An expanded universe

MilleniumForce

This is what Marvel are doing now and its a really good idea. It shows that no one character is the centre of everything and also gets movies out quicker.

But, would an EU be a good idea for Bond? Not as big as the MCU, but a couple of films here and there that are centred around other characters we have seen in the Bond films. What do you think? And what sort of movies would you want to see in an EU?

Miles Messervy

This is a terrible idea. Bond is the center of the "Bond Universe" and there are no other characters that warrant their own screen treatment. There have already been 24 Bond movies, and some question whether we even need a 25th, let alone spin-offs. It would dilute the brand. You simply can't compare Bond to Marvel. It's too dissimilar.

Even with Marvel, where the MCU has been great for profits, I think there is a serious superhero burnout on the horizon - at some point people are going to be tired of it.

welshboy78

I was sick of Super heros quite a while ago due to the rate they are pumping them out. Got a bad feeling this will happen with Star Wars too

Loeffelholz

Miles Messervy wrote:

There have already been 24 Bond movies, and some question whether we even need a 25th

Hmm. That's news to me! But then I tend to not pay much attention to non-Bond fans' opinions about the franchise. It's bad enough that so many of them are film critics

Lady Ice

Loeffelholz wrote:

Miles Messervy wrote:

There have already been 24 Bond movies, and some question whether we even need a 25th

Hmm. That's news to me! But then I tend to not pay much attention to non-Bond fans' opinions about the franchise. It's bad enough that so many of them are film critics

I'm an amateur critic! The problem with film critics reviewing Bond is that they're reviewing it for the casual viewer- and film critics tend to have a hard time with simply saying a film was entertaining or they enjoyed it. They need to have something 'concrete' to discuss or some 'worthiness' to the film, hence why the critics liked Skyfall- because they could pinpoint 'worthy' themes.

Loeffelholz

Lady Ice wrote:

Loeffelholz wrote:

Miles Messervy wrote:

There have already been 24 Bond movies, and some question whether we even need a 25th

Hmm. That's news to me! But then I tend to not pay much attention to non-Bond fans' opinions about the franchise. It's bad enough that so many of them are film critics

I'm an amateur critic! The problem with film critics reviewing Bond is that they're reviewing it for the casual viewer- and film critics tend to have a hard time with simply saying a film was entertaining or they enjoyed it. They need to have something 'concrete' to discuss or some 'worthiness' to the film, hence why the critics liked Skyfall- because they could pinpoint 'worthy' themes.

Oh, I'm an amateur critic as well, and you're right. Bond is the ultimate 'niche' genre film (which does of course also do good trade with the mainstream) and critics expecting Bond to behave for their non-fan expectations are simply bewildered by it. They don't understand the intention, or the appeal.

Re: the expanded universe...IMO Eon should just worry about Bond. After DAD there was some talk of a Jinx spinoff, but the notion quickly lost steam.

Miles Messervy

Lady Ice wrote:

Loeffelholz wrote:

Miles Messervy wrote:

There have already been 24 Bond movies, and some question whether we even need a 25th

Hmm. That's news to me! But then I tend to not pay much attention to non-Bond fans' opinions about the franchise. It's bad enough that so many of them are film critics

I'm an amateur critic! The problem with film critics reviewing Bond is that they're reviewing it for the casual viewer- and film critics tend to have a hard time with simply saying a film was entertaining or they enjoyed it. They need to have something 'concrete' to discuss or some 'worthiness' to the film, hence why the critics liked Skyfall- because they could pinpoint 'worthy' themes.

My point was not to validate those critics' who question Bond's relevance; rather, I was merely pointing out that there are some who are already believe that Bond is overexposed. Developing an EU would only broaden this view, which could ultimately threaten the longevity of the series.

Miles Messervy

welshboy78 wrote:

I was sick of Super heros quite a while ago due to the rate they are pumping them out. Got a bad feeling this will happen with Star Wars too

Unfortunately, I think you're right about this.

The Wicker Man

I would have liked to have seen what Jaws got up to after MR, settled down to a peaceful life with Dolly. I see him as a dentist's assistant/receptionist who manages to keep his past life a secret from his new employers. All is well in his world until Drax's brother Max turns up for a filling and blows his cover. Max needs someone 'taken out' and wants Jaws to do the deed if he doesn't want any harm to come to Dolly. Jaws kills him with a dentist's drill and goes on the run with Dolly. Leaving it open for a sequel - Jaws 2 The Revenge? {:)
Listen I know it sounds crap but anything would be better than a Jinx spin off.

Loeffelholz

I've said this before...but IMO the only 'expansion' they should consider is a series of animated films based on the original Fleming novels---done in order, and true to the period (1953-64). They could go direct to a streaming service and be a nice second revenue stream...while Cinematic Bond continues on.

