I thought Mendes and Craig fell out during the filming of Spectre. Surely the producers would have had to give Craig certain assurances to entice him back for Bond 25, and not just financial. Maybe DC will have input into the appointment of the director for Bond 25.
We'll soon know get through Christmas and into the New Year and hopefully we'll get some news.
Why do you believe something, the DC/Mendes split, that originated in the Murdoch tabloid, The Sun?
The only tabloid journo I would trust with Bond news is Baz Bamigboye. The fact that he works for the Daily Mail sticks in my throat, but his stories have always been right.
I don't think Nolan would want to do Bond with two different actors. If he was on board, it would be either just 25 with Craig (or the rumored 25 and 26 filmed back to back) but not 25 with Craig and then 26, et al with another chap. I'd be fine with Nolan, I just don't think it's gonna happen. I'd still put my money on one of the young up and comers.
I think it will be Mendes again, just have this feeling him and DC weren't that happy with Spectre and will want to make amends so to speak! Probably wrong( usually am)
I think it will be Mendes again, just have this feeling him and DC weren't that happy with Spectre and will want to make amends so to speak! Probably wrong( usually am)
I noticed that when DC was on The Tonight Show and he was asked if B25 will be his last his exact words were, "I think so," not 'yes'.
One possibility is that Mendes and DC always planned to do a Blofeld trilogy and why not combine that story line with elements of OHMSS?
The 'slashing wrists' comment has been blown out of all proportion. And I think the studio was very happy with Spectre's $880m gross.
Craig is not publicly committing to B26, IMHO, because, a, he would be giving the trilogy game away, and, b, if B25 doesn't do well financially he can always say that was going to be his last and bow out.
Admittedly this theory doesn't explain the four-year gap, maybe they genuinely did lose a year due to MGM's farce with the Chinese investors?
I don't know why we all assume their is some massive game of mystery surrounding the bond franchise, and that eon just withhold information like some sort of secret society. I'm more of the opinion that if we hear no news it's because there is no news, and what people say should generally be believed, ie mendes says he's done so I believe when he said that he meant it. Of course people can change their minds. DC was obviously reticent to confirm until he had certain information or was mentally able and in the right place to do so, who knows what scripts and offers come his way that might pique his interest more than doing another Bond especially when Spectre was not exactly well recieved?
It's very obvious that something went wrong with Spectre inbetween finishing shooting and the finished product. During his interview with Jonathan Ross done during the last day of shooting he was very upbeat, which didn't carry through during the promotional tour. All supposition but I believe he didn't commit to bond 25 until certain things were confirmed for him whatever they may be.
I’m not sure why anyone would take anything Craig, Mendes, EON say at face value. Even if you write off the famous wrist slashing declaration, Craig denied making a decision earlier in the same day that he announced he was returning! And Mendes said he was out for sure after Skyfall, then went on to direct Spectre. The upshot is they know the score and we don’t. And that’s fine. But I’ve given up trying to read the tea leaves.
Since its public knowledge that EON and Craig have been in discussion with Denis Villenuve and probably Nolan as well it would feel like mendes is their backup choice now. Which if he returned again it would just be a sadder extension of what happened on Spectre where it seems like they enticed him with enough money to return. Except this time he would be even less enthusiastic about Bond. As opposed to hiring someone whose never directed a Bond before and has that vigor and excitement about it like Mendes had with Skyfall.
Since its public knowledge that EON and Craig have been in discussion with Denis Villenuve and probably Nolan as well it would feel like mendes is their backup choice now. Which if he returned again it would just be a sadder extension of what happened on Spectre where it seems like they enticed him with enough money to return. Except this time he would be even less enthusiastic about Bond. As opposed to hiring someone whose never directed a Bond before and has that vigor and excitement about it like Mendes had with Skyfall.
Interesting theory. But I don't think Mendes is the type to sit on the sidelines as the back up if #1 or #2 can't make it to the game. Mendes is a little too big for that sort of thing. It's not like he owes EON for helping him get his career started.
Makes sense that it would be Nolan. EON's waiting on the director to allow the announcement to be made. Nolan's the only director in the running who has that kind of stick. And it makes sense that Nolan wouldn't want the announcement made until after the Academy Awards as Dunkirk will be in the running for Best Picture and he wouldn't want to step on that with a Bond 25 announcement. It would also explain why Craig is coming back.
