Latest news with #AmazonMGMStudios
Metro
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Matthew Goode reveals 'really dark' pitch that torpedoed his James Bond audition
Hollywood star Matthew Goode has opened up about his disastrous pitch for James Bond, which went so badlythathe never even got to audition for the role. Matthew, 47, was one of a handful of actors reportedly in the running for 2006's Casino Royale, along with Henry Cavill, Rupert Friend and Sam Worthington. However, Matthew didn't get much further than his meeting with franchise producer Barbara Broccoli – putting himself out of the running by pitching Bond as an alcoholic drug addict who 'hates himself' and 'hates women.' The role ultimately went to Daniel Craig, who starred as Bond for five films before bowing out with 2021's No Time to Die. With the franchise now run by Amazon MGM Studios after being purchased for $8.45billion (£6.7billion) in 2022, the hunt is on for their new Bond. Reflecting on his own vision of 007, Matthew has spoken of where it all went wrong. In an interview with Variety, Matthew said: 'I didn't audition. I went in and met Barbara [Broccoli]. 'It was quite a funny one because — and she's gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person — she was like, 'So what's your idea for Bond?' 'And I was like, 'My idea for Bond. We've gotta take it back to the books, you know? Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself. He hates women. He hates a lot of people. He's in deep pain. He's brilliant at killing people.'' And that, according to Matthew, is where his journey ended. 'I think by the end of the interview, she was like, 'Mhmm. Next.' 'I wanted to make it really dark, but what I should have said was, 'But also incredibly charming.'' After failing to score a licence to kill, Matthew went on to star in Zack Snyder's superhero adaptation Watchmen, in which he played the scheming Ozymandias. Since then, he has appeared as Henry Talbot in the period drama Downton Abbey, and as Toby Armstrong-Jones in The Crown. His film work includes the comedy drama Cemetery Junction and comedy-spy prequel The King's Man, both of which featured Bond star Ralph Fiennes, who appeared as M opposite Daniel Craig. Matthew can currently be found starring in the crime drama Dept. Q for Netflix, where he plays disgraced detective Carl Morck. As for Bond, the hunt is now on for Daniel Craig's replacement following the appointment of Denis Villeneuve to direct the next entry in the franchise. The Dune director has promised that the franchise is in good hands, saying: 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. 'I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory.' He described the opportunity 'a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.' The studio has reportedly narrowed their search for the next Bond down to three names, according to Variety. More Trending It's also said that Amazon MGM are seeking a British actor under the age of 30. As such, Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, the MCU's Tom Holland and Babygirl star Harris Dickinson are all said to be under consideration. Jacob may not be a Brit, but could follow in former Bond George Lazenby's footsteps as an Australian 007. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Beloved British actress edges out Zendaya as favourite for Bond Girl MORE: Whoever the next James Bond is, Denis Villeneuve threatens to overshadow him MORE: James Bond fans convinced they've cracked the next 007 actor after director is confirmed
Observer
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
After 'Dune,' Denis Villeneuve to helm next James Bond film
Fresh from his success with the "Dune" saga, Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct the next movie in the storied James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday. The online retail giant has chosen a filmmaker very much in vogue in Hollywood as he makes his first foray into the world of the now-iconic British agent 007, first brought to life seven decades ago by writer Ian Fleming. Villeneuve, who is Canadian, said he grew up watching Bond films with his father. "I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory," Villeneuve said in a statement released by Amazon. "I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come," he added. "This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor." There is no word yet on who will play Her Majesty's spy. Daniel Craig's final portrayal of James Bond came in 2021 following the release of "No Time to Die." Since then, 007 has seen many twists and turns. Amazon paid nearly $8.45 billion to buy legendary Hollywood studio MGM in 2022, which included distribution rights to Bond's extensive back catalog. But for the subsequent three years, the retail behemoth was met with resistance from Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the franchise's historic producers who for decades had jealously guarded the governance of one of cinema's most valuable properties. The company run by Jeff Bezos finally reached a financial agreement with the pair in February to take creative control of the franchise. Some fans have expressed concern that the character will be exploited by Amazon through a multitude of new films, or spinoff series that go direct to its streaming platform Prime. Against this backdrop, the choice of Villeneuve, who also directed "Blade Runner 2049" and "Arrival," resonates as a pledge to purists. "We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter," Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios, said in the statement, noting Villeneuve's track record with "immersive storytelling." "He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself." Villeneuve's two installments of science-fiction saga "Dune" were each nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. "Dune: Part Two," released in 2024, grossed $700 million globally and won Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. —AFP
