This might be a silly question, but couldn't EON renew or extend the exclusive rights beyond 2034 with the Fleming Estate or is it one of those odd things where it becomes public domain? No matter what, EON would still hold the rights to the James Bond theme, gun barrel logo and other things that are under their own copyright that are unique to the Bond films.
It’s a public domain thing. And then it just becomes litigation over what parts are “EON Bond” and what parts are “Fleming’s Bond.” Which means we could end up in a situation where the rights enter the public domain, but a sea of litigation = no new Bond on screen for years! Who could blame Babs and MGW for wanting to skip out on that?
Question I've been meaning to ask: does anybody know the division of labour between her and her stepbrother, and how Michael's role has changed over the years? we don't seem to talk about him so much.
Just a small point, CP: Michael is Barbara's half-brother, not stepbrother. They have the same mother (Dana Wilson/Broccoli) and different fathers (Michael's father was actor Lewis Wilson, the first film Batman, and of course Barbara's was Cubby).
Michael being almost 20 years older than Barbara he became seriously involved* with the series much earlier, roughly around the time of LALD/TMWTGG. This was at the point when things started to go very wrong for Harry Saltzman, who was soon to be out of the Bond scene. Michael (a trained lawyer doing legal work for Eon) was involved in the intricacies of Saltzman leaving Eon and having a strong relationship with his stepfather became his right-hand man before TSWLM, effectively replacing Harry. Cubby was pushing 60 at the time and having a trusted younger family member to assist him would be an obvious step.
Over the next 20 years or so, Michael's role gradually increased and Barbara was brought in, taking more responsibility as time went on (their credits over time reflect this, both moving from "assistant whatever" up to full producer) and of course the two of them took over on Cubby's passing (in practice slightly earlier, owing to his ill-health).
By now, Michael is in his mid-70s and had heart surgery a while back. It would be natural enough for him to be taking it easier these days, with his own sons now on the team and taking more responsibility as time goes on (as before) while his younger sister does the more active work.
* He had been involved earlier, eg he's an extra in GF, but that was more casual.
Babs and MJW have no real interest in taking Bond anywhere further. And that's been the case for a few years now. Who can blame them, Fleming's rights expire in a few years so anyone can make a Bond film. We are looking at the beginning of the end. I only hope that in this case Churchill's words win true
Here in the USA the rights won't expire until 2034. Be interesting to see if they start to churn out the film's at a faster pace as the expiration date nears.
Actually, Bond is under copyright in the US until January 1, 2049, as in the US copyright is date of publication + 95 years (CR was published in 1953). The copyright extends to any character in the novel, obviously including Bond (Charles Dickens originally litigated this issue). In other countries, the copyright is death of author + 70 years, and in these countries, the copyright expires in 2034 as Fleming passed in 1964. In some countries (Canada!) the copyright period is death of author + 50 years and Bond is already in the public domain there.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in 2034. Will somebody try to make a non-EON Bond film that will be distributed everywhere but the US? How would that work with the Internet? Sherlock Holmes was in the public domain everywhere except the US for a long time but people kept cranking out Holmes movies.
The value of the EON license is declining with every year that goes by but EON seems unconcerned. EON puts a lot of stock in a trademark theory but I think that's a complete nonstarter.
Here's a interesting article about The Case of Sherlock Holmes.
I think I read, not on AJB, that miss Barbara Broccoli was taking time to make the new James Bond film because she was busy with other films? If this is indeed true, would it be better to employ people to do the new James Bond film for her? I really think that the time between every James Bond is now much too long.
I think most of us here agree that the gaps between Bond films is too long these days. That being said, it hasn't always been EON's choice/fault either. Primarily, big blockbuster films take longer to develop, film and promote these days but there is also a history of litigation and MGM's financial problems that have delayed Bond film production. With Bond 25, I have a feeling that getting Daniel Craig to commit tacked a year on to the wait. It's pretty apparent that EON wanted Craig back bad enough that they were willing to be patient and wait him out rather than proceed earlier with a new Bond.