Thunderpussy

Felix Leiter series very like 24, but faster paced so called 12
Moneypenny, solving murders at the weekend like Jessica Fletcher
Tanner, and his exciting adventures in the civil service.
Just a few ideas !

TheWorldIsEnough

Thunderpussy wrote:

Felix Leiter series very like 24, but faster paced so called 12
Moneypenny, solving murders at the weekend like Jessica Fletcher
Tanner, and his exciting adventures in the civil service.
Just a few ideas !

"The Wacky Misadventures of Mr. Kidd and Mr. Wint"

Loeffelholz

Miles Messervy wrote:

My point was not to validate those critics' who question Bond's relevance; rather, I was merely pointing out that there are some who are already believe that Bond is overexposed. Developing an EU would only broaden this view, which could ultimately threaten the longevity of the series.

I see what you're saying, but IMO a film every three years hardly amounts to overexposure. And questioning the need for a 25th film implies advocating an end to the franchise, and I can't imagine a Bond fan having such thoughts.

At any rate, we agree that an expanded universe isn't what Bond needs. IMO, it simply needs new writers more than anything else.

Miles Messervy

Loeffelholz wrote:

Miles Messervy wrote:

My point was not to validate those critics' who question Bond's relevance; rather, I was merely pointing out that there are some who are already believe that Bond is overexposed. Developing an EU would only broaden this view, which could ultimately threaten the longevity of the series.

I see what you're saying, but IMO a film every three years hardly amounts to overexposure. And questioning the need for a 25th film implies advocating an end to the franchise, and I can't imagine a Bond fan having such thoughts.

At any rate, we agree that an expanded universe isn't what Bond needs. IMO, it simply needs new writers more than anything else.

Agreed. -{

zaphod99

Loeffelholz wrote:

I've said this before...but IMO the only 'expansion' they should consider is a series of animated films based on the original Fleming novels---done in order, and true to the period (1953-64). They could go direct to a streaming service and be a nice second revenue stream...while Cinematic Bond continues on.

Bring it on. If done right I have always thought this could really work.

Golrush007

Loeffelholz wrote:

I've said this before...but IMO the only 'expansion' they should consider is a series of animated films based on the original Fleming novels---done in order, and true to the period (1953-64). They could go direct to a streaming service and be a nice second revenue stream...while Cinematic Bond continues on.

This is a long held dream of mine. I can't see it happening, but if done well it would be brilliant.

eric7064

welshboy78 wrote:

I was sick of Super heros quite a while ago due to the rate they are pumping them out. Got a bad feeling this will happen with Star Wars too

I agree on the superheroes.

I think Star Wars will be different. There's so much material they could do. Huge universe. I'm very excited for all the different type of films they can do.

eric7064

welshboy78 wrote:

I was sick of Super heros quite a while ago due to the rate they are pumping them out. Got a bad feeling this will happen with Star Wars too

I agree on the superheroes.

I think Star Wars will be different. There's so much material they could do. Huge universe. I'm very excited for all the different type of films they can do.

eric7064

As for Bond. No no no. This would not be a good idea in the slightest.

heartbroken_mr_drax

I never want to see any "spin-off" come to fruition from Bond, but thinking out loud some possibilities would be quite interesting to us fans...

- Q's lab and experiments
- Meeting between M and the Prime Minister
- Another agent becoming a 00

James Suzuki

Maybe see a film from the Villain's perspective?
Like a Spectre/ Quantum movie based on an assassin character trying to work himself (or herself!) up the rankings.

Firemass

Miles Messervy wrote:

Bond is the center of the "Bond Universe" and there are no other characters that warrant their own screen treatment.

Except in TSWLM novel.

ThunderRaker

The only one I would actually like to see is a villains origins story, maybe Blofeld, or a new one.

Anything about any other 00 I just don't want to see. Expanded Universes work in other series', but not in the 007-verse. James Bond is, and needs to stay the main character.

eric7064

You know what I thought would be kindve cool. Having 10-15 minute shorts of maybe a q story. Or a Moneypenny story. Leaning more on the comedic side. Showing right b4 the movie. The movies are long enough at is but that'd be kinda cool.

Agent Lee

Ultimately I'm against the idea, but have thought about it more than once. IF a Bond expanded universe were to happen, I think it might be interesting to (in addition to having maybe a Monypenny or Q centered story) have adventures of other double-ohs. It would be interesting, for example, to feature another double-oh that contrasts with Bond (maybe he's not as good looking, a little younger, and has different methods of working, other signature weapon, etc.). It might also be interesting to see a film where Bond teams up with one or two other double-ohs ala avengers.

That all being said, I hope nothing like this ever happens. Save it for other mediums-books, comics, etc., but not the films. I only say this because of the way the MCU has turned out--like ENOUGH already!