Bond 25 SPOILER news

SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
MI6-hq.co.uk has posted details from a Bond 25 casting call sheet.

https://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/bond-25-casting-call?id=04406

Don't look/scroll down and leave this topic thread if you don't want to know...

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Male Leading Role
Playing age: 30’s - 60’s
Russian. (Also open to suggestions of actors from the Balkans or similar) Must speak fluent English.
Characteristics: Charismatic, Powerful, Innovative, Cosmopolitan, Bright, Cold and Vindictive.

Female Leading Role
Playing age: 30 - 45
Russian. (Also open to suggestions of actresses from the Balkans or similar) Must speak fluent English.
Very Striking. Strong Physical / fighting / stage combat skills required.
Characteristics: Intelligent, brave, fierce and charming. She's witty and skillful. A survivor.

Male Supporting Role
Playing age: 35 - 55
Maori.
Advanced physical / fighting / stage combat skills required.
Characteristics: Authoritative, cunning, ruthless & loyal.
«13456798

Comments

  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 22,427MI6 Agent
    Good. I find it a little odd that "Balkan or simular" is mentioned both the Russian man and woman. Most Russians are Slavs and many people from Bulgaria andthe former Yugoslavia have some Slav blood, that's true. But Ukrainans, Poles and the former Checkoslovakia are perhaps more typical Slav areas.

    I also wonder what type the Russians will play. Officials, oligarcs, inteligence officers, criminals or something else? I hope the plot doesn't revolver around the current political climate. They managed to to avoid that during the cold war and they should avoid it this time too.
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    Could the Maori be Dwayne Johnson?
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    Number24 wrote:
    Good. I find it a little odd that "Balkan or simular" is mentioned both the Russian man and woman.

    I've previously speculated that Zeljko Ivanek, a Slovenian actor who is in 3 Billboards, or Czech actor Vladimir Kulich could be candidates for Blofeld. They'd be ethnically sufficient for the Russian man.
  • Arbogast 777Arbogast 777 Minneapolis Posts: 595MI6 Agent
    Really hoping they bring back SMERSH
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    Female Leading Role
    Playing age: 30 - 45
    Russian. (Also open to suggestions of actresses from the Balkans or similar) Must speak fluent English.
    Very Striking. Strong Physical / fighting / stage combat skills required.
    Characteristics: Intelligent, brave, fierce and charming. She's witty and skillful. A survivor.

    Yekaterina Rednikova is the right age, is Russian.
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0715104/?ref_=tt_cl_t2

    And she co-starred in the film Archangel with Daniel Craig.
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426911/?ref_=nm_knf_t3
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 22,427MI6 Agent
    I wonder if Moscow and/or other parts of Russia's interior will be locations? I'd love to see Moscow's beautiful Metro in a Bond movie.
    The Maori henchman also makes me wonder if New Zealand will be a location. If it is this will pretty much rule out Norway as a location this time since very few places look more like Norway or the other way round.

    Someone, can you be kind enough to post photos and imdb profiles of the actors you suggested?
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 22,427MI6 Agent
    Really hoping they bring back SMERSH

    SMERSH was actually an organisation to find and stop German infiltration of the Soviet military during WWII. Fleming obviously made a fictitious version. I don't think they should bring SMERSH back as a part of the Russian state apparatus (or the "organs" as the intelligence services were often called), but it could work if the villain starts an organisation inspired by the real SMERSH from Stalin's time.
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 22,427MI6 Agent
    A villain and Bond girl with connection to the Balkans fits very well with the reports about Dubrovnik (Croatia) as a location.
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 38,083Chief of Staff
    Number24 wrote:
    Really hoping they bring back SMERSH

    SMERSH was actually an organisation to find and stop German infiltration of the Soviet military during WWII. Fleming obviously made a fictitious version. I don't think they should bring SMERSH back as a part of the Russian state apparatus (or the "organs" as the intelligence services were often called), but it could work if the villain starts an organisation inspired by the real SMERSH from Stalin's time.

    Pushkin in TLD: That was a Beria operation in Stalin's time. It was deactivated 20 years ago. (More like 40 at the time)
  • JTMJTM Posts: 3,027MI6 Agent
    Someone wrote:
    Could the Maori be Dwayne Johnson?

