Latest news with #CasinoRoyale
Perth Now
4 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.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Make James Bond an ‘Alcoholic, a Drug Addict. He Hates Women': Matthew Goode's ‘Really Dark' 007 Pitch Got Him Dropped From ‘Casino Royale' Auditions
Matthew Goode recently appeared on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast and clarified rumors about him auditioning for James Bond. Before Daniel Craig was cast in 2006's 'Casino Royale,' a handful of actors such as Henry Cavill, Rupert Friend and Sam Worthington all went out for the part. But Goode, a relative newcomer at the time with credits like the Mandy Moore rom-com 'Chasing Liberty' and Woody Allen's 'Match Point' under his belt, never got to actually audition because he bombed his meeting with 007 franchise producer Barbara Broccoli. 'I didn't audition. I went in and met Barbara [Broccoli],' Goode said. '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.''Goode continued, '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.'' More from Variety What's Next for Denis Villeneuve's Bond Movie? Amazon's Wishlist Includes Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson Denis Villeneuve to Direct James Bond Film at Amazon Mads Mikkelsen Reprises James Bond 'Casino Royale' Villain Le Chiffre for 'Hitman'-'007 First Light' Video Game Crossover Cavill did it make into the audition room but was considered too young to the play the role. Craig was ultimately chosen, kick-starting a new Bond era on the big screen that would reach an all-time franchise high with 2012's 'Skyfall' ($1.1 billion grossed worldwide). Craig exited 007 in 2021's 'No Time to Die.' Broccoli and co-producer Michael G. Wilson are no longer running the Bond franchise after they shockingly sold creative rights to Amazon MGM Studios earlier this year. Amazon recently announced that Denis Villeneuve has been hired to direct the next 007 movie, although no actor is currently attached to play the new Bond. In a new report from Variety, insiders said that Amazon is seeking a British actor under the age of 30 for to assume the 007 mantle. Per the report: 'Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland and Harris Dickinson are at the top of the list. Elordi is Australian, but that would not be a deal-breaker as far as Amazon is concerned; remember Aussie George Lazenby starred in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.'' Watch Goode's full. interview on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast in the video below. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean reveals huge upgrades coming to three cruise ships
Royal Caribbean is kicking its Royal Amplified program into high gear in 2026 following the successful amplification of Allure of the Seas in spring 2025. The cruise line invested more than $100 million into a transformation of Allure of the Seas ahead of its summer season in Europe. The revamped ship is now sailing western Mediterranean cruises offering new experiences and enhancements on board, including a reimagined resort-style pool deck, thrilling new slides, and popular new restaurants and bars. Related: Royal Caribbean gives casino gamblers a gift that benefits all cruisers Now, three more Royal Caribbean ships will get their own makeovers in 2026 as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified fleet modernization program, which was first introduced in 2018. To develop the Royal Amplified program, Royal Caribbean examined years of guest satisfaction ratings, venue utilization data and crew interviews to center its ship upgrades around key features and experiences that matter most to its passengers. Following this next wave of amplifications, three fan-favorite Royal Caribbean ships will debut revamped pool decks and new nightlife, bars, and dining venues, as well as new accommodations to enhance passengers' onboard experiences. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Through the Royal Amplified program, elevated cruise experiences will come to Ovation, Harmony, and Liberty of the Seas in 2026. The amplification of Ovation of the Seas will bring a refreshed pool deck with private casitas and a new whirlpool, plus enhanced nightlife including new venue Sound Cellar and an expanded Casino Royale. Fan-favorite tiki bar Pesky Parrot will come to a Quantum Class ship for the first time on Ovation of the Seas through the modernization project. The ship's overhaul will also add new accommodations like the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suite. Related: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises announce new reward benefits Following its amplification, Ovation of the Seas will take vacationers to the Last Frontier on seven- to 13-night Alaskan adventures beginning in May 2026. After completing its 2026 Alaska cruise season, Ovation of the Seas will reposition to Los Angeles to sail Mexican Riviera cruises. Like Ovation, Harmony and Liberty of the Seas will also debut their new enhancements just in time for the summer 2026 cruise season. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. As Allure of the Seas did this year, both Harmony and Liberty of the Seas will bring new onboard experiences to Europe cruise adventures in summer 2026. Harmony of the Seas will sail from Barcelona with upgrades including a new Caribbean-inspired pool deck, refreshed Solarium, and new dining options The Lime & Coconut, El Loco Fresh, Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. Additionally, an expansion of the ship's Casino Royale will give Harmony of the Seas the largest casino in the fleet. