David hedison as leiter in licence to kill

Denzil2222 · December 2010

What were Eon thinking casting David hedison as leiter in licence to kill? He was way too old for the part at about 65 years old at the time.

DEFIANT 74205 · December 2010

He was the perfect Leiter, in my view. A tad old, perhaps, but he didn't look it, and I think he played his part best of all the Leiters.

thesecretagent · December 2010

I thought he was ok too. As Leiter he was second only to Jack Lord - IMO.

mrbain007 · December 2010

I thought he was a good Leiter aswell. Its usually him that comes into my head when I think of the character.

Ricardo C. · December 2010

It was certainly a stronger appearance than Live and Let Die but I didn't find him as much of Leiter. Jack Lord will always reign supreme, IMO.

Loeffelholz · December 2010

I enjoyed seeing a familiar face from the past as Leiter. I've been a Hedison fan since TV's camp classic Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea B-)

7289 · December 2010

The way EON has used the charecter in the past, Leiter is a thankless role. Hedison was a welcome addition to LTK, and as effective in the role as anyone could be.

Jack Lord certainly made a mark, and it would have been good to see him back in Goldfinger, but his ego demanded more than EON was willing to give.

Loeffelholz · December 2010

Looks like that might be changing with Jeffrey Wright...they've taken their time over the last two films, but I think Leiter might get more to do, like in the books. Hope so, anyway!

Ricardo C. · December 2010

Jeffrey Wright has been...okay. He's been given some decent dialogue but he leaves no impression.

In Flemings books, Leiter isn't just Bond's American counterpart. He represents America and in a friendly manner he butts heads with James about cars and food. I finally want to see this kind of relationship between the two on film. I think Wright is up for the job if EON would give him a chance.

Loeffelholz · December 2010

Ricardo C. wrote:

Jeffrey Wright has been...okay. He's been given some decent dialogue but he leaves no impression.

In Flemings books, Leiter isn't just Bond's American counterpart. He represents America and in a friendly manner he butts heads with James about cars and food. I finally want to see this kind of relationship between the two on film. I think Wright is up for the job if EON would give him a chance.

He made an impression on me, at any rate---competent and guarded in both his outings thus far. The scene in QoS where Bond and Leiter briefly spar over US/Brit geopolitics was well-written. For me, Leiter has been one of many highpoints in the reboot.

I hope they do something with him, especially if the franchise does take a turn for the more 'traditional.' The foundation's there now...and the fact that Wright has publicly talked about the status of #23 tells me that he' s still 'in the loop.'

Hardyboy · December 2010

My problem with Wright's Leiter is that he's too gruff and cynical. Leiter in the books is always humorous and friendly, sort of the opposite of Bond. Sheesh, they should at least let Wright smile!

Loeffelholz · December 2010

Hardyboy wrote:

My problem with Wright's Leiter is that he's too gruff and cynical. Leiter in the books is always humorous and friendly, sort of the opposite of Bond. Sheesh, they should at least let Wright smile!

I think you're right, Hardy---and that will be an important point if they go more traditional in the next one. Bond and Leiter need to have a laugh together!

thesecretagent · December 2010

I like the way they've written for Wright. Here's to a slightly more traditional Bond, and slightly less cynical Leiter for Bond 23. -{

Ricardo C. · December 2010

Loeffelholz wrote:

Ricardo C. wrote:

Jeffrey Wright has been...okay. He's been given some decent dialogue but he leaves no impression.

In Flemings books, Leiter isn't just Bond's American counterpart. He represents America and in a friendly manner he butts heads with James about cars and food. I finally want to see this kind of relationship between the two on film. I think Wright is up for the job if EON would give him a chance.

He made an impression on me, at any rate---competent and guarded in both his outings thus far. The scene in QoS where Bond and Leiter briefly spar over US/Brit geopolitics was well-written. For me, Leiter has been one of many highpoints in the reboot.

I hope they do something with him, especially if the franchise does take a turn for the more 'traditional.' The foundation's there now...and the fact that Wright has publicly talked
about the status of #23 tells me that he' s still 'in the loop.'

In QOS, I found him even less interesting because he was surprisingly ignorant and for that matter, so was M. The US and British geopolitical talk was really just uninteresting small talk (just like a majorty of the conversations in the picture) and it was already too much in a film that was way too concerned about politics.

I also agree with Hardy, let the man lighten up a bit.

Loeffelholz · December 2010

Ricardo C. wrote:

In QOS, I found him even less interesting because he was surprisingly ignorant and for that matter, so was M. The US and British geopolitical talk was really just uninteresting small talk (just like a majorty of the conversations in the picture) and it was already too much in a film that was way too concerned about politics.

