1 Colin Farrell, 50/1 Tom Cruise, 100/1 Simon Cowell, 100/1 Alex Reid.

[katied]

The full odds are;

BetNose sniffs out the betting news from William Hill.

Things are looking bleak for Bond fans with 2010 certain to have no new releases and William Hill are 5/1 that there will be no new Bond film in 2011. Hills are 8/1 that we have seen the last of Daniel Craig as Bond but he is favourite to do three more at 7/4. Sam Worthington is the 5/2 favourite to replace Daniel Craig as Bond!

"The worst case is that we have seen the end of Bond!" said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

Who will play the Next 007 AFTER Daniel Craig?: 5/2 Sam Worthington, 7/1 Will Smith, 7/1 Christian Bale, 8/1 Clive Owen, 10/1 Dougray Scott, 10/1 Alex O'Loughlin, 12/1 Orlando Bloom, 16/1 James Purefoy, 16/1 Henry Carvill, 20/1 Julian McMahon, 20/1 Goran Visnjic, 25/1 Ewan McGregor, 33/1 Jude Law, 33/1 Robert Pattinson, 50/1 Brad Pitt, 50/1 Colin Farrell, 50/1 Tom Cruise, 100/1 Simon Cowell, 100/1 Alex Reid.

Not anything we haven't seen before, when it come to who might be Bond-interesting to see Clive Owen on there still, to say nothing of Goran Visjnic.

[Kristatos]

The full odds are;

BetNose sniffs out the betting news from William Hill.

Things are looking bleak for Bond fans with 2010 certain to have no new releases and William Hill are 5/1 that there will be no new Bond film in 2011. Hills are 8/1 that we have seen the last of Daniel Craig as Bond but he is favourite to do three more at 7/4. Sam Worthington is the 5/2 favourite to replace Daniel Craig as Bond!

"The worst case is that we have seen the end of Bond!" said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

Who will play the Next 007 AFTER Daniel Craig?: 5/2 Sam Worthington, 7/1 Will Smith, 7/1 Christian Bale, 8/1 Clive Owen, 10/1 Dougray Scott, 10/1 Alex O'Loughlin, 12/1 Orlando Bloom, 16/1 James Purefoy, 16/1 Henry Carvill, 20/1 Julian McMahon, 20/1 Goran Visnjic, 25/1 Ewan McGregor, 33/1 Jude Law, 33/1 Robert Pattinson, 50/1 Brad Pitt, 50/1 Colin Farrell, 50/1 Tom Cruise, 100/1 Simon Cowell, 100/1 Alex Reid.

Does anyone recall the odds from before the plug was pulled on Bond 23? Have they changed much?

[Blowfeld]

The full odds are;

BetNose sniffs out the betting news from William Hill.

Things are looking bleak for Bond fans with 2010 certain to have no new releases and William Hill are 5/1 that there will be no new Bond film in 2011. Hills are 8/1 that we have seen the last of Daniel Craig as Bond but he is favourite to do three more at 7/4. Sam Worthington is the 5/2 favourite to replace Daniel Craig as Bond!

"The worst case is that we have seen the end of Bond!" said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.

Who will play the Next 007 AFTER Daniel Craig?: 5/2 Sam Worthington, 7/1 Will Smith, 7/1 Christian Bale, 8/1 Clive Owen, 10/1 Dougray Scott, 10/1 Alex O'Loughlin, 12/1 Orlando Bloom, 16/1 James Purefoy, 16/1 Henry Carvill, 20/1 Julian McMahon, 20/1 Goran Visnjic, 25/1 Ewan McGregor, 33/1 Jude Law, 33/1 Robert Pattinson, 50/1 Brad Pitt, 50/1 Colin Farrell, 50/1 Tom Cruise, 100/1 Simon Cowell, 100/1 Alex Reid.

Does anyone recall the odds from before the plug was pulled on Bond 23? Have they changed much?

Paddy Power had Sam Worthington at 9/4 in February, looking at the numbers I don't think they've redone the list.

Who will be next James Bond?
The actor who replaces Daniel Craig as the Next James Bond.

• Sam Worthington 9/4
  Hugh Jackman 18/1
  Eric Bana 40/1
  Will Smith 6/1
  Andy Whitfield 20/1
  Colin Farrell 50/1
  Christian Bale 8/1
  Rufus Sewell 20/1
  Guy Pearce 50/1
  Clive Owen 10/1
  Jamie Foxx 20/1
  Adrian Paul Hewitt 50/1
  Dougray Scott 12/1
  Sam Riley 20/1
  Colin Firth 66/1
  Alex O'Loughlin 12/1
  Gerard Butler 20/1
  Russell Crowe 80/1
  Idris Elba 14/1
  Ewan McGregor 25/1
  P. Diddy 100/1
  Orlando Bloom 14/1
  Craig Fairbrass 25/1
  Hugh Grant 100/1
  Henry Cavill 16/1
  Jude Law 33/1
  Rupert Everett 150/1
  James Purefoy 16/1
  Colin Salmon 33/1
  Robbie Williams 250/1
  Julian McMahon 18/1
  Dominic West 33/1
  David Walliams 500/1
  Goran Visnjic 18/1
  Max Ryan 40/1

When will Bond 23 be released?
Applies to the official general release of Bond 23 in the UK.

• 2011 3/1
  2012 6/5
  2013 9/4
  2014 8/1
  2015 or Later 10/1

Who will buy MGM?
Applies to the outright buyer of MGM in 2010.

• Time Warner 8/11
  Access Industries 7/4
  Sony 6/1
  Lionsgate 10/1
  20th Century Fox 12/1

[Blowfeld]

Arterton: James Bond will survive

(UKPA) – 2 hours ago

Gemma Arterton is sure James Bond will bounce back from its financial troubles, putting the legendary film franchise on hold.

The 24-year-old actress played Bond girl Strawberry Fields opposite current 007 Daniel Craig in Quantum Of Solace in 2008.

Gemma said: "It shows the state of the film industry at the moment, especially the British film industry. Fingers crossed - it's James Bond so it has to continue and it will. It's just a minor blip."

EON Productions have blamed the financial difficulties of MGM studios, which is reported to have a 3.7 billion-dollar (£2.4 billion) debt.

J Blakeson, who directs Gemma in their latest film The Disappearance Of Alice Creed, feels British film is thriving.

He said: "James Bond is funded by an American studio anyway. Obviously it's very good for the technicians, it's made by British people. But most of the money that gets made from James Bond films doesn't stay in Britain so it doesn't fuel our industry very much.

"I think there's a real good wave of up and coming filmmakers at the moment, it's quite exciting."

[Dr. No]

8/1 Is that bad or good? Not a gambler so these numbers are greek to me. Is there an easy explanation or a dummies guide some where?

[oscartheman]

8/1 Is that bad or good? Not a gambler so these numbers are greek to me. Is there an easy explanation or a dummies guide some where?

Just for you Doc http://www.docsports.com/current/unders ... -odds.html