I understand the point that an iconic literary and cinema figuire like Bond might be better served by remaining true to his classic/established origins: a caucasian male of mixed Scottish/Swiss decent. IMO what I find rather silly is Horowitz' notion that Elba is too "street" to play Bond. Elba is a very good actor with some range and great screen presence. I understand that his most well known roles are "street" (cops, a drug dealer, etc) but I have no doubt he has the ability to play a well educated, suave, and deadly MI6 "OO". He certainly was fine as a British Agent in a supporting role in "The Gunman" and he has played businessmen, professionals, etc. He certainly would be well cast as another "OO" in a Bond film along with Craig as 007. I wonder what Horowitz would of thought about the casting of Connery back in the 60's?
I wonder if everyone that wants a black actor to portray Bond would also be so accepting of a white or other ethnicity actor portraying a traditionaly black character?
How about Liam Neeson or Jackie Chan as Shaft? Any objections?
Pussy Galore: “My name is Pussy Galore.”
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
I wonder if everyone that wants a black actor to portray Bond would also be so accepting of a white or other ethnicity actor portraying a traditionaly black character?
Jesus Christ wasn't white, and we haven't let that get in the way in films...
It surprises me (though maybe it shouldn't) that you'll accept black hair, light brown, blonde, and Welsh, Irish, Scottish, English and Australian descent, as well as any and every eye color on the spectrum, but when skin color comes up that one specific thing is the bridge too far. THAT'S when you trot out Fleming's character on the page. Yet you won't take a millisecond of self-reflection about why THAT'S where you draw the line.
I wonder if everyone that wants a black actor to portray Bond would also be so accepting of a white or other ethnicity actor portraying a traditionaly black character?
Jesus Christ wasn't white, and we haven't let that get in the way in films...
It surprises me (though maybe it shouldn't) that you'll accept black hair, light brown, blonde, and Welsh, Irish, Scottish, English and Australian descent, as well as any and every eye color on the spectrum, but when skin color comes up that one specific thing is the bridge too far. THAT'S when you trot out Fleming's character on the page. Yet you won't take a millisecond of self-reflection about why THAT'S where you draw the line.
I don't believe George Lazenby was actually of Australian descent. Considering his surname, his ancestry is likely from northern England. Scottish is ideal for Bond, but the Welsh and Irish are also Celts. For Bond, we basically have three Celts and three Anglo Saxons. Though my favourite Bond is one of the three Anglo Saxons, I'd prefer Bond stayed a Celt to be true to Fleming. It would be unreasonable to ask for a half Celt/half French-Swiss.
How about Liam Neeson or Jackie Chan as Shaft? Any objections?
Good point. I wonder why they cast Samuel L. Jackson as Shaft. Must be because he is a very good actor, so I guess Liam Neeson was just as acceptable for the part.
It surprises me (though maybe it shouldn't) that you'll accept black hair, light brown, blonde, and Welsh, Irish, Scottish, English and Australian descent, as well as any and every eye color on the spectrum, but when skin color comes up that one specific thing is the bridge too far. THAT'S when you trot out Fleming's character on the page. Yet you won't take a millisecond of self-reflection about why THAT'S where you draw the line.
Sorry, but I totally disagree with you. Craig got a lot of stick just for being blonde, Roger Moore got stick for being old, Connery for being scottish, Lazenby for being a model...And I'm not even mentioning many actors who weren't cast because they were american. Everyone has strong opinions about who should play James Bond, and it's been like that for over 50 years. Why should it stop now because Idris Elba is mentioned?
The Daily Fail have subtitled an article on Shia La Beouf wearing a Tux with "The next 007?" ) which just shows how obsessed people are with making stories, in any way, about the next Bond
"You are about to wake when you dream that you are dreaming"
I feel this whole Black Bond issue is an interesting debate. JAG raised the example of Cate Blanchett playing Bob Dylan in I'm Not There as an example of somewhat off-kilter casting having spectacular results. And whilst that casting choice definitely did work, it only worked because of the context it was placed in. I'm Not There is an avant - garde film, and as such, is a highly imaginative and relatively free form interpretation of Dylan's life. It is not meant as a straight forward biopic such as Walk The Line was about Johnny Cash. Now if Blanchett was cast in a similar biopic picture about Dylan, the casting simply would not work, regardless of her own undoubtable acting capabilities. In fact it would be ludicrous. I feel that Casino Royale 67 could be compared to this. An eccentric, madcap film where, in the context of the film, someone like Peter Sellers can play James Bond and get away with it. Now if Sellers played Bond in an eon film, it would be stupid.