Well, I highly disagree...but then I enjoyed the film (and most Bond films) much more than you did {[] But that's cool. It's a big tent!

And I also agree with Hardy. In a more conventional Bond film, Wright's Leiter ought to enjoy himself a bit more, as he did in the books.

Lexi · December 2010

Ricardo C. wrote:

Loeffelholz wrote:

Ricardo C. wrote:

Jeffrey Wright has been...okay. He's been given some decent dialogue but he leaves no impression.

In Flemings books, Leiter isn't just Bond's American counterpart. He represents America and in a friendly manner he butts heads with James about cars and food. I finally want to see this kind of relationship between the two on film. I think Wright is up for the job if EON would give him a chance.

He made an impression on me, at any rate---competent and guarded in both his outings thus far. The scene in QoS where Bond and Leiter briefly spar over US/Brit geopolitics was well-written. For me, Leiter has been one of many highpoints in the reboot.

I hope they do something with him, especially if the franchise does take a turn for the more 'traditional.' The foundation's there now...and the fact that Wright has publicly talked
about the status of #23 tells me that he' s still 'in the loop.'

In QOS, I found him even less interesting because he was surprisingly ignorant and for that matter, so was M. The US and British geopolitical talk was really just uninteresting small talk (just like a majorty of the conversations in the picture) and it was already too much in a film that was way too concerned about politics.

I also agree with Hardy, let the man lighten up a bit.

Jack Lord for me was 'Leiter', he seemed perfectly cast for the US equivalent - the more relaxed, sunny dispositioned, hey-ho counterpart to the rather more serious British 007.

However, I love Wright - and what he brings to the roll. His churlishness is dark, and more intense....following the Craig arc perfectly, and now that he is perhaps considered a more worthy CIA operative, (within himself).... he can lighten up (Great pun Ricardo C

) ) a bit -{

Ricardo C. · December 2010

Lexi wrote:

Ricardo C. wrote:

Loeffelholz wrote:

He made an impression on me, at any rate---competent and guarded in both his outings thus far. The scene in QoS where Bond and Leiter briefly spar over US/Brit geopolitics was well-written. For me, Leiter has been one of many highpoints in the reboot.

I hope they do something with him, especially if the franchise does take a turn for the more 'traditional.' The foundation's there now...and the fact that Wright has publicly talked
about the status of #23 tells me that he' s still 'in the loop.'

In QOS, I found him even less interesting because he was surprisingly ignorant and for that matter, so was M. The US and British geopolitical talk was really just uninteresting small talk (just like a majorty of the conversations in the picture) and it was already too much in a film that was way too concerned about politics.

I also agree with Hardy, let the man lighten up a bit.

Jack Lord for me was 'Leiter', he seemed perfectly cast for the US equivalent - the more relaxed, sunny dispositioned, hey-ho counterpart to the rather more serious British 007.

However, I love Wright - and what he brings to the roll. His churlishness is dark, and more intense....following the Craig arc perfectly, and now that he is perhaps considered a more worthy CIA operative, (within himself).... he can lighten up (Great pun Ricardo C ) ) a bit -{

I made a pun ? No....

No...

NO...

Lexi · December 2010

Even the DarK Lord can take a break

mrbain007 · December 2010

I agree with the posts above that suggest Wright is a shade too brooding to reflect Fleming's Felix. In the books Felix and Bond shared quite a few laughs and it was clear that they admired one-another personally as well as professionally. I don't really get that impression with Wright and Craig.

Ricardo C. · December 2010

Loeffelholz wrote:

Ricardo C. wrote:

In QOS, I found him even less interesting because he was surprisingly ignorant and for that matter, so was M. The US and British geopolitical talk was really just uninteresting small talk (just like a majorty of the conversations in the picture) and it was already too much in a film that was way too concerned about politics.

Well, I highly disagree...but then I enjoyed the film (and most Bond films) much more than you did {[] But that's cool. It's a big tent!

And I also agree with Hardy. In a more conventional Bond film, Wright's Leiter ought to enjoy himself a bit more, as he did in the books.