Makes sense that it would be Nolan. EON's waiting on the director to allow the announcement to be made. Nolan's the only director in the running who has that kind of stick. And it makes sense that Nolan wouldn't want the announcement made until after the Academy Awards as Dunkirk will be in the running for Best Picture and he wouldn't want to step on that with a Bond 25 announcement. It would also explain why Craig is coming back.
I don't think it was just Nolan that fueled Craig's return, given that the discussions with Villenueve were real and not just internet and tab fodder. It's more than likely IMO, that Craig has a list of directors that he (and EON) want for Bond 25. My guess is that Nolan and Villenueve are at the top of that list.
Makes sense that it would be Nolan. EON's waiting on the director to allow the announcement to be made. Nolan's the only director in the running who has that kind of stick. And it makes sense that Nolan wouldn't want the announcement made until after the Academy Awards as Dunkirk will be in the running for Best Picture and he wouldn't want to step on that with a Bond 25 announcement. It would also explain why Craig is coming back.
I don't think it was just Nolan that fueled Craig's return, given that the discussions with Villenueve were real and not just internet and tab fodder. It's more than likely IMO, that Craig has a list of directors that he (and EON) want for Bond 25. My guess is that Nolan and Villenueve are at the top of that list.
I'd posit that if Craig were such a huge fan of Nolan (and vice versa), he'd have turned up in one of his movies by now...?
Makes sense that it would be Nolan. EON's waiting on the director to allow the announcement to be made. Nolan's the only director in the running who has that kind of stick. And it makes sense that Nolan wouldn't want the announcement made until after the Academy Awards as Dunkirk will be in the running for Best Picture and he wouldn't want to step on that with a Bond 25 announcement. It would also explain why Craig is coming back.
I don't think it was just Nolan that fueled Craig's return, given that the discussions with Villenueve were real and not just internet and tab fodder. It's more than likely IMO, that Craig has a list of directors that he (and EON) want for Bond 25. My guess is that Nolan and Villenueve are at the top of that list.
I'd posit that if Craig were such a huge fan of Nolan (and vice versa), he'd have turned up in one of his movies by now...?
Probably because Nolan doesn't need Craig when he has Tom Hardy.
Probably because Nolan doesn't need Craig when he has Tom Hardy.
Could be......but who knows. If Nolan was just interested in doing one Bond film, it might make more sense to do it with Craig. Nolan might actually like Craig as Bond and be interested in finishing up the Craig era with a bang. The notion of not announcing Nolan as director until right after the Academy Awards would be a huge PR coup for EON if Dunkirk wins Best Picture and Nolan Best Director.
I just have a hard time believing that Nolan would come on for just one Bond film unless he's not willing to tie himself up to a franchise like he did with Batman for so many years. It's certainly interesting especially when you tie in Warner Brothers and their connection with Nolan.
Probably because Nolan doesn't need Craig when he has Tom Hardy.
Could be......but who knows. If Nolan was just interested in doing one Bond film, it might make more sense to do it with Craig. Nolan might actually like Craig as Bond and be interested in finishing up the Craig era with a bang. The notion of not announcing Nolan as director until right after the Academy Awards would be a huge PR coup for EON if Dunkirk wins Best Picture and Nolan Best Director.
I just have a hard time believing that Nolan would come on for just one Bond film unless he's not willing to tie himself up to a franchise like he did with Batman for so many years. It's certainly interesting especially when you tie in Warner Brothers and their connection with Nolan.
Regarding Nolan here's a quote he said earlier this year when asked about directing a Bond: "Anyone whose seen my other films knows how shamelessly I've ripped off those films over the years. So I suppose at some point I should repay the debt, but they're doing terrifically well without me".
Seems a lot of assumption Nolan would be in it for the long haul hence ruling out a DC finale.
However I could kind of see him not wanting to get bogged down with it like Batman which became a bit of a slog. Maybe he is a DC fan and happy to put everything into the one film
My heart says he is too high profile for EON though
Seems a lot of assumption Nolan would be in it for the long haul hence ruling out a DC finale.
However I could kind of see him not wanting to get bogged down with it like Batman which became a bit of a slog. Maybe he is a DC fan and happy to put everything into the one film
My heart says he is too high profile for EON though
I agree, I cant see Nolan doing more then one film if he was hired to direct. It's interesting you say he's too high profile for EON which he may well be. Because I think after Mendes EON wants to continue the trend of hiring high profile big name directors, hence why they talked with Denis Villeneuve.
