Asp9mmOver the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,535MI6 Agent
He had an option on a fifth. That was in his contract. So when he said he was contracted for one more, he wasn't lying. The contract is with him though, not EON. The ball was in his court, then he handed his cards in.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this? Are you stating that Craig had the option for a fifth and EON was obligated make the film with Craig so long as he exercised his option?
Asp9mmOver the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,535MI6 Agent
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this? Are you stating that Craig had the option for a fifth and EON was obligated make the film with Craig so long as he exercised his option?
Yes and no. It's a little more complicated than that, time constraints and numerous things come in to play, like box office returns from the previous film etc.
If Craig was contracted to do 3 films, he has to make them, whether he likes it or not, at the fee agreed upon at the time, with maybe an option for increasing fees dependent on the subsequent films success. EON can drop him at any time. He can't drop EON and resign without getting sued and paying a 'get out' fee. This would be Huuuge!!
With an 'option' for a 4th and 5th, Craig has control over whether he does those films, EON can still drop him, but also, he can drop them without worry of being sued. But the terms of Craig's contract regarding status and fee are already set in Craig's favour with this option, and if EON want him back, he can re-negotiate his fee from a much stronger position. That's why you see his input and elevated Executive Producer (never seen before with a Bond actor, and utterly unheard of) status in SPECTRE as the contract was re-negotiated after the success of SKYFALL. If Craig resigns from the role, all previous contracts are now void.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this? Are you stating that Craig had the option for a fifth and EON was obligated make the film with Craig so long as he exercised his option?
Yes and no. It's a little more complicated than that, time constraints and numerous things come in to play, like box office returns from the previous film etc.
If Craig was contracted to do 3 films, he has to make them, whether he likes it or not, at the fee agreed upon at the time, with maybe an option for increasing fees dependent on the subsequent films success. EON can drop him at any time. He can't drop EON and resign without getting sued and paying a 'get out' fee. This would be Huuuge!!
With an 'option' for a 4th and 5th, Craig has control over whether he does those films, EON can still drop him, but also, he can drop them without worry of being sued. But the terms of Craig's contract regarding status and fee are already set in Craig's favour with this option, and if EON want him back, he can re-negotiate his fee from a much stronger position. That's why you see his input and elevated Executive Producer (never seen before with a Bond actor, and utterly unheard of) status in SPECTRE as the contract was re-negotiated after the success of SKYFALL. If Craig resigns from the role, all previous contracts are now void.
That all makes sense to me. Thank you for that explanation. -{
Wilson comes across really well, very relaxed, charming and seemingly open. No sense of Eon in panic/crisis mode. He should do more of the press in my view.
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Ultimately, I suppose it all comes down to what's in Craig's mind, which nobody else can know unless and until he tells them. He's not getting any younger, though, and it seems the longer he waits to make an announcement that he's returning, the more likely he'll just move on.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Ultimately, I suppose it all comes down to what's in Craig's mind, which nobody else can know unless and until he tells them. He's not getting any younger, though, and it seems the longer he waits to make an announcement that he's returning, the more likely he'll just move on.
Or EON will move on. As much as they want Craig to return, I can't imagine they'll wait on him indefinitely.
Ultimately, I suppose it all comes down to what's in Craig's mind, which nobody else can know unless and until he tells them. He's not getting any younger, though, and it seems the longer he waits to make an announcement that he's returning, the more likely he'll just move on.
Or EON will move on. As much as they want Craig to return, I can't imagine they'll wait on him indefinitely.
I think at the moment it's a no risk option, as with no script or distributor it probably suits them for DC to still notionally in play. If he decides to do one more fine, he's highly bankable in the role. If the hiatus drags on too long he might be a bit old for it, however even that could work as a last hurrah before a reboot/recast/rethink. If he really is 'done' they will have to recast and they'll get on with that. If he made a definitive thanks but no thanks statement it would look worse.
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Some of us believe that Eon has prepared for the non-Craig contingency, and has a man ready to go :007) ...and I'm sure there's at least a semi-polished draft of a script on their desk. I personally think the distribution thing will take care of itself. Bond (even with a new lead in the role) is one of the better bets in an unsure business.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Some of us believe that Eon has prepared for the non-Craig contingency, and has a man ready to go :007) ...and I'm sure there's at least a semi-polished draft of a script on their desk. I personally think the distribution thing will take care of itself. Bond (even with a new lead in the role) is one of the better bets in an unsure business.
