Latest news with #Bond
Metro
2 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
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV showing 'best ever' James Bond film starring Daniel Craig tonight
Daniel Craig stars as James Bond in the 2006 film Casino Royale which ITV will be showing tonight from 8pm Deciding on the next film or TV show to watch can often be a daunting and time-consuming task. In this digital age, countless hours are wasted scrolling through Netflix and Amazon Prime, given the overwhelming array of choices. Considering this, coupled with the escalating subscription costs, many opt to abandon these platforms and return to traditional terrestrial TV. Despite Netflix's reputation for showcasing major blockbusters, it's ITV that will be broadcasting one of the finest films of recent decades - and it's absolutely free to view. There's arguably no spy film series that surpasses James Bond in terms of action, charisma, and quintessential British humour. The franchise has become emblematic of British identity. Regardless of whether your preferred 007 is Sean Connery, Roger Moore or Pierce Brosnan, every fan was captivated by Daniel Craig's arrival as the films took on a more realistic, gritty, and darker tone compared to their light-hearted (and occasionally exaggerated) predecessors, reports the Express. Bond enthusiasts are in for another treat as his iconic debut, Casino Royale, widely regarded as one of the best Bond films ever made, will be available to watch on ITV tonight, free of charge. Scheduled to air from 8pm until 10.40pm, the film, based on Ian Fleming's inaugural Bond book, follows a newly-licensed 007 tasked with bankrupting a terrorist financier known as Le Chiffre during a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale. The ensuing narrative is a thrilling, action-filled plot culminating in a spectacular finale set in Venice and the Italian lakes. The film was a resounding success, earning an impressive 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and ranking fourth in the franchise, the highest rating for a Bond film not featuring Sean Connery. One satisfied viewer left a five-star Google Review, echoing the critic's sentiments: "A James Bond masterpiece... Casino Royale could hold the title of being the greatest James Bond film ever made!". "Like the 'Vesper Martini' it invents, the film is a rich, flavourful, and perfectly measured concoction that brings together every single right ingredient into a work of greatness!". Another viewer hailed it as the best film they had ever seen, commenting: "I've seen plenty of films of different types and genres, so this certainly isn't an 'apples-to-apples' comparison but nonetheless, Casino Royale is one of, if not, the greatest film I've seen in my life. "Daniel Craig begins his Bond franchise with a bang and as an incredible lead, obviously, but still, what truly makes this movie the most outstanding is all the other actors in combination."
Pink Villa
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
New Details on Bond 26: Denis Villeneuve to Direct with Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi Among Frontrunners
After years of speculation, Amazon MGM has officially confirmed that Denis Villeneuve will direct the 26th James Bond film—making this the first 007 installment under a new studio's leadership. The Dune director has stepped into one of cinema's most iconic roles behind the camera. Villeneuve has also promised both reverence for the franchise and a new trajectory for the series. With an estimated 2028 release, the film remains in early development, but the studio is already narrowing down possible leads and writers. Villeneuve's vision and Amazon's new era Denis Villeneuve, whose filmography includes Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, and Sicario, called Bond 'sacred territory' in a statement, acknowledging his lifelong admiration for the spy series. He joins the project as executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe, but does not hold final cut or a multi-film deal. The upcoming movie signals a major shift in the Bond franchise—formerly tightly controlled by the Broccoli family, who relinquished creative rights to Amazon earlier this year after six decades of stewardship. With Dune: Messiah already in pre-production, Villeneuve's Bond version will not enter full-scale production for at least two years. Still, sources tell Variety that the studio is accelerating development by seeking a screenwriter and finalizing casting preferences. Casting focus: Will there be a younger James Bond? Reportedly, Amazon MGM is targeting actors under 30 for the next James Bond. Early favorites include Jacob Elordi, known for Euphoria and Saltburn; Tom Holland, star of Spider-Man and Uncharted; and Harris Dickinson, who appeared in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Babygirl. While no official talks have begun, the studio appears intent on rejuvenating Bond with a new generation. Older fan picks like Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are reportedly out of contention due to age. Jonathan Nolan was considered to write the script, per insiders, but his current commitments to other Amazon projects likely rule him out. A shortlist of other writers is under review as the studio shapes what could be a very different kind of Bond film.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson eyed for Denis Villeneuve's James Bond film: Reports
After Denis Villeneuve was announced as the director of the next James Bond film, rumours of the actor in the runing to play the British spy has once again begun doing the rounds. According to reports, the movie that won't be ready before 2028, is syeing British actors under 30 to take on the role. Contrary to former reports, it has been reported that Amazon is eyeing Jacob Elordi , Tom Holland , and Harris Dickinson to take on the role. Although Elordi is Australian, that doesn't seem to be a problem here. Old fans favorites are like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Idris Elba are reportedly unlikely to fit the bill due to their age. Amazon previously expressed their desire to bring Christopher Nolan on board to direct the next Bond film. However, as the director is now busy with his next film The Odyssey, starring Tom Holland, he won't be available for at least a year. Now the studio is reportedly focusing on hiring a screenwriter like Jonathan Nolan who impressed them with his series 'Fallout'. They are also reportedly impressed with his vision for the Bond franchise, but he is not unavailable because of other commitments. 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." 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.
Perth Now
7 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.