Now in regards to regulard Bond, I wouldn't at all be adverse to a black actor taking on the role if he was the best person to take on the role. If eon searched high and low for the next Bond actor and decided that at the end of the it that the best person to take on the part happened to be black, then go right ahead. However I think this idea of needing a black Bond because it's 2015 is ridiculous. Furthermore the character of Bond is incredibly specific, more so than say a Jason Bourne or other lead action roles. Bond is very much the character of a white Englishman, with Fleming (and the film series) describing the character in a very specific way, assigning him with certain traits that are clearly outlined. Whilst the interpretation of Bond has changed with the different actors over the years, these characteristics and traits have more or less remained, and thus means that the role is really only suited to a very few actors. Due to this, I suspect that the role of Bond is best suited to a white actor. I don't feel that that is racist, but hey, maybe the whole concept of Bond is racist, even with the changes that have been made to the character today. Though I have to say that Elba would be interesting to see as Bond, but I would still prefer to see someone like Henry Cavill take the part after Craig.
I totally agree with you that the role should go to the best actor available, regardless of his (her?) background. And remember that some see the Craig era as a "reboot". If we accept that there can be a Bond "reboot", then I do not see why Bond could not be of any ethnicity, or even gender and sex orientation. It is all down to the artistic vision of the producers. Bond must be evolving, or he will become boring. And that means change.
I feel this whole Black Bond issue is an interesting debate. JAG raised the example of Cate Blanchett playing Bob Dylan in I'm Not There as an example of somewhat off-kilter casting having spectacular results. And whilst that casting choice definitely did work, it only worked because of the context it was placed in. I'm Not There is an avant - garde film, and as such, is a highly imaginative and relatively free form interpretation of Dylan's life. It is not meant as a straight forward biopic such as Walk The Line was about Johnny Cash. Now if Blanchett was cast in a similar biopic picture about Dylan, the casting simply would not work, regardless of her own undoubtable acting capabilities. In fact it would be ludicrous. I feel that Casino Royale 67 could be compared to this. An eccentric, madcap film where, in the context of the film, someone like Peter Sellers can play James Bond and get away with it. Now if Sellers played Bond in an eon film, it would be stupid.
Now in regards to regulard Bond, I wouldn't at all be adverse to a black actor taking on the role if he was the best person to take on the role. If eon searched high and low for the next Bond actor and decided that at the end of the it that the best person to take on the part happened to be black, then go right ahead. However I think this idea of needing a black Bond because it's 2015 is ridiculous. Furthermore the character of Bond is incredibly specific, more so than say a Jason Bourne or other lead action roles. Bond is very much the character of a white Englishman, with Fleming (and the film series) describing the character in a very specific way, assigning him with certain traits that are clearly outlined. Whilst the interpretation of Bond has changed with the different actors over the years, these characteristics and traits have more or less remained, and thus means that the role is really only suited to a very few actors. Due to this, I suspect that the role of Bond is best suited to a white actor. I don't feel that that is racist, but hey, maybe the whole concept of Bond is racist, even with the changes that have been made to the character today. Though I have to say that Elba would be interesting to see as Bond, but I would still prefer to see someone like Henry Cavill take the part after Craig.
I totally agree with you that the role should go to the best actor available, regardless of his (her?) background. And remember that some see the Craig era as a "reboot". If we accept that there can be a Bond "reboot", then I do not see why Bond could not be of any ethnicity, or even gender and sex orientation. It is all down to the artistic vision of the producers. Bond must be evolving, or he will become boring. And that means change.
Bond doesn't need to evolve just for the sake of evolving. If Bond becomes a women, it's simply not Bond anymore.
What higher purpose would be acheived by casting a black male or a female actor to play a white upper middle class British spy? I understand what you mean when you say Bond must be evolving, which is true, he must. However in order to do so, Bond must still be Bond, otherwise there is no point in having the character. The Craig films have done a great job in evolving the character and making him relevant to present times. But what's so great about it and why it works is because more or less, Bond is still Bond. The decision to have Bond change ethnicity or gender in order to remain relevant would be a pretentious one and it would also be contradictory. If Bond has to go through such drastic changes then clearly the character is no longer relevant and the films may as well not be made.
Today (4th Sept) there's a new Spectre film poster (on mi6-hq site) with DC in a white tuxedo (like Goldfinger film.)
and Daniel Craig is in the credits as CO-PRODUCER. How much more involved can you get ?!
Roll on his 5th film in 2018.
Although it doesn't cement him I'd say he will be doing a fifth
Not even Connery got given such leeway when he came back for Diamonds are Forever. Does this mean he will be involved when he has left the franchise?