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers sound off on reckless cruise port stunt Following its summer in Europe, Harmony of the Seas will sail cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering visits to Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. On cruises to Nassau, passengers will also have the opportunity to purchase day passes to Royal Caribbean's new all-inclusive Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers sound the alarm on a major ship problem The amplified Liberty of the Seas will sail European cruises from Southampton, England in summer 2026, offering refreshed onboard spaces. The ship will also feature new experiences, including a transformed pool deck with The Lime & Coconut and new casitas, as well as a brand-new Royal Escape Room concept. Liberty of the Seas' passengers will also enjoy new dining options including Mexican flavors at El Loco Fresh and Japanese cuisine and hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki. The ship's refresh will also add a new Starbucks café on board. For the winter 2026-2027 season, Liberty of the Seas will sail western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas, featuring opportunities to visit Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'Greatest' James Bond film of all time ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
The James Bond film franchise has been running since 1962, with 27 movies released over the years - and now the entire collection has been ranked from worst to best Across 27 films and seven actors taking on the role of the iconic 007 agent, James Bond has established itself as a quintessential British film franchise since the swinging sixties. But which film claims the crown as the best Bond flick? Rotten Tomatoes, one of the most reliable film and telly review sites, is often the first port of call for those seeking the truth about a film's quality, giving power to the people. Its 'Tomatometer' calculates an overall score based on cinema-goers' reviews, and this has enabled them to rank all of the James Bond films in order, with the top spot boasting an impressive 99% score. James Bond was initially conceived in 1953 by Ian Fleming as a fictional British Secret Service agent, whose life and missions spanned 12 novels and two short stories. However, in 1962, Fleming's character made his screen debut, altering the trajectory of British film history with Dr No, the inaugural Bond film, which remains one of the best-reviewed of the 007 movies. Since then, the franchise has soared to new heights, with fans eagerly awaiting each new release and watching the international man of mystery traverse the globe, undertake new missions, and don swanky new suits. While the worst-reviewed film of the Bond franchise is the 1967 spoof Casino Royale, featuring David Niven, claiming the top spot is Goldfinger, released in 1964, reports the Express. Goldfinger, the dazzling third James Bond offering, reigns supreme as viewers' top pick of the series, featuring Sean Connery's iconic portrayal as the suave MI6 operative. After the success of its predecessors, the budget for Goldfinger was ramped up to match the combined expenditure of the first two films, setting the stage for the enterprise's first major blockbuster and paving the way for future extravaganzas. An enthusiast on Rotten Tomatoes lavished praise, writing: "The Bond film to which all others must be compared. The girls, the guns, the gadgets, the locations, the villains, the evil master plan... it may not have been the first Bond film, but it is, and likely always will be, the standard-bearer." Another fan said: "Goldfinger hands down is one of the best in the entire series. It simply has everything great to offer: you have action, one-liners, a great villain, a memorable Bond girl and Sean Connery as Bond. Absolutely iconic." Not to be outdone, From Russia With Love claims second place with an impressive 97% score, attributed to its 'spectacular' scenes, and remaining unforgettable with Connery at the helm. One viewer summed up: "Sean Connery will never truly be replaced as Bond," adding: "And, if 'Dr No' wasn't enough proof of that, look no further than this funny, thrilling and sexy adventure." We must track down to fourth place in the rolodex of Bond films to encounter the modern-era 007s, with Daniel Craig's debut in 'Casino Royale' leading the charge. 'No Time to Die', which graced the silver screen in 2021, nestles at number seven amidst the top-rated Bonds. This chapter marked the curtain call for Daniel Craig as the iconic spy, passing the famed baton on to an as-yet undisclosed successor. Fans were vocal about Craig's swansong, with one critic saying: "Daniel Craig's final Bond is EVERYTHING we hoped for! Action, emotion, and a perfect goodbye to the 007 who redefined the role." Another added: "The multiverse-level excitement of bringing his journey full circle with heart & high stakes. It's not just about stopping the villain; it's Bond facing his past & legacy. Craig is on fire, balancing grit & vulnerability like no other. We came for the action and stayed for the emotion. This film gave us closure & left us in awe. A proper farewell to a Bond we'll never forget." Bond aficionados eager for a dive into espionage nostalgia or simply wishing to treat themselves to the unparalleled 'Goldfinger', can find solace as it's available for streaming on ITVX and Amazon Prime.