I was thinking the same thing. Just because we are not aware of a script doesn't mean there isn't a draft being worked on. James Bond films are not a lark or hobby for EON and MGM. For EON, it is their business and for MGM, it's the only thing that keeps that company afloat. Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson are not just a couple kids who inherited the family business and ran it into the ground. They have been great stewards of the Bond film legacy and have had enough boldness and foresight to reinvigorate the franchise when needed.
There seems to be an undercurrent amongst some that EON is flying by the seat of their pants with Bond 25. I don't think so. There is too much at stake here. I believe there is a back up plan with another actor on deck if Craig does not return. That being said, I do believe that MGM's negotiations with a new partner have been effected by whether Craig returns or not. My guess is there are different deals on the table that are based upon that outcome. A deal being consumated means it is known whether Craig is returning or there is a new Bond actor. It wouldn't surprise me if an official announcement of the next Bond film and who will play Bond will come in concert with or shortly after that announcement is made. I also have a feeling that it's coming in the next 90 days. -{
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
{[]
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Some of us believe that Eon has prepared for the non-Craig contingency, and has a man ready to go :007) ...and I'm sure there's at least a semi-polished draft of a script on their desk. I personally think the distribution thing will take care of itself. Bond (even with a new lead in the role) is one of the better bets in an unsure business.
I was thinking the same thing. Just because we are not aware of a script doesn't mean there isn't a draft being worked on. James Bond films are not a lark or hobby for EON and MGM. For EON, it is their business and for MGM, it's the only thing that keeps that company afloat. Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson are not just a couple kids who inherited the family business and ran it into the ground. They have been great stewards of the Bond film legacy and have had enough boldness and foresight to reinvigorate the franchise when needed.
There seems to be an undercurrent amongst some that EON is flying by the seat of their pants with Bond 25. I don't think so. There is too much at stake here. I believe there is a back up plan with another actor on deck if Craig does not return. That being said, I do believe that MGM's negotiations with a new partner have been effected by whether Craig returns or not. My guess is there are different deals on the table that are based upon that outcome. A deal being consumated means it is known whether Craig is returning or there is a new Bond actor. It wouldn't surprise me if an official announcement of the next Bond film and who will play Bond will come in concert with or shortly after that announcement is made. I also have a feeling that it's coming in the next 90 days. -{
I hope that you are right. What is driving the 90 days for you?
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
While I think it's likely that someone is working on a script, I doubt there is an actor EON has decided on for James Bond just in case Craig doesn't return. We haven't heard anything about screentests or any active casting, and such a prosess would be too large for us not to hear about it. I guess some belive EON just decided Tom Hiddleston is so fantastic they don't need to test anyone else. But as mentioned above, James Bond is simply too important to them not to cover their bases and Hiddleston is too much in demand to keep a large part of next year open just in case Craig drops Bond.
I'm guessing EON is doing pretty much what we are doing now: keeping their eyes open for possible candidates and discussing them among themselves. At the most they might have talked to a few and asked if they might be interesting if the position opens up and how they see Bond.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited January 2017
Yes...some of us believe Hiddleston was offered the part last May...if true, they must have thought he was sufficiently fantastic. Whether this turns out to be another John Gavin gambit remains to be seen...but if Eon has someone locked down, it would also explain the lack of news with respect to screentests, etc. Eon would have a production start date scheduled regardless, and Hiddleston (or whomever) would likely be compensated to be available for principal photography when it begins, even if that is still a year from now.
IMHO, Hiddleston is either the next Bond...or the biggest 'nearly was Bond' ever It's up to Craig.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Asp9mmOver the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,535MI6 Agent
Screentests are never publicised and are very private. You never hear about them until well after an official announcement. People have to abide by NDA's. How many here know who tested for Casino Royale? I doubt there's more than a handful.
I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just not convinced you're right. Anyway, Hiddleston seems to do very well on both the polls I started, so he's clearly popular on this forum. Personally I wouldn't mind if he got the role, but I there are candidates I like better than him. His face is too thin and and not masculine enough for Bond, I think. I hope you're had a nice Friday 13th, Loeffelholz :007)
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just not convinced you're right. Anyway, Hiddleston seems to do very well on both the polls I starten, so he's clearly popular on this forum. Personally I wouldn't mind if he got the role, but I there are candidates I like better than him. His face is too thin and and not masculine enough for Bond, I think. I hope you're had a nice Friday 13th, Loeffelholz :007)
The hostility TH receives on a couple of Facebook Bond pages reminds me very much of the Craig detractors of '05...it will be very amusing to me if he does in fact play the part.