Metro
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Three big names top Amazon's James Bond casting wishlist
Amazon MGM are reportedly circling three huge names to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond. The long-running franchise made a monumental step towards its next instalment this week, with the appointment of Denis Villeneuve as director. Announcing that the Dune filmmaker would be helming the next film in the series, head of Amazon MGM Studios Mike Hopkins said: 'We are honoured that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter. 'He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself.' Since then, speculation has gone into overdrive as to who might play Villeneuve's Bond – with some suggesting he might tap up Dune collaborator Timothée Chalamet to take the role. According to Variety, the studio and producers have their own wishlist in mind – and it's between actors Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson. 28-year-old Jacob hit the stratosphere as the star of the 2023 hit Saltburn, appearing opposite Barry Keoghan as the object of creepy Oliver Quick's affections. With the publication reporting that producers are looking for an actor under the age of 30, Jacob certainly hits the bill in that respect. While Jacob is an Australian, that shouldn't count against him in playing British instruction Bond – underrated 007 George Lazenby was an Aussie too. If Jacob is successful, this should more than make up for him missing out on a starring role in James Gunn's upcoming Superman reboot. Marvel Cinematic Universe star Tom Holland, 29, previously threw his own name into the hat, admitting that he'd 'love' to play Bond. 'I'm just putting that out there,' he teased in 2021, adding: 'I look pretty good in a suit.' And, as the MCU's own Spider-Man, Tom is no stranger to explosive franchise filmmaking. English actor Harris, 29, has had a strong run of hits recently, starring in Triangle of Sadness, The Iron Claw and Babygirl in the last three years alone. As of April this year, Harris's odds were listed as 9/1 to score the elusive license to kill. 'The 28-year-old already has a very impressive portfolio of work and has received critical acclaim for his acting alongside Nicole Kidman,' said Betfred spokesperson Robert Ford. Earlier this year, it was announced that Harris will step into the shoes of another British icon – playing John Lennon in Sam Mendes' upcoming Beatles biopic. With producers circling their Bond, speculation has also been rife as to who might be the next Bond girl. While some speculated that Zendaya could appear opposite Villeneuve's future Bond, her Dune: Part 2 co-star Florence Pugh has edged her out of the top spot. According to the Midsommar star is the favourite to be the next Bond girl, at odds of 8/1. 'I think everyone's always interested in playing a spy, right?' she told Digital Spy. 'That's something we grow up admiring, which is so strange, but it's just a very clever and quick world that we all want to be a part of.' As the only name formally attached to the new film, Villeneuve has responded to the announcement of his new gig, promising that the franchise is in safe hands. More Trending 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,' he said in a statement released soon after the news broke. 'I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory. He described the opportunity 'a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Beloved British actress edges out Zendaya as favourite for Bond Girl MORE: What £40,000,000 could pay for instead of fund Jeff Bezos' wedding in Venice MORE: Creepy Jeff Bezos mannequin's 'Titanic moment' on Venice canals as Amazon boss wedding nears
Perth Now
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Matthew Goode's 'dark pitch' ruined his Bond chances
Matthew Goode's 'really dark' pitch got him dropped from James Bond auditions. Before Daniel Craig was cast as the suave spy in 2006's 'Casino Royale', a host of actors including Henry Cavill, Rupert Friend and Sam Worthington were tipped for the part and Goode, 47, has admitted he didn't even get an audition after his meeting with franchise producer Barbara Broccoli went terribly wrong. Speaking on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, Matthew shared: 'I didn't audition. I went in and met Barbara [Broccoli]. It was quite a funny one because - and she's gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person - she was like, 'So what's your idea for Bond?' And I was like, 'My idea for Bond. We've gotta take it back to the books, you know? Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself. He hates women. He hates a lot of people. He's in deep pain. He's brilliant at killing people.' 'I think by the end of the interview, she was like, 'Mhmm. Next.' I wanted to make it really dark, but what I should have said was, 'But also incredibly charming.'' Meanwhile, Broccoli and co-producer Michael G. Wilson sold the creative rights to the Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios earlier this year. Denis Villeneuve has been announced as the director of the next movie but a successor to Craig has yet to be appointed.