Very interesting. If what Gala Brand says about US copyright protection is correct, then EON (or whoever holds the rights in 2034) may not be able to block a theatrical release outside the US, but could seek an injunction in the United States of any post-release online distribution/internet streaming through services such as Netflix/Amazon Prime/Apple. If you consider the loss of US box office revenue and the lack of post-theatrical-run distribution options in the US, it may be enough to dissuade any serious imitators on the big screen. Small screen efforts then becomes more likely, and I would actually welcome that. In any event, EON has been litigious over the years and if they sell, a major studio like Disney isn’t likely to be any less litigious. I just don’t see 2034 as some threshold year when everyone starts making Bond films.
Primarily, big blockbuster films take longer to develop, film and promote these days
Fair, but this excuse is undercut by the fact that an ENTIRE Star Wars Trilogy, plus two “anthology” films, will have been released between Spectre and Bond 25. That smacks of disinterest by all involved with Bond.
Babs and MJW have no real interest in taking Bond anywhere further. And that's been the case for a few years now. Who can blame them, Fleming's rights expire in a few years so anyone can make a Bond film. We are looking at the beginning of the end. I only hope that in this case Churchill's words win true
I have felt since Spectre that both Babs and MGW probably have had Bond fatigue for a few years now.
Primarily, big blockbuster films take longer to develop, film and promote these days
Fair, but this excuse is undercut by the fact that an ENTIRE Star Wars Trilogy, plus two “anthology” films, will have been released between Spectre and Bond 25. That smacks of disinterest by all involved with Bond.
I think this is actually a good reason to have gaps!!!!!
Rogue One Amazing
Force Awakens - Average
Last Jedi - pants
Fair, but this excuse is undercut by the fact that an ENTIRE Star Wars Trilogy, plus two “anthology” films, will have been released between Spectre and Bond 25. That smacks of disinterest by all involved with Bond.
This is a little disingenuous. Ep VII came out a month after Spectre; it was made concurrently. The same will be true of Ep IX and Bond 25. On that SW timetable, Eon has missed one film.
Both Rogue One and Solo were made by entirely separate production entities - and were plagued by production problems and reshoots, with Solo going back for MORE reshoots this month. I like that the Bond films are actual events, as opposed to benchmarks released to please shareholders.
Question I've been meaning to ask: does anybody know the division of labour between her and her stepbrother, and how Michael's role has changed over the years? we don't seem to talk about him so much.
Just a small point, CP: Michael is Barbara's half-brother, not stepbrother. They have the same mother (Dana Wilson/Broccoli) and different fathers (Michael's father was actor Lewis Wilson, the first film Batman, and of course Barbara's was Cubby).
Michael being almost 20 years older than Barbara he became seriously involved* with the series much earlier, roughly around the time of LALD/TMWTGG. This was at the point when things started to go very wrong for Harry Saltzman, who was soon to be out of the Bond scene. Michael (a trained lawyer doing legal work for Eon) was involved in the intricacies of Saltzman leaving Eon and having a strong relationship with his stepfather became his right-hand man before TSWLM, effectively replacing Harry. Cubby was pushing 60 at the time and having a trusted younger family member to assist him would be an obvious step.
Over the next 20 years or so, Michael's role gradually increased and Barbara was brought in, taking more responsibility as time went on (their credits over time reflect this, both moving from "assistant whatever" up to full producer) and of course the two of them took over on Cubby's passing (in practice slightly earlier, owing to his ill-health).
By now, Michael is in his mid-70s and had heart surgery a while back. It would be natural enough for him to be taking it easier these days, with his own sons now on the team and taking more responsibility as time goes on (as before) while his younger sister does the more active work.
* He had been involved earlier, eg he's an extra in GF, but that was more casual.
thanks Barbel, awesome answer as usual!
I know I've come to think of the LTK/Goldeneye gap as the generational shift, but its not that clear cut.
I know from various interviews etc Michael was very involved during the John Glenn years, and suspect the Brosnan>Craig transition may have been when Barbara became the dominant partner, but I'm still speculating. Certainly they went from a safe approach to a radically different approach at that point.