Thank you, my friend. Same to you -{
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Some of us believe that Eon has prepared for the non-Craig contingency, and has a man ready to go :007) ...and I'm sure there's at least a semi-polished draft of a script on their desk. I personally think the distribution thing will take care of itself. Bond (even with a new lead in the role) is one of the better bets in an unsure business.
I was thinking the same thing. Just because we are not aware of a script doesn't mean there isn't a draft being worked on. James Bond films are not a lark or hobby for EON and MGM. For EON, it is their business and for MGM, it's the only thing that keeps that company afloat. Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson are not just a couple kids who inherited the family business and ran it into the ground. They have been great stewards of the Bond film legacy and have had enough boldness and foresight to reinvigorate the franchise when needed.
There seems to be an undercurrent amongst some that EON is flying by the seat of their pants with Bond 25. I don't think so. There is too much at stake here. I believe there is a back up plan with another actor on deck if Craig does not return. That being said, I do believe that MGM's negotiations with a new partner have been effected by whether Craig returns or not. My guess is there are different deals on the table that are based upon that outcome. A deal being consumated means it is known whether Craig is returning or there is a new Bond actor. It wouldn't surprise me if an official announcement of the next Bond film and who will play Bond will come in concert with or shortly after that announcement is made. I also have a feeling that it's coming in the next 90 days. -{
I hope that you are right. What is driving the 90 days for you?
Just my gut at that moment. My gut now tells me within 90 days for a Craig returning announcement...maybe longer if there's a new actor. Logan Lucky is finished, Kings is now filming in LA (should be done in about 6 weeks) and then the series Purity. . It's interesting to note that he is only the male lead in Kings. In Logan Lucky he has a supporting role in an ensemble cast and in Purity he is not the main character. Nothing on his schedule after Purity which could make him potentially available for a Bond 25 fall 2018 release. Again, just my gut talking along with some very shacky circumstancial evidence.
Screentests are never publicised and are very private. You never hear about them until well after an official announcement. People have to abide by NDA's. How many here know who tested for Casino Royale? I doubt there's more than a handful.
I'm sure it's not a stretch to assume that EON is actively screen testing potential actors. The thing I'm most curious about is how they're handling the script. I would expect significant variance based on whether Craig is returning. If that's still undecided, perhaps they have two separate scripts.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
What do you make of the poll results, Loeffelholz?
I was surprised (and relieved) of the lack of support for Idris Elba and Tom Hardy.
I share your relief, re: Elba and Hardy ) Not surprised at Hiddleston's strong showing, though. I expect he would bulk up a bit...and bring a classy, sardonic fatalism to the role.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Asp9mmOver the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,535MI6 Agent
If Craig gave his notice in 2015, they've had plenty of time.
Yes...some of us believe Hiddleston was offered the part last May...if true, they must have thought he was sufficiently fantastic. Whether this turns out to be another John Gavin gambit remains to be seen...but if Eon has someone locked down, it would also explain the lack of news with respect to screentests, etc. Eon would have a production start date scheduled regardless, and Hiddleston (or whomever) would likely be compensated to be available for principal photography when it begins, even if that is still a year from now.
IMHO, Hiddleston is either the next Bond...or the biggest 'nearly was Bond' ever It's up to Craig.
This is all very interesting/exciting. I'm all in favour of Tommy. However it's a bit like with the Brosnanator he was nearly Bond or the Bond that got away for such a long time it was for me at least a bit anticlimactic when he was actually cast. I wonder if the same thing will happen with Tom. Of course a lot of people (no names) would have presumably been delighted to get rid of 'the other fella' :007)
Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
There was an actor who supposedly was to step in if Roger Moore suddenly left - was it Billington?
I don't know if it's true and and if that sort of thing would work now.
There was an actor who supposedly was to step in if Roger Moore suddenly left - was it Billington?
I don't know if it's true and and if that sort of thing would work now.
Comments
'I’m contracted for one more – but I’m not going to make predictions.’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-3247750/Bond-Spectre-Daniel-Craig-s-like-alter-ego.html
The Daily Mail is a mess. I'd go with the producer stating, on video, "we don't have a contract." (40 seconds in): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zJlLeD6UfQ
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this? Are you stating that Craig had the option for a fifth and EON was obligated make the film with Craig so long as he exercised his option?