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Controversial Daniel Craig Bond film ranked higher than Sean Connery favourite on TV tonight
The James Bond film, which sees Daniel Craig reprise his role as the fictional MI6 agent, will air on STV in Scotland and ITV in England this weekend - and it's ranked higher than a Sean Connery classic on Rotten Tomatoes This weekend, catch Daniel Craig 's second performance as the iconic MI6 agent, James Bond, in Quantum of Solace on television. Tune into STV 3 (ITV 1 in England) at 8pm on Saturday, June 21, to witness the thrilling follow-up to Casino Royale (2006), which is also the 22nd instalment in the esteemed James Bond series, originally released in 2008. Helmed by Marc Forster and penned by Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis, and Robert Wade, the film features an impressive cast including Dame Judi Dench, Mathieu Amalric, Giancarlo Giannini, Olga Kurylenko, and Jeffrey Wright taking on pivotal roles. The globe-trotting production of Quantum of Solace took place across six countries: the UK, Italy, Austria, Chile, Panama, and Mexico. David Arnold makes his fifth consecutive return as the composer, enhancing the film's espionage vibe. Making its grand debut at the Odeon Leicester Square in London on October 29, 2008, the premiere was graced by Royalty—with Princes William and Harry among the distinguished attendees—and ticket sales contributed to the noble causes of the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes, reports the Express. With a whopping $589.6 million amassed globally, Quantum of Solace stood tall against its hefty $230 million production budget. Even though it surpassed Sean Connery's Diamonds Are Forever and Roger Moore's Moonraker on Rotten Tomatoes' ranking of Bond films, it holds a middling 63 per cent critics' approval rating on the site. A critic described it as "one of the most listless Bond films" they had ever watched. A reviewer sarcastically remarked: "I'm so turned off by this, I don't even have the energy to trash it. Why should I think of something clever to write? The authors clearly didn't see that as a mandate." In a similar vein, another critic added: "Let's hope this is a one-off aberration, because though it's all very efficient it lacks heart and soul and substance." In an episode of The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast in November 2024, Daniel Craig shared that his experience working on the film, which was his second appearance as Bond, was a "f-ng nightmare". This was largely due to the disruption caused by the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike, which halted production mid-way. Craig explained: "Paul Haggis did a pass on the script. Then, he went off and joined the picket line and we didn't have writers. So, we didn't have a script. We should never probably have started production, but we did. I ended up writing a lot of that film, which I probably shouldn't say. I do not want the credit. It's fine." Reflecting on how the film was received, Craig observed: "There are some amazing stunt sequences in it. I'm still wearing the pins to prove it. In that sense, there's a lot of great stuff in it, but it just didn't quite work. The storytelling wasn't there. That's the abject lesson. Going to start a movie without a script is not a good idea." His second Bond outing fared terribly with viewers, scoring a paltry 58 per cent audience approval rating from over 250,000 ratings. Furthermore, this Bond film's reception with viewers was even more unfavourable as it recorded a meagre audience approval score of just 58 per cent with more than 250,000 ratings. One viewer expressed disappointment, commenting: "This film just feels like an extended post credit scene for Casino Royale. It is fun to watch but not enough story to make it interesting." Another viewer was less than impressed, labelling it as "Craig's worst movie as agent 007". Dissatisfaction with the film's direction by Marc Forster was evident when a viewer remarked: "This Bond film is truly groundbreaking for multiple reasons: the most poorly edited action sequences ever, the worst opening title song ever, and the absence of the James Bond action music until, get this, the credits roll at the end of the film! Beyond shocking after the brilliance of Casino Royale. Don't ever let this director anywhere near another Bond film." STV is set to air Quantum of Solace on Saturday, June 21, at 8pm.