Anyway I recommend everybody listen to the interview I linked to last page. Some folks here say some bad stuff about the producers, and I know I've been guilty of making rude assumptions too, but the Barbara interview really impressed me with how much she really does care ... seriously, you think we know a geekish amount about these silly movies? she was on that beach scene in Dr No as a toddler!
would it be better to employ people to do the new James Bond film for her?
the suggestion she just subcontract the responsibility doesn't sound really good to me either. Careful what you wish for. Think of these new Star Wars movies, where Lucas is no longer involved, and fans argue about Disney's competence or sincerity, vs the old arguments about Lucas's prequels. I think I'd rather have the proper filmmaker making films I don't understand, than some subcontractor doing films that are overformulaic and poorly plotted.
For another example, I'd rather read Fleming's worst book (and there's a couple that really stray from the concept) rather than a continuation author trying to replicate the formula and getting it wrong.
Actually, Bond is under copyright in the US until January 1, 2049, as in the US copyright is date of publication + 95 years (CR was published in 1953). The copyright extends to any character in the novel, obviously including Bond (Charles Dickens originally litigated this issue). In other countries, the copyright is death of author + 70 years, and in these countries, the copyright expires in 2034 as Fleming passed in 1964. In some countries (Canada!) the copyright period is death of author + 50 years and Bond is already in the public domain there.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in 2034. Will somebody try to make a non-EON Bond film that will be distributed everywhere but the US? How would that work with the Internet? Sherlock Holmes was in the public domain everywhere except the US for a long time but people kept cranking out Holmes movies.
That could result in some weird stuff, couldn't it? A greymarket public domain Bond film could be made, but not legally distributed in the biggest market (maybe 2nd after China). If I was a filmmaker I'd be factoring that limited market into my budget, meaning a PD bond film could be lowbudget indeed.
Would that give the producers incentive to make the films out of Hollywood instead of Pinewood?
I’m on record stating that the gaps don’t really bother me. I was simply making the point that it doesn’t take 3-4 years to film and market a blockbuster film.
I’m on record stating that the gaps don’t really bother me. I was simply making the point that it doesn’t take 3-4 years to film and market a blockbuster film.
Fair enough! I wonder if it's that Bond is Eon's only cash cow, so they tend to step a little more furtively, while Disney is understandably more comfortable operating as a blockbuster machine.
I’m on record stating that the gaps don’t really bother me. I was simply making the point that it doesn’t take 3-4 years to film and market a blockbuster film.
Fair enough! I wonder if it's that Bond is Eon's only cash cow, so they tend to step a little more furtively, while Disney is understandably more comfortable operating as a blockbuster machine.
That’s possible. I think this time it’s also likely that after Spectre’s tulmultuous production (re-writes, Sony hack, Craig’s injury), all of the key players just wanted a break. They basically all said as much at the time. So now they’ve had their time off. What will they give us?
That’s possible. I think this time it’s also likely that after Spectre’s tulmultuous production (re-writes, Sony hack, Craig’s injury), all of the key players just wanted a break. They basically all said as much at the time. So now they’ve had their time off. What will they give us?
Well, that is the $200 million question...........I can't wait to see the answer -{
Question I've been meaning to ask: does anybody know the division of labour between her and her stepbrother, and how Michael's role has changed over the years? we don't seem to talk about him so much.
Just a small point, CP: Michael is Barbara's half-brother, not stepbrother. They have the same mother (Dana Wilson/Broccoli) and different fathers (Michael's father was actor Lewis Wilson, the first film Batman, and of course Barbara's was Cubby).
Michael being almost 20 years older than Barbara he became seriously involved* with the series much earlier, roughly around the time of LALD/TMWTGG. This was at the point when things started to go very wrong for Harry Saltzman, who was soon to be out of the Bond scene. Michael (a trained lawyer doing legal work for Eon) was involved in the intricacies of Saltzman leaving Eon and having a strong relationship with his stepfather became his right-hand man before TSWLM, effectively replacing Harry. Cubby was pushing 60 at the time and having a trusted younger family member to assist him would be an obvious step.
Over the next 20 years or so, Michael's role gradually increased and Barbara was brought in, taking more responsibility as time went on (their credits over time reflect this, both moving from "assistant whatever" up to full producer) and of course the two of them took over on Cubby's passing (in practice slightly earlier, owing to his ill-health).
By now, Michael is in his mid-70s and had heart surgery a while back. It would be natural enough for him to be taking it easier these days, with his own sons now on the team and taking more responsibility as time goes on (as before) while his younger sister does the more active work.