Yes and no. It's a little more complicated than that, time constraints and numerous things come in to play, like box office returns from the previous film etc.
If Craig was contracted to do 3 films, he has to make them, whether he likes it or not, at the fee agreed upon at the time, with maybe an option for increasing fees dependent on the subsequent films success. EON can drop him at any time. He can't drop EON and resign without getting sued and paying a 'get out' fee. This would be Huuuge!!
With an 'option' for a 4th and 5th, Craig has control over whether he does those films, EON can still drop him, but also, he can drop them without worry of being sued. But the terms of Craig's contract regarding status and fee are already set in Craig's favour with this option, and if EON want him back, he can re-negotiate his fee from a much stronger position. That's why you see his input and elevated Executive Producer (never seen before with a Bond actor, and utterly unheard of) status in SPECTRE as the contract was re-negotiated after the success of SKYFALL. If Craig resigns from the role, all previous contracts are now void.
That all makes sense to me. Thank you for that explanation. -{
Wilson comes across really well, very relaxed, charming and seemingly open. No sense of Eon in panic/crisis mode. He should do more of the press in my view.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Or EON will move on. As much as they want Craig to return, I can't imagine they'll wait on him indefinitely.
I think at the moment it's a no risk option, as with no script or distributor it probably suits them for DC to still notionally in play. If he decides to do one more fine, he's highly bankable in the role. If the hiatus drags on too long he might be a bit old for it, however even that could work as a last hurrah before a reboot/recast/rethink. If he really is 'done' they will have to recast and they'll get on with that. If he made a definitive thanks but no thanks statement it would look worse.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I was thinking the same thing. Just because we are not aware of a script doesn't mean there isn't a draft being worked on. James Bond films are not a lark or hobby for EON and MGM. For EON, it is their business and for MGM, it's the only thing that keeps that company afloat. Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson are not just a couple kids who inherited the family business and ran it into the ground. They have been great stewards of the Bond film legacy and have had enough boldness and foresight to reinvigorate the franchise when needed.
There seems to be an undercurrent amongst some that EON is flying by the seat of their pants with Bond 25. I don't think so. There is too much at stake here. I believe there is a back up plan with another actor on deck if Craig does not return. That being said, I do believe that MGM's negotiations with a new partner have been effected by whether Craig returns or not. My guess is there are different deals on the table that are based upon that outcome. A deal being consumated means it is known whether Craig is returning or there is a new Bond actor. It wouldn't surprise me if an official announcement of the next Bond film and who will play Bond will come in concert with or shortly after that announcement is made. I also have a feeling that it's coming in the next 90 days. -{
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I hope that you are right. What is driving the 90 days for you?
I'm guessing EON is doing pretty much what we are doing now: keeping their eyes open for possible candidates and discussing them among themselves. At the most they might have talked to a few and asked if they might be interesting if the position opens up and how they see Bond.
IMHO, Hiddleston is either the next Bond...or the biggest 'nearly was Bond' ever
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
The hostility TH receives on a couple of Facebook Bond pages reminds me very much of the Craig detractors of '05...it will be very amusing to me if he does in fact play the part.
Thank you, my friend. Same to you -{
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I was surprised (and relieved) of the lack of support for Idris Elba and Tom Hardy.
Just my gut at that moment. My gut now tells me within 90 days for a Craig returning announcement...maybe longer if there's a new actor. Logan Lucky is finished, Kings is now filming in LA (should be done in about 6 weeks) and then the series Purity. . It's interesting to note that he is only the male lead in Kings. In Logan Lucky he has a supporting role in an ensemble cast and in Purity he is not the main character. Nothing on his schedule after Purity which could make him potentially available for a Bond 25 fall 2018 release. Again, just my gut talking along with some very shacky circumstancial evidence.
I'm sure it's not a stretch to assume that EON is actively screen testing potential actors. The thing I'm most curious about is how they're handling the script. I would expect significant variance based on whether Craig is returning. If that's still undecided, perhaps they have two separate scripts.
I share your relief, re: Elba and Hardy
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
This is all very interesting/exciting. I'm all in favour of Tommy. However it's a bit like with the Brosnanator he was nearly Bond or the Bond that got away for such a long time it was for me at least a bit anticlimactic when he was actually cast. I wonder if the same thing will happen with Tom. Of course a lot of people (no names) would have presumably been delighted to get rid of 'the other fella' :007)
I don't know if it's true and and if that sort of thing would work now.
Wally Cox