MI6-hq.co.uk has said that Bond movies typically have nine months of pre-production and Star Wars is supposed to have delayed B25's Pinewood Studios pre-production start to March. A March start could still mean a December start for shooting.
I saw that too. Apparently the conflict is with the Han Solo film. Could EON possibly move some pre-production somewhere else? If we are talking set building, etc I guess that could be problematic unless EON is ok with doing some things to another studio. Of course, the story could just not be totally accurate. Is Pinewood big enough to have some overlap?
News flash, did some 'net fishing and if what I just read on a film site is correct (and we all know if it's on the 'net it must be true) that filming on the Han Solo film has been completed for a June 2018 release. I am sure that there is a ton of post production work to be done (visual effects, editing, etc) so maybe the story has a few holes in it. Oh jeeze, I just looked at the MI6 story again and the source of the story is an anonymous "tipster". IMO, no worries.
From Wikipedia: "On 5 January 2010, news broke that Mendes was employed to direct the 23rd Eon Productions installment of the James Bond franchise."
So Mendes was announced almost two years before production began.
The last directorial announcement to fit your model was Campbell who was not big news because A. He'd already directed a Bond film; and B. Bond, generally, was not as big in 2005. Whoever directs Bond 25 will be big news (massive news if it's Nolan). No, something else is going on. Broccoli seems very impatient, so why doesn't she just announce it since she's the big boss?
Having Nolan come on board as director of Bond 25 could be a much more complicated and involved process than another director.
- Nolan may be looking to have his production company, Syncopy come on board as a partner
- Even if Nolan were to agree to be hired just as director, how much creative control he would ultimately have could be an area of
negotiation or a non-negotiable
- With Nolan's potential involvement, Warners could be in serious contention as the distribution partner
- Even if by some freak of nature, Purvis and Wade's script is actually very good (remember even a broken clock is right 2 x day)
Nolan is going to want to rewrite or polish it at the least. More than likely, if Nolan wants to do Bond, he probably has something of
his own in mind.
Having Nolan come on board as director of Bond 25 could be a much more complicated and involved process than another director.
- Nolan may be looking to have his production company, Syncopy come on board as a partner
- Even if Nolan were to agree to be hired just as director, how much creative control he would ultimately have could be an area of
negotiation or a non-negotiable
- With Nolan's potential involvement, Warners could be in serious contention as the distribution partner
- Even if by some freak of nature, Purvis and Wade's script is actually very good (remember even a broken clock is right 2 x day)
Nolan is going to want to rewrite or polish it at the least. More than likely, if Nolan wants to do Bond, he probably has something of
his own in mind.
It's been more than two years since Spectre was released. EON/Nolan/Warner Brothers have had plenty of time to work out those details.
Nolan and his brother are famous for working on scripts, on and off, for years. They may have been discussing a Bond story since they were teenagers.
From Wikipedia: "On 5 January 2010, news broke that Mendes was employed to direct the 23rd Eon Productions installment of the James Bond franchise."
So Mendes was announced almost two years before production began.
The last directorial announcement to fit your model was Campbell who was not big news because A. He'd already directed a Bond film; and B. Bond, generally, was not as big in 2005. Whoever directs Bond 25 will be big news (massive news if it's Nolan). No, something else is going on. Broccoli seems very impatient, so why doesn't she just announce it since she's the big boss?
You believe Wikipedia? And "news broke" can mean many things. I think Mendes' 2010 involvement was this 'consultancy' period Mendes and Craig have spoken of, where Mendes was unofficially involved. But, in Hollywood directors come and go all the time.
It's been more than two years since Spectre was released. EON/Nolan/Warner Brothers have had plenty of time to work out those details.
Nolan and his brother are famous for working on scripts, on and off, for years. They may have been discussing a Bond story since they were teenagers.
Using the book "Some Kind Of Hero" as a reference, there is certainly quite a history of Bond films taking some real twists and turns before scripts, directors, casts, etc are decided upon.
With regards to the powers that be having plenty of time to work out details, I think the big fly in the ointment was whether Craig was returning or not. Whether one is a Craig fan or not, it appears to have been quite a big deal for EON as they just did not seem ready to move on from Craig at this point.