    Don’t think there’s any chance one of the highest paid and well known actors in Hollywood right now would do a supporting role of what I’m assuming will be a henchman/bodyguard. Also he’s Samoan, not Maori — they’re both Polynesians, but different groupings.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,616MI6 Agent
    Number24 wrote:
    The Maori henchman also makes me wonder if New Zealand will be a location. If it is this will pretty much rule out Norway as a location this time since very few places look more like Norway or the other way round.

    I think this does mean New Zealand will be a location. It's about time Bond visited that part of the world.
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • Arbogast 777Arbogast 777 Minneapolis Posts: 595MI6 Agent
    Number24 wrote:
    I don't think they should bring SMERSH back as a part of the Russian state apparatus (or the "organs" as the intelligence services were often called), but  it could work if the villain starts an organisation inspired by the real SMERSH from Stalin's time.

    SMERSH is such a part of Bond lore, though - I just don’t see the point in coming up with a similar organization but leave the name on the table. Connery mentions it in FRWL and it was danced around in TLD. Craig’s Bond has been ticking the boxes of all the old Bond tropes, I say as as a new Cold War seems to be emerging, let’s introduce it for future stories...
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,767MI6 Agent
    Someone wrote:
    Number24 wrote:
    Good. I find it a little odd that "Balkan or simular" is mentioned both the Russian man and woman.

    I've previously speculated that Zeljko Ivanek, a Slovenian actor who is in 3 Billboards, or Czech actor Vladimir Kulich could be candidates for Blofeld. They'd be ethnically sufficient for the Russian man.

    Zeljko Ivanek has played villains, FBI/CIA Agents and such in many films. He was born in Slovenia but moved to the USA when he was three so he's probably much more American than Slovenian. That being said, while I don't necessarily imagine him as Blofeld, I'm sure he could do a great job as an Eastern European / Slavic villain or even a CIA or FBI Agent in a Bond film. How about this: he could play a Russian Agent posing as an American (CIA or FBI?) or an American Agent infiltrating the Russians posing as a Russian/ Eastern European? He's another actor that could fit in a lot of different roles in a Bond film.
  • Miles MesservyMiles Messervy Posts: 1,774MI6 Agent
    Number24 wrote:
    I don't think they should bring SMERSH back as a part of the Russian state apparatus (or the "organs" as the intelligence services were often called), but  it could work if the villain starts an organisation inspired by the real SMERSH from Stalin's time.

    SMERSH is such a part of Bond lore, though - I just don’t see the point in coming up with a similar organization but leave the name on the table. Connery mentions it in FRWL and it was danced around in TLD. Craig’s Bond has been ticking the boxes of all the old Bond tropes, I say as as a new Cold War seems to be emerging, let’s introduce it for future stories...

    I’m hoping they don’t try to tick off boxes, and rather focus on making a great film. SMERSH was a an apparatus of the Russian government. I doubt they’d be that overtly political, especially in the current climate.
  • JTMJTM Posts: 3,027MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    Number24 wrote:
    The Maori henchman also makes me wonder if New Zealand will be a location. If it is this will pretty much rule out Norway as a location this time since very few places look more like Norway or the other way round.

    I think this does mean New Zealand will be a location. It's about time Bond visited that part of the world.

    I hope this is the case, it’s an absolutely stunning part of the world! MI: Fallout filmed a scene or two in a very beautiful area of NZ and I would love to see more of the country in some big budget films.
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    Someone wrote:
    Number24 wrote:
    Good. I find it a little odd that "Balkan or simular" is mentioned both the Russian man and woman.

    I've previously speculated that Zeljko Ivanek, a Slovenian actor who is in 3 Billboards, or Czech actor Vladimir Kulich could be candidates for Blofeld. They'd be ethnically sufficient for the Russian man.

    Zeljko Ivanek has played villains, FBI/CIA Agents and such in many films. He was born in Slovenia but moved to the USA when he was three so he's probably much more American than Slovenian. That being said, while I don't necessarily imagine him as Blofeld, I'm sure he could do a great job as an Eastern European / Slavic villain or even a CIA or FBI Agent in a Bond film. How about this: he could play a Russian Agent posing as an American (CIA or FBI?) or an American Agent infiltrating the Russians posing as a Russian/ Eastern European? He's another actor that could fit in a lot of different roles in a Bond film.