The only thing I really like about the film was Dennis Gassner's production design though I wasn't too crazy about the super-post modern MI6. Still, I think it was the best work done since The World is Not Enough. If Gassner comes back, I'll be very happy.

ics · December 2010

I liked him in the role – almost like a mentor for Bond… one part I really don’t like is how happy is at the ending of the movie “go fishing etc” – he just lost his wife, legs etc… weird

mrbain007 · December 2010

ics wrote:

I liked him in the role – almost like a mentor for Bond… one part I really don’t like is how happy is at the ending of the movie “go fishing etc” – he just lost his wife, legs etc… weird

I've heard that point been made several times. Thats one of the films flaws. It would have been more appropriate IMO to conclude Felix's final scene with him - after speaking to Bond - looking at a picture of Della. Perhaps happy to hear Bond's voice, but at the same time sad that his wife was murdered. As it is, he is just too cheerful considering the circumstances.

7289 · December 2010

I have always felt that Leiter was deliberately kept as a "small" part so that he would not infringe on the popularity of James Bond. Thus we have no action sequences with FL dispatching bad guys, or wooing girls. I presumed that this was the reason Leiter was always cast with a different actor, while M, Q and Moneypenny remained the same.

With Jeffery Wright, we have at least had the same actor, and while he has still been "held back" it looks like Wright will be kept on board - this in itself is a startling change. As for making Jeffery Wright a "happy go lucky" Texan, with a big grin and "mop of straw colored hair", I don't think it will work. It's appropriate for Leiter to reflect Bond's cynical prespective, and as Leiter himself said in QOS, "You don't know me".

Let's hope EON lets Wright stretch a bit in the next couple of films.... both the charecter and the actor deserve more.

Blackleiter · December 2010

I couldn't agree more. I really like Wright as Leiter, and I am looking forward to an expanded role for him in future Bond films.

7289 wrote:

I have always felt that Leiter was deliberately kept as a "small" part so that he would not infringe on the popularity of James Bond. Thus we have no action sequences with FL dispatching bad guys, or wooing girls. I presumed that this was the reason Leiter was always cast with a different actor, while M, Q and Moneypenny remained the same.

With Jeffery Wright, we have at least had the same actor, and while he has still been "held back" it looks like Wright will be kept on board - this in itself is a startling change. As for making Jeffery Wright a "happy go lucky" Texan, with a big grin and "mop of straw colored hair", I don't think it will work. It's appropriate for Leiter to reflect Bond's cynical prespective, and as Leiter himself said in QOS, "You don't know me".

Let's hope EON lets Wright stretch a bit in the next couple of films.... both the charecter and the actor deserve more.

Gassy Man · December 2010

I always liked Hedison, though he showed his age in LTK. My father looked rather like him, BTW.

Hannes Oberhauser · December 2010

Denzil2222 wrote:

What were Eon thinking casting David hedison as leiter in licence to kill? He was way too old for the part at about 65 years old at the time.

He was a very good Felix. Not as good as Jack Lord was but my second favorite. Third Wright.

Andy007 · January 2011

I think David Hedison was the best Leiter. I couldn't believe when i saw years back how old he was in LTK. He didn't look anywhere near 60. He had a good bond with Dalton & Moore. He's a good actor & both RM and TD made a connection with him. You could believe that Bond knew Felix well when Hedison played him. Especially Dalton i think.

Blood_Stone · January 2011

Agreed about Jack Lord being the best Leiter!

What were Eon thinking casting David hedison as leiter in licence to kill? He was way too old for the part at about 65 years old at the time.

They did it on purpose to tie it in with Live and Let Die since that movie wasn't faithful to the book so LTK was made to make up for some of the novel elements that weren't used so to speak.

cdsdss · February 2011

That was one of the first elements of LTK that raised a red flag for me. Felix is played by an actor too old to be a DEA agent, and too jovial to take seriously as a (former) CIA spook. And Hedison didn't turn in a particularly good performance, either (though, to be fair, the script for LTK was so atrocious that no one--not even Dalton--could do much with it).

It told me early on that some baaaad decisions were made on this film...

chrisno1 · February 2011

I'm not sure they got the casting of Felix right at all after DN. Jack Lord was very good (although his role is somewhat superfluous - Felix never featured in the novel and isn't really required in the movie either).
Cec Linder? Too old. Rik Van Nutter? A Jack Lord impersonation. That guy in DAF? wtf?
Hedison in LALD? Yeh, pretty good, but played against Moore's banter for laughs. Someone plays Felix in TLD (I forget who, and the appearance is unnecessary and not even note-worthy.) Bringing Hedison back for LTK has a nice symetry to it, as Hedison gets to have his legs bitten off by a shark as he should have done in LALD, but I'm not sure he was particularly effective, although he does the best he can with the material he's given.
Wright's okay, but seems on the periphery of all the action, hardly involved with 007 at all; I don't understand how the two men have managed to form any kind of alliance given the sparse nature of their friendship.

David hedison as leiter in licence to kill

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