1. For Your Eyes Only 2. The Living Daylights 3 From Russia with Love 4. Casino Royale 5. OHMSS 6. Skyfall
I think these days many actors in film and tv shows after a while get a co-producer credit but I
doubt there will be any imput once he decides to leave.
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
You wonder why actors spend so long learning the craft and skills
needed to give a performance. When anyone can just take a notion
and become one. ) Beckham will put Sir Michael Caine, Sir Sean
etc to shame with a masterful performance, and next year when the
Novelty wears off. He'll try his had at Brain surgery and I predict he'll
be brilliant at that as well. )
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
I think as Matt S, pointed out that most actors after filming a Bond
All seem to give interviews as if it would be their last. I guess they're tired
and don't want to think about starting another one.
Remember how much Mendes said he didn't want to do another? And then he came back.
As did Jesper Christensen... He was adament he was having NOTHING to do with Bond again )
She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
i wish entertainment news would burn to the ground. Im ok with a black bond at least for one generation, but E! just wants it to be controversial and gain ratings. Its the same reason like almost every commercial nowadays has an inter-racial couple in it, just cause they think it will get people talking. Every single commercial is inter-racial .
To have Bond be gay or a woman is to have a completely different character. It won't be Bond. But Bond could be black without changing him that much.
As a black male who loves Bond films, I find this talk of Idris Elba as Bond ridiculous. You cannot change the race or gender of the character and expect to still call it 'Bond'. I don't that Ms Broccoli OR Mr Wilson will be that stupid to do something this radical (but they did commission Die Another Day...!)
Comments
Agreed.
I wonder if everyone that wants a black actor to portray Bond would also be so accepting of a white or other ethnicity actor portraying a traditionaly black character?
How about Liam Neeson or Jackie Chan as Shaft? Any objections?
Bond: “I must be dreaming.”
Jesus Christ wasn't white, and we haven't let that get in the way in films...
It surprises me (though maybe it shouldn't) that you'll accept black hair, light brown, blonde, and Welsh, Irish, Scottish, English and Australian descent, as well as any and every eye color on the spectrum, but when skin color comes up that one specific thing is the bridge too far. THAT'S when you trot out Fleming's character on the page. Yet you won't take a millisecond of self-reflection about why THAT'S where you draw the line.
I don't believe George Lazenby was actually of Australian descent. Considering his surname, his ancestry is likely from northern England. Scottish is ideal for Bond, but the Welsh and Irish are also Celts. For Bond, we basically have three Celts and three Anglo Saxons. Though my favourite Bond is one of the three Anglo Saxons, I'd prefer Bond stayed a Celt to be true to Fleming. It would be unreasonable to ask for a half Celt/half French-Swiss.
Good point. I wonder why they cast Samuel L. Jackson as Shaft. Must be because he is a very good actor, so I guess Liam Neeson was just as acceptable for the part.
So you never know.
Sorry, but I totally disagree with you. Craig got a lot of stick just for being blonde, Roger Moore got stick for being old, Connery for being scottish, Lazenby for being a model...And I'm not even mentioning many actors who weren't cast because they were american. Everyone has strong opinions about who should play James Bond, and it's been like that for over 50 years. Why should it stop now because Idris Elba is mentioned?
The Daily Fail have subtitled an article on Shia La Beouf wearing a Tux with "The next 007?"
Yeah, but you do have to admit....Beyonce is bootylicious...
I totally agree with you that the role should go to the best actor available, regardless of his (her?) background. And remember that some see the Craig era as a "reboot". If we accept that there can be a Bond "reboot", then I do not see why Bond could not be of any ethnicity, or even gender and sex orientation. It is all down to the artistic vision of the producers. Bond must be evolving, or he will become boring. And that means change.
Bond doesn't need to evolve just for the sake of evolving. If Bond becomes a women, it's simply not Bond anymore.
Although it doesn't cement him I'd say he will be doing a fifth
Not even Connery got given such leeway when he came back for Diamonds are Forever. Does this mean he will be involved when he has left the franchise?
doubt there will be any imput once he decides to leave.
That is frightening. Gotta love the tabs. Now if you want something truly frightening (and wonderful) I may be visiting England in 2016.
needed to give a performance. When anyone can just take a notion
and become one.
etc to shame with a masterful performance, and next year when the
Novelty wears off. He'll try his had at Brain surgery and I predict he'll
be brilliant at that as well.
As did Jesper Christensen... He was adament he was having NOTHING to do with Bond again
To have Bond be gay or a woman is to have a completely different character. It won't be Bond. But Bond could be black without changing him that much.
Maybe that will finally convince me to like Craig as Bond!
...jus sayin. -{