    With IMDB name search you can find a number of Russian born actors that fit that age profile of up to 60s and have made US movies recently. Vladimir Friedman is one. He was in 2017's American Assassin.
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0295393/

    BTW Mark Strong fits that age profile... While Benedict Cumberbatch doesn't. LOL
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    Here's the MI6-hq.co.uk 2014 story about the casting call for SPECTRE's villain Hinx.
    https://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/bond-24-report-20140822-henchman-casting
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    Number24 wrote:
    I wonder if Moscow and/or other parts of Russia's interior will be locations? I'd love to see Moscow's beautiful Metro in a Bond movie.
    The Maori henchman also makes me wonder if New Zealand will be a location. If it is this will pretty much rule out Norway as a location this time since very few places look more like Norway or the other way round.

    Someone, can you be kind enough to post photos and imdb profiles of the actors you suggested?

    Photos are a bit complicated, I'm happy to post links to the IMDB profiles.

    Vladimir Kulich
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0474520/

    Zeljko Ivanek
    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0411964/

    I'm wondering if the Maori is actually an ally of Bond. How does a Maori get mixed up with the Russian renegade generals/FSB/mafia plots? Is the Maori character like Licence to Kill's Sharkey, or will the Maori character only appear in the pre-title action sequence?

    I'm also wondering, does "leading" actually mean the main villain? Could this Russian guy be another Necros (The Living Daylights), though the age range being up to the 60s would probably preclude that.

    Equally the Russian woman could be a disposable Bond girl, a "survivor" who is another Solange (Casino Royale) and ends up dead.
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 22,427MI6 Agent
    edited July 2018
    Thanks. Both seem to be good candidates. I hope they find two of the best actors from Eastern European countries and cast them. Bond movies can attract people who are movie stars in their homeland, but are unknown to international audiences. That's better than casting an actor like Mark Strong to play the villain when everyone has seen him playing a villain before.
    MI:Fallout did the right thing. They cast an international star who usually plays true blue heroes as the main villain. In a smaller villain role they cast Kristoffer Joner, an excellent actor who is a star in Norway but is largely unknown in other countries. .

    These casting calls don't prove the rumours of an female American villan and a young British "understudy" Bond girl are wrong. But of course the rumors can be wrong.
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    Number24 wrote:
    These casting calls don't prove the rumours of an female American villan and a young British "understudy" Bond girl are wrong. But of course the rumors can be wrong.

    I agree it's a partial view of the final cast. You could swop the Russian man and woman for Dimitrios and Solange in CR and you still have Le Chiffre and Mr White.

    I could easily believe that Danny Boyle would like to put Bond in Australia or New Zealand for the PTS and have it unrelated to the main story, as has been the case for many of the Bond films.

    The Neal Callow comments about Rachel Weisz being perfect for the Bond25 Bond-girl role also puts another spin on the cast mystery.
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 22,427MI6 Agent
    We haven't seen a PTS unrelated to the main plot in very many years and I see no signs Bond25 will change that.
  • walther p99walther p99 NJPosts: 3,416MI6 Agent
    JTM wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    Number24 wrote:
    The Maori henchman also makes me wonder if New Zealand will be a location. If it is this will pretty much rule out Norway as a location this time since very few places look more like Norway or the other way round.

    I think this does mean New Zealand will be a location. It's about time Bond visited that part of the world.

    I hope this is the case, it’s an absolutely stunning part of the world! MI: Fallout filmed a scene or two in a very beautiful area of NZ and I would love to see more of the country in some big budget films.
    Didn't Spectre and Rogue Nation share some similar locations?
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,767MI6 Agent
    Gymkata wrote:
    Maori Henchman = Manu Bennett. He'd be perfect. He was Crixus on SPARTACUS (STARZ network) and has great stage fighting skills as well as a pretty commanding presence. I think he is/was on the TV show ARROW as well as a recurring character.