* He had been involved earlier, eg he's an extra in GF, but that was more casual.
thanks Barbel, awesome answer as usual!
I know I've come to think of the LTK/Goldeneye gap as the generational shift, but its not that clear cut.
I know from various interviews etc Michael was very involved during the John Glenn years, and suspect the Brosnan>Craig transition may have been when Barbara became the dominant partner, but I'm still speculating. Certainly they went from a safe approach to a radically different approach at that point.
Anyway I recommend everybody listen to the interview I linked to last page. Some folks here say some bad stuff about the producers, and I know I've been guilty of making rude assumptions too, but the Barbara interview really impressed me with how much she really does care ... seriously, you think we know a geekish amount about these silly movies? she was on that beach scene in Dr No as a toddler!
would it be better to employ people to do the new James Bond film for her?
the suggestion she just subcontract the responsibility doesn't sound really good to me either. Careful what you wish for. Think of these new Star Wars movies, where Lucas is no longer involved, and fans argue about Disney's competence or sincerity, vs the old arguments about Lucas's prequels. I think I'd rather have the proper filmmaker making films I don't understand, than some subcontractor doing films that are overformulaic and poorly plotted.
For another example, I'd rather read Fleming's worst book (and there's a couple that really stray from the concept) rather than a continuation author trying to replicate the formula and getting it wrong.
Actually, Bond is under copyright in the US until January 1, 2049, as in the US copyright is date of publication + 95 years (CR was published in 1953). The copyright extends to any character in the novel, obviously including Bond (Charles Dickens originally litigated this issue). In other countries, the copyright is death of author + 70 years, and in these countries, the copyright expires in 2034 as Fleming passed in 1964. In some countries (Canada!) the copyright period is death of author + 50 years and Bond is already in the public domain there.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in 2034. Will somebody try to make a non-EON Bond film that will be distributed everywhere but the US? How would that work with the Internet? Sherlock Holmes was in the public domain everywhere except the US for a long time but people kept cranking out Holmes movies.
That could result in some weird stuff, couldn't it? A greymarket public domain Bond film could be made, but not legally distributed in the biggest market (maybe 2nd after China). If I was a filmmaker I'd be factoring that limited market into my budget, meaning a PD bond film could be lowbudget indeed.
Would that give the producers incentive to make the films out of Hollywood instead of Pinewood?
Bond is already in the public domain in China as it's a date of publication + 50 years jurisdiction. There are a number of countries where Bond is already in the public domain, including Japan. I'm sort of surprised that nobody's tried making a non-licensed Bond TV show in Japan, or at a graphic novel.
Bond is already in the public domain in China as it's a date of publication + 50 years jurisdiction. There are a number of countries where Bond is already in the public domain, including Japan. I'm sort of surprised that nobody's tried making a non-licensed Bond TV show in Japan, or at a graphic novel.
EON and MGM would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone even attempting to make a Bond film, whether they were producing it in a country where it was in the public domain or not. Hypothetically, EON / MGM could tie up the producers in court or at least put them in a serious financial bind just with the potential legal fees. Another issue is , because of the aforementioned potential legal/financial mess, it would probably be hard for anyone to get financial backing for a non-EON Bond film. McClory was able to pull it off, but it took years and he had Connery which made a huge difference to investors. After 2034 could very well be a different story.
I would't call the Chinese economy today communist. It's a brutal capitalist economy ruled over by dictators from the communist party. And yes, they bootleg and copy everything )
I would't call the Chinese economy today communist. It's a brutal capitalist economy ruled over by dictators from the communist party. And yes, they bootleg and copy everything )
Ironically, in the some of these same Chinese factories where bootlegs are made they are also producing goods for actual companies in the US and elsewhere.
If James Bond is in the Public Domain in China I could see someone possibly attempting to produce a totally CGI version of Bond. If they made Bond a bit too closely in the image of Connery I think they would have more to fear from Connery and his lawyers than EON ) -{
Just to bring this Post back to the topic of Bond25, I have been thinking about what we can expect to hear about and when.
I google news searched (and this website) for when were the earliest reports, leaks or official announcements, for Bond24/Spectre during 2014 to try to see what might be known when this year.