Regarding Nolan and his brother probably having something in mind for Bond for years, I think that is a really spot-on assessment.
Sometimes it's all in the timing: Craig returning, EON reaching out to Nolan, maybe Nolan after doing a film as "heavy" as Dunkirk that is a lifetime acheivement is just ready for something a bit lighter and is ready to scratch his Bond "itch" and put his stamp on the series he so loves and has been such a great influence on him without having to take on the burden of ressurecting the franchise or comitting to multiple films?
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,924Chief of Staff
With regards to the powers that be having plenty of time to work out details, I think theRegarding Nolan and his brother probably having something in mind for Bond for years, I think that is a really spot-on assessment.
Sometimes it's all in the timing: Craig returning, EON reaching out to Nolan, maybe Nolan after doing a film as "heavy" as Dunkirk that is a lifetime acheivement is just ready for something a bit lighter and is ready to scratch his Bond "itch" and put his stamp on the series he so loves and has been such a great influence on him without having to take on the burden of ressurecting the franchise or comitting to multiple films?
I thought the whole idea was that Nolan wanted multiple Bond films in which to ‘tell his story’...and wouldn’t he want to write the script? We know Purvis & Wade have written this one - so wouldn’t that rule Nolan out?
Comments
Why do you believe something, the DC/Mendes split, that originated in the Murdoch tabloid, The Sun?
The only tabloid journo I would trust with Bond news is Baz Bamigboye. The fact that he works for the Daily Mail sticks in my throat, but his stories have always been right.
Lad Bible, what more do you need
I noticed that when DC was on The Tonight Show and he was asked if B25 will be his last his exact words were, "I think so," not 'yes'.
One possibility is that Mendes and DC always planned to do a Blofeld trilogy and why not combine that story line with elements of OHMSS?
The 'slashing wrists' comment has been blown out of all proportion. And I think the studio was very happy with Spectre's $880m gross.
Craig is not publicly committing to B26, IMHO, because, a, he would be giving the trilogy game away, and, b, if B25 doesn't do well financially he can always say that was going to be his last and bow out.
Admittedly this theory doesn't explain the four-year gap, maybe they genuinely did lose a year due to MGM's farce with the Chinese investors?
It's very obvious that something went wrong with Spectre inbetween finishing shooting and the finished product. During his interview with Jonathan Ross done during the last day of shooting he was very upbeat, which didn't carry through during the promotional tour. All supposition but I believe he didn't commit to bond 25 until certain things were confirmed for him whatever they may be.
Interesting theory. But I don't think Mendes is the type to sit on the sidelines as the back up if #1 or #2 can't make it to the game. Mendes is a little too big for that sort of thing. It's not like he owes EON for helping him get his career started.
I don't think it was just Nolan that fueled Craig's return, given that the discussions with Villenueve were real and not just internet and tab fodder. It's more than likely IMO, that Craig has a list of directors that he (and EON) want for Bond 25. My guess is that Nolan and Villenueve are at the top of that list.
I'd posit that if Craig were such a huge fan of Nolan (and vice versa), he'd have turned up in one of his movies by now...?
Could be......but who knows. If Nolan was just interested in doing one Bond film, it might make more sense to do it with Craig. Nolan might actually like Craig as Bond and be interested in finishing up the Craig era with a bang. The notion of not announcing Nolan as director until right after the Academy Awards would be a huge PR coup for EON if Dunkirk wins Best Picture and Nolan Best Director.
I just have a hard time believing that Nolan would come on for just one Bond film unless he's not willing to tie himself up to a franchise like he did with Batman for so many years. It's certainly interesting especially when you tie in Warner Brothers and their connection with Nolan.
However I could kind of see him not wanting to get bogged down with it like Batman which became a bit of a slog. Maybe he is a DC fan and happy to put everything into the one film
My heart says he is too high profile for EON though
FYI.
Casino Royale
Martin Campbell announced February 2005 (DC announced as Bond in October)
30 January 2006 production start
Quantum of Solace
Marc Forster announced 19 June 2007
January 2008 production
Skyfall
Sam Mendes announced 11 January 2011.
November 2011 production start
SPECTRE
Mendes announced 18 months before production, on 11 July 2013 - but he'd been rumoured even long before that.
