Bond 23 catchup

With the Internet typically alive with rumours in the build up to a Bond film we thought that we would take a look at some of them.



Plot
The current rumour is that the plot may be based around the Heroin trade and Afghanistan may feature. Bear in mind that this may only be a small part of the story or just the opening sequence to Bond 23.

These rumours have been kicking around fans sites fuelled by The Guardian who reported that "Speculation has arisen that at least some of the next Bond movie will take place in Helmand province in Afghanistan after a member of the Foreign Office's drug task force in the country reportedly signed on as a consultant for the franchise. " However the Guardian also says that the source of this piece of information is a fan website.

More than likely this rumour has come about as the Heroin trade was central to the plot of Devil May Care the Sebastian Faulks's novel written to commemorate Ian Fleming's centenary and chronologically picks up straight after Ian Fleming's James Bond run ended at the height of the Cold War. In it the brutal death of an Algerian drug runner on the desolate outskirts of Paris sparks the adventure that follows. Bond is tasked with shadowing the mysterious Dr. Julius Gorner, a power-crazed pharmaceutical magnate. The evil genius is out to destroy Britain by flooding England with heroin as well as more nefarious plans.

After finding a willing accomplice in the shape of a glamorous Parisian named Scarlett Papava, Bond rushes to stop a chain of events that threaten to lead to global catastrophe.

That added with the fact that in Risico one of the 5 short stories along with Quantum of Solace to be found in Ian Fleming's 1960 For Your Eyes Only compilation. Bond tackles double crossing criminal masterminds that aim to demoralize England by supplying it with cheap drugs. Make it easy for Bond aficionados to see the possibility.

All that we currently know for sure is that Peter Morgan a Bond 23 writer has said that Bond 23 will have "a shocking story."

Title
Both of Daniel Craig's Bond films have used Ian Fleming titles. So it follows that one of Ian Fleming's remaing 4 unused titles; The Hildebrand Rarity, Risico, The Property Of A Lady and 007 in New York. May be title of Bond 23. However I guess we can rule out 007 in New York.

Casting

We know that both Daniel Craig and Dame Judi Dench will be back. Jesper Christensen (Mr. White) will not be back. As for the Bond girls, by now you know that Olivia Wilde has denied any involvement in Bond 23 -

“Despite the rumors, I have no plans to do Bond, but the Internet may be confused as I am doing Cowboys & Aliens with Daniel Craig. fun!”
- 7:32 PM Mar 22nd from @Oliviawilde

And on the same day Frieda Pinto's spokesperson issued the following statement:

“I would like to confirm that as of today, Freida Pinto has not been approached to be part of the next Bond film. It is of course very flattering to even be rumoured to be part of a Bond film but she has certainly not been approached for the role of the next Bond girl opposite Daniel Craig”

Adding "as yet" at the end.

Dates
My understanding is that the current financial difficulties that MGM (who hold the film rights to James Bond) have been holding back Bond 23 production. Close to bankruptcy they have been hoping for a buy out but as yet have not been offered anywhere near there target off £1.3 billion.

However in the clip below, taken last year Daniel Craig mentions at 1:01 that the next Bond should start production "at the end of next year (2010)" So as far as we know all is still going to plan.

If you are a Bond fan there is only one place to be this April 24 & 25t, Fan Fest! The Ultimate Spy and Sci-Fi Event. Last night I was fortunate to visit the London Film Museum for a private viewing of portraits of Sir Michael Caine In Film by Paul Karslake. To celebrate the launch of Harry Brown on DVD. Full report up soon.

Whilst chatting to the London Film Museum team (@ldnfilmmuseum) it was mentioned that Little Nellie (James Bond's Gyroscope from You Only Live Twice) had arrived for Fan Fest and was in the building. No need to mention that my anticipation level for Fan Fest shot up. With the lineup they are programming Fan Fest may be the best film event this year.

Picture taken at the Imperial War Museum as part of the For Your Eyes Only E£xhibition

Bond 23 catchup