I was surprised that things like, locations, were rumoured or reported/announced much later than I thought. I have also been searching 2013 and it's just rumours and very general chit chat about what Bond24 will be like by DC et al. So, now, I am not surprised we heard so little in 2017.
Anyway, I don't expect history to repeat itself, but below, for better or worse, is broadly what happened and when in the run up to filming starting on Spectre.
2014
8 Jan - EON production member suggests Norway could be of interest.
19 Jan - Logan talks script
18 Feb - Roger Deakins says won't do Bond24.
27 Feb - Fiennes says filming begins October.
5 March - John Logan talks script.
9 March - Adele rumour.
Early April - casting rumours, villain, Bond girl.
Mid-May - Bond girl casting rumours
27 June - script rewrite rumours
23 July - MI6-hq.co.uk reports stuntman's social media that month reveals Morocco, Rome and Austria as possible locations.
1 August - script rewrite rumour
2 August - Norwegan media report Norway dropped as location
2 August - MI6-hq.co.uk reports script is finished.
7 August - Sam Smith reported for theme
8 August - Lea Seydoux rumour
21 August - MI6-hq.co.uk reports Austria to be location.
24 August - Henchmen casting call reported
Sept - Rhianna rumours
15 Sept - filming start announced in media. Locations confirmed in news reports.
17 Sept - cinematographer reported
25 Sept - MI6-hq.co.uk reports Morocco to be location.
Having said that about 2013, yes, Sam Mendes was announced as director in 2013... And other directors, including Nolan, were rumoured to be possible candidates.
Since so much was lenker about SPECTRE, including the script, I suspect they keep their cards close to than ever before. That said, I'm hoping to learn who'll direct in January or February.
I'm guessing that Barbara Broccoli is busy promoting Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool. The film opened in very limited release in late December in the US (to qualify for Oscar consideration) and is scheduled for broader release sometime this month. So until that's in the rearview mirror I would think there would be no chance of any Bond news. The film has opened to mixed reviews in the US but Annette Bening's performance has won raves and is being touted as a Best Actress nominee.
I'm guessing that Barbara Broccoli is busy promoting Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool. The film opened in very limited release in late December in the US (to qualify for Oscar consideration) and is scheduled for broader release sometime this month. So until that's in the rearview mirror I would think there would be no chance of any Bond news. The film has opened to mixed reviews in the US but Annette Bening's performance has won raves and is being touted as a Best Actress nominee.
Presumably, they are also concentrating on 'Nancy', another film executive produced my BB and MGW, which is currently in competition at Sundance.
there's a review of Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool in todays Globe and Mail, mostly focussing on Annette Bening's performance https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/film-reviews/review-hollywood-should-pay-attention-to-annette-bening-in-film-stars-dont-die-in-liverpool/article37729935/
if I was Broccoli, I wouldn't start talking about the next Bond film while promoting this. It seems like a serious, probably quite personal project that she would want appreciated on its own merits. The minute somebody asks about her better known mainstream action franchise, that's all anybody will talk about, and the serious new art-film will get brushed aside.
Bening was unfortunately snubbed by the Oscars despite a performance that most critics considered Oscar worthy.
With Barbara Broccoli independently and with EON looking to make smaller, less commercial films between Bonds, I wonder if we will see a film adaptation of the play A Steady Rain which starred Craig and Hugh Jackman.
With Barbara Broccoli independently and with EON looking to make smaller, less commercial films between Bonds, I wonder if we will see a film adaptation of the play A Steady Rain which starred Craig and Hugh Jackman.
That would be fantastic to see. Would hope the two would be happy to come back to their roles for a film.
Comments
It’s a public domain thing. And then it just becomes litigation over what parts are “EON Bond” and what parts are “Fleming’s Bond.” Which means we could end up in a situation where the rights enter the public domain, but a sea of litigation = no new Bond on screen for years! Who could blame Babs and MGW for wanting to skip out on that?
Just a small point, CP: Michael is Barbara's half-brother, not stepbrother. They have the same mother (Dana Wilson/Broccoli) and different fathers (Michael's father was actor Lewis Wilson, the first film Batman, and of course Barbara's was Cubby).