December 2014 production start
MI6-hq.co.uk has said that Bond movies typically have nine months of pre-production and Star Wars is supposed to have delayed B25's Pinewood Studios pre-production start to March. A March start could still mean a December start for shooting.
https://www.mi6-hq.com/news/tipster-says-bond-25-pre-production-shunted-due-to-star-wars-reshoots-171205
I saw that too. Apparently the conflict is with the Han Solo film. Could EON possibly move some pre-production somewhere else? If we are talking set building, etc I guess that could be problematic unless EON is ok with doing some things to another studio. Of course, the story could just not be totally accurate. Is Pinewood big enough to have some overlap?
News flash, did some 'net fishing and if what I just read on a film site is correct (and we all know if it's on the 'net it must be true) that filming on the Han Solo film has been completed for a June 2018 release. I am sure that there is a ton of post production work to be done (visual effects, editing, etc) so maybe the story has a few holes in it. Oh jeeze, I just looked at the MI6 story again and the source of the story is an anonymous "tipster". IMO, no worries.
From Wikipedia: "On 5 January 2010, news broke that Mendes was employed to direct the 23rd Eon Productions installment of the James Bond franchise."
So Mendes was announced almost two years before production began.
The last directorial announcement to fit your model was Campbell who was not big news because A. He'd already directed a Bond film; and B. Bond, generally, was not as big in 2005. Whoever directs Bond 25 will be big news (massive news if it's Nolan). No, something else is going on. Broccoli seems very impatient, so why doesn't she just announce it since she's the big boss?
- Nolan may be looking to have his production company, Syncopy come on board as a partner
- Even if Nolan were to agree to be hired just as director, how much creative control he would ultimately have could be an area of
negotiation or a non-negotiable
- With Nolan's potential involvement, Warners could be in serious contention as the distribution partner
- Even if by some freak of nature, Purvis and Wade's script is actually very good (remember even a broken clock is right 2 x day)
Nolan is going to want to rewrite or polish it at the least. More than likely, if Nolan wants to do Bond, he probably has something of
his own in mind.
It's been more than two years since Spectre was released. EON/Nolan/Warner Brothers have had plenty of time to work out those details.
Nolan and his brother are famous for working on scripts, on and off, for years. They may have been discussing a Bond story since they were teenagers.
No, you're wrong. I stated that Mendes was "announced" as director.
That happened on 11 January 2011 with MGM's press release.
http://www.slashfilm.com/sam-mendes-officially-directing-daniel-craig-bond-23-release-november-9-2012/
All of the director announcement dates above are the official announcements, not media speculation.
Mendes was rumoured by the media to be a possible director as early as the beginning of 2010.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/jamesbond/6939216/British-director-Sam-Mendes-in-talks-over-next-James-Bond-film.html
You believe Wikipedia? And "news broke" can mean many things. I think Mendes' 2010 involvement was this 'consultancy' period Mendes and Craig have spoken of, where Mendes was unofficially involved. But, in Hollywood directors come and go all the time.
"Mendes, 45, who directed American Beauty and Jarhead, is likely to be in charge of the 23rd film featuring Ian Fleming's secret agent."
Take it any way you want.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/jamesbond/6939216/British-director-Sam-Mendes-in-talks-over-next-James-Bond-film.html
Using the book "Some Kind Of Hero" as a reference, there is certainly quite a history of Bond films taking some real twists and turns before scripts, directors, casts, etc are decided upon.
With regards to the powers that be having plenty of time to work out details, I think the big fly in the ointment was whether Craig was returning or not. Whether one is a Craig fan or not, it appears to have been quite a big deal for EON as they just did not seem ready to move on from Craig at this point.
Regarding Nolan and his brother probably having something in mind for Bond for years, I think that is a really spot-on assessment.
Sometimes it's all in the timing: Craig returning, EON reaching out to Nolan, maybe Nolan after doing a film as "heavy" as Dunkirk that is a lifetime acheivement is just ready for something a bit lighter and is ready to scratch his Bond "itch" and put his stamp on the series he so loves and has been such a great influence on him without having to take on the burden of ressurecting the franchise or comitting to multiple films?
I thought the whole idea was that Nolan wanted multiple Bond films in which to ‘tell his story’...and wouldn’t he want to write the script? We know Purvis & Wade have written this one - so wouldn’t that rule Nolan out?
We all could be wrong