    EON could mine enough henchmen and villains from SPARTCUS (STARZ Network) for the next five Bond films.
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    Gymkata wrote:
    Maori Henchman = Manu Bennett. He'd be perfect. He was Crixus on SPARTACUS (STARZ network) and has great stage fighting skills as well as a pretty commanding presence. I think he is/was on the TV show ARROW as well as a recurring character.

    He could be good! IMDB profile link below.

    https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0071847/
  • Arbogast 777Arbogast 777 Minneapolis Posts: 595MI6 Agent
    You know who would be interesting for a Russian villain?

    Mads Mikkelsen’s brother...


    6_F81_B4_BA-5322-4_DD7-93_D0-73232_C00_A7_C4.jpg
  • UnderwaterBattle007UnderwaterBattle007 Posts: 284MI6 Agent
    Someone wrote:
    Could the Maori be Dwayne Johnson?

    Well his Grand Dad was in YOLT!! So maybe?
    FRWl, CR, OHMSS, TSWLM, SF, GF, TLD, LTK, TND, FYEO, OP,TWINE, GE, LALD, TB, SPECTRE, DN, YOLT, TMWTGG, QOS, MR, DAF, DAD, AVTAK, NTTD.

    "Do you expect me to talk? "No Mister Bond I expect you to die"
  • Arbogast 777Arbogast 777 Minneapolis Posts: 595MI6 Agent
    Chris Corbould: “It’s very exciting. I’m not going to talk about it but I can’t remember being so excited about going on to a Bond. It’s going to be very, very special... Think the Olympics.”

    https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/990171/James-Bond-25-Special-effects-supervisor-Chris-Corbould-Danny-Boyle-Daniel-Craig
  • TennysonTennyson A View to a KillPosts: 606MI6 Agent
    JTM wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    Number24 wrote:
    The Maori henchman also makes me wonder if New Zealand will be a location. If it is this will pretty much rule out Norway as a location this time since very few places look more like Norway or the other way round.

    I think this does mean New Zealand will be a location. It's about time Bond visited that part of the world.

    I hope this is the case, it’s an absolutely stunning part of the world! MI: Fallout filmed a scene or two in a very beautiful area of NZ and I would love to see more of the country in some big budget films.

    I bloody hope so thats where I live, and i would happily show the cast and crew around!!

    As for Maori actors, although there are a lot, there only 3 that spring to mind that well known around the world now, thats Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2, too young though), and Clif Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead, Once Were Warriors - not a broad man a-la Hinx or Odd-job, but could pull off a decent character) or Maniu Bennett as mentioned above.. Manu has the shape, but the kiwi's might get a bit precious as he's half aussie, and thats a bit insulting to them (Sorry JTM!)
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    People have jumped on the bandwagon and assumed that this leading Russian role is a villain, but the Russian state has never directly been the bad guy. Yes, the Russian leading man description says vindicative, but is the Russian man General Gogol?

    FRWL had Colonel Rosa Klebb 'defecting' to SPECTRE. In TSWLM, Bond works with the Russians. In FYEO the Russians are simply customers to smugglers trying to sell ATAC. Goldeneye and TWINE had Russian mafia boss Zukovsky who wasn't an outright enemy of Bond. Goldeneye had a corrupt Russian general, so did Living Daylights and Octopussy. In TND, MI6 is working with the Russians in the PTS.

    I think Russian characters also mean the locations are more likely to be Europe and specifically Eastern Europe, maybe North Africa/Turkey. If you think about the locations for FRWL (Turkey/Balkans/Italy), TSWLM (Mediterrenean/Egypt), FYEO (Greece, Italy, Albania), Octopussy (Germany), Living Daylights (Slovakia/Austria/Tangiers), Goldeneye (France/Russia), it would make sense.
  • SomeoneSomeone Posts: 1,607MI6 Agent
    Chris Corbould: “It’s very exciting. I’m not going to talk about it but I can’t remember being so excited about going on to a Bond. It’s going to be very, very special... Think the Olympics.”

    https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/990171/James-Bond-25-Special-effects-supervisor-Chris-Corbould-Danny-Boyle-Daniel-Craig

    I hope this doesn't mean a Royal angle to Bond25. Bond saving the fourth cousin to the Queen or something. It might go down well in the USA, but people would cringe in the UK. Bond meets The Crown?
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