Michael being almost 20 years older than Barbara he became seriously involved* with the series much earlier, roughly around the time of LALD/TMWTGG. This was at the point when things started to go very wrong for Harry Saltzman, who was soon to be out of the Bond scene. Michael (a trained lawyer doing legal work for Eon) was involved in the intricacies of Saltzman leaving Eon and having a strong relationship with his stepfather became his right-hand man before TSWLM, effectively replacing Harry. Cubby was pushing 60 at the time and having a trusted younger family member to assist him would be an obvious step.
Over the next 20 years or so, Michael's role gradually increased and Barbara was brought in, taking more responsibility as time went on (their credits over time reflect this, both moving from "assistant whatever" up to full producer) and of course the two of them took over on Cubby's passing (in practice slightly earlier, owing to his ill-health).
By now, Michael is in his mid-70s and had heart surgery a while back. It would be natural enough for him to be taking it easier these days, with his own sons now on the team and taking more responsibility as time goes on (as before) while his younger sister does the more active work.
* He had been involved earlier, eg he's an extra in GF, but that was more casual.
Actually, Bond is under copyright in the US until January 1, 2049, as in the US copyright is date of publication + 95 years (CR was published in 1953). The copyright extends to any character in the novel, obviously including Bond (Charles Dickens originally litigated this issue). In other countries, the copyright is death of author + 70 years, and in these countries, the copyright expires in 2034 as Fleming passed in 1964. In some countries (Canada!) the copyright period is death of author + 50 years and Bond is already in the public domain there.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in 2034. Will somebody try to make a non-EON Bond film that will be distributed everywhere but the US? How would that work with the Internet? Sherlock Holmes was in the public domain everywhere except the US for a long time but people kept cranking out Holmes movies.
The value of the EON license is declining with every year that goes by but EON seems unconcerned. EON puts a lot of stock in a trademark theory but I think that's a complete nonstarter.
Here's a interesting article about The Case of Sherlock Holmes.
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150524/17521431095/sherlock-holmes-case-never-ending-copyright-dispute.shtml
I think I read, not on AJB, that miss Barbara Broccoli was taking time to make the new James Bond film because she was busy with other films? If this is indeed true, would it be better to employ people to do the new James Bond film for her? I really think that the time between every James Bond is now much too long.
Fair, but this excuse is undercut by the fact that an ENTIRE Star Wars Trilogy, plus two “anthology” films, will have been released between Spectre and Bond 25. That smacks of disinterest by all involved with Bond.
I think this is actually a good reason to have gaps!!!!!
Rogue One Amazing
Force Awakens - Average
Last Jedi - pants
This is a little disingenuous. Ep VII came out a month after Spectre; it was made concurrently. The same will be true of Ep IX and Bond 25. On that SW timetable, Eon has missed one film.
Both Rogue One and Solo were made by entirely separate production entities - and were plagued by production problems and reshoots, with Solo going back for MORE reshoots this month. I like that the Bond films are actual events, as opposed to benchmarks released to please shareholders.
I know I've come to think of the LTK/Goldeneye gap as the generational shift, but its not that clear cut.
I know from various interviews etc Michael was very involved during the John Glenn years, and suspect the Brosnan>Craig transition may have been when Barbara became the dominant partner, but I'm still speculating. Certainly they went from a safe approach to a radically different approach at that point.
Anyway I recommend everybody listen to the interview I linked to last page. Some folks here say some bad stuff about the producers, and I know I've been guilty of making rude assumptions too, but the Barbara interview really impressed me with how much she really does care ... seriously, you think we know a geekish amount about these silly movies? she was on that beach scene in Dr No as a toddler! the suggestion she just subcontract the responsibility doesn't sound really good to me either. Careful what you wish for. Think of these new Star Wars movies, where Lucas is no longer involved, and fans argue about Disney's competence or sincerity, vs the old arguments about Lucas's prequels. I think I'd rather have the proper filmmaker making films I don't understand, than some subcontractor doing films that are overformulaic and poorly plotted.
For another example, I'd rather read Fleming's worst book (and there's a couple that really stray from the concept) rather than a continuation author trying to replicate the formula and getting it wrong.
That could result in some weird stuff, couldn't it? A greymarket public domain Bond film could be made, but not legally distributed in the biggest market (maybe 2nd after China). If I was a filmmaker I'd be factoring that limited market into my budget, meaning a PD bond film could be lowbudget indeed.