San Francisco Chronicle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
I love Denis Villeneuve. Here's why the ‘Dune' director making the next James Bond film is a bad idea
This is a bad idea, but more on that in a minute. Amazon MGM Studios and the new producers of the 007 franchise, Amy Pascal and David Heyman, announced Wednesday, June 25, that the ' Dune ' filmmaker will direct the next Bond picture, which would be the first without Daniel Craig in a quarter of a century. No actor has been cast to slip on the shoulder holster yet, although a report said Spider-Man Tom Holland, 'Euphoria' actor Jacob Elordi and 'Babygirl' star Harris Dickinson top Amazon's wish list. 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,' Villeneuve said in a statement. 'I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since 'Dr. No' with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.' On the surface, this is a no-brainer. Villeneuve is possibly the best big-budget genre filmmaker out there. He will turn his attention to Bond after completing 'Dune: Messiah,' the third chapter in the trilogy, which is due out in 2026. The first two, 'Dune' and 'Dune: Part Two,' were Oscar-nominated for best picture. He also directed a compelling sequel to a classic, ' Blade Runner: 2049 ' (2017), and his science fiction film ' Arrival ' (2016) has popped up on several ballots for the top 10 movies of the 21st century in a recent New York Times poll. Nevertheless, the choice has left me shaken, not stirred. Villeneuve is exactly who the Bond films don't need right now. Craig reinvigorated the franchise with a tough, serious approach in five films beginning with 'Casino Royale' (2006), a throwback to Connery after years of a more lighthearted approach by Pierce Brosnan and especially Roger Moore. By ' No Time to Die ' (2021), Craig's take on the character took personal torment to an almost Shakespearean level, and when he finally did find time to die, it was … quite the choice. 'No Time to Die,' directed by Oakland native Cary Joji Fukunaga, was an impressive, large-scale movie, no doubt, and it was exciting and compelling, a worthy coda to Craig's reign. But I walked out of the movie theater thinking, 'I remember when James Bond films were fun.' Double-oh-seven needs to be fun again. I'm not saying we should go back to 'Moonraker' (1979), the most unserious Bond film, an almost self-parody in which Moore is one step removed from Leslie Nielsen in the ' Naked Gun ' movies. But let's lighten up a bit. As terrific a filmmaker as he is, Villeneuve is the antithesis of 'lighten up.' His films are deadly serious. The guy who made the FBI drama ' Sicario ' can certainly direct an action sequence, but generating a laugh doesn't seem to be in his wheelhouse. Or, for that matter, a sex scene. When was the last sexually charged moment in a Villeneuve film? The Bond films, of course, are famous for their women, cringey in the 1960s but at least up to date in the Craig universe. Who should Pascal and Heyman have hired instead? Apparently, Christopher Nolan, who has long expressed interest in directing a Bond film, is occupied with his adaptation of Homer's ' The Odyssey,' the Oscar-winning filmmaker's first film since ' Oppenheimer,' the 2023 best picture winner. Villeneuve reportedly got the job over Edward Berger (' All Quiet on the Western Front,' ' Conclave '), Edgar Wright ('Shaun of the Dead,' ' Baby Driver '), Paul King (' Paddington,' ' Wonka ') and Jonathan Nolan, Christopher's brother who has worked mostly in television. My choice would have been David Leitch, the action specialist of ' Bullet Train ' and ' The Fall Guy.' Leitch rose up through the ranks as a stunt performer and coordinator, used to be an actor and co-directed the first ' John Wick ' movie. He has style and, when the script demands it, substance. The old Bonds of Connery and Moore were directed by genre directors, and two of the most successful reboots of the series, 'Goldeneye' (1995) and 'Casino Royale' (2006) were directed by action specialist Martin Campbell.