Would that give the producers incentive to make the films out of Hollywood instead of Pinewood?
Fair enough! I wonder if it's that Bond is Eon's only cash cow, so they tend to step a little more furtively, while Disney is understandably more comfortable operating as a blockbuster machine.
That’s possible. I think this time it’s also likely that after Spectre’s tulmultuous production (re-writes, Sony hack, Craig’s injury), all of the key players just wanted a break. They basically all said as much at the time. So now they’ve had their time off. What will they give us?
Well, that is the $200 million question...........I can't wait to see the answer -{
Bond is already in the public domain in China as it's a date of publication + 50 years jurisdiction. There are a number of countries where Bond is already in the public domain, including Japan. I'm sort of surprised that nobody's tried making a non-licensed Bond TV show in Japan, or at a graphic novel.
EON and MGM would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone even attempting to make a Bond film, whether they were producing it in a country where it was in the public domain or not. Hypothetically, EON / MGM could tie up the producers in court or at least put them in a serious financial bind just with the potential legal fees. Another issue is , because of the aforementioned potential legal/financial mess, it would probably be hard for anyone to get financial backing for a non-EON Bond film. McClory was able to pull it off, but it took years and he had Connery which made a huge difference to investors. After 2034 could very well be a different story.
Ironically, in the some of these same Chinese factories where bootlegs are made they are also producing goods for actual companies in the US and elsewhere.
If James Bond is in the Public Domain in China I could see someone possibly attempting to produce a totally CGI version of Bond. If they made Bond a bit too closely in the image of Connery I think they would have more to fear from Connery and his lawyers than EON
I google news searched (and this website) for when were the earliest reports, leaks or official announcements, for Bond24/Spectre during 2014 to try to see what might be known when this year.
I was surprised that things like, locations, were rumoured or reported/announced much later than I thought. I have also been searching 2013 and it's just rumours and very general chit chat about what Bond24 will be like by DC et al. So, now, I am not surprised we heard so little in 2017.
Anyway, I don't expect history to repeat itself, but below, for better or worse, is broadly what happened and when in the run up to filming starting on Spectre.
2014
8 Jan - EON production member suggests Norway could be of interest.
19 Jan - Logan talks script
18 Feb - Roger Deakins says won't do Bond24.
27 Feb - Fiennes says filming begins October.
5 March - John Logan talks script.
9 March - Adele rumour.
Early April - casting rumours, villain, Bond girl.
Mid-May - Bond girl casting rumours
27 June - script rewrite rumours
23 July - MI6-hq.co.uk reports stuntman's social media that month reveals Morocco, Rome and Austria as possible locations.
1 August - script rewrite rumour
2 August - Norwegan media report Norway dropped as location
2 August - MI6-hq.co.uk reports script is finished.
7 August - Sam Smith reported for theme
8 August - Lea Seydoux rumour
21 August - MI6-hq.co.uk reports Austria to be location.
24 August - Henchmen casting call reported
Sept - Rhianna rumours
15 Sept - filming start announced in media. Locations confirmed in news reports.
17 Sept - cinematographer reported
25 Sept - MI6-hq.co.uk reports Morocco to be location.
1 Oct - Rhianna song rumour
10 Oct - Lea Seydoux announced/leak
14 Oct - Dave Batista announced/leak
5 Nov - script polishing rumour
14 Nov - Waltz cast rumour
24 Nov - Rome filming reported
2 Dec - Andrew Scott/Denbigh rumour
4 Dec - press conference title/cast reveal
Then, we'll see...
Presumably, they are also concentrating on 'Nancy', another film executive produced my BB and MGW, which is currently in competition at Sundance.
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if I was Broccoli, I wouldn't start talking about the next Bond film while promoting this. It seems like a serious, probably quite personal project that she would want appreciated on its own merits. The minute somebody asks about her better known mainstream action franchise, that's all anybody will talk about, and the serious new art-film will get brushed aside.
With Barbara Broccoli independently and with EON looking to make smaller, less commercial films between Bonds, I wonder if we will see a film adaptation of the play A Steady Rain which starred Craig and Hugh Jackman.
That would be fantastic to see. Would hope the two would be happy to come back to their roles for a film.