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Is $150 Million Enough To Get Daniel Craig To Return For Two More 'Bond' Movies?


Daniel Craig James Bond Sam Mendes

While the rumour mill on who will be the next James Bond keeps on turning, fans will be happy to hear that all might not be lost with Daniel Craig. According to reports, the actor could be persuaded to return as 007, after being offered $150 million to star in two more movies.

Daniel CraigDaniel Craig has reportedly been offered $150 million to stay on as Bond

Radar reports that studio Sony has made the actor the lucrative offer because they want a seamless transition to a younger long-term successor. “The studio is desperate to secure the actor’s services while they phase in a younger long-term successor,” a source told the website.

Continue reading: Is $150 Million Enough To Get Daniel Craig To Return For Two More 'Bond' Movies?

Sam Mendes Reportedly In Talks With Disney To Direct 'James And The Giant Peach'


Sam Mendes

After the recent movie adaptation of The BFG by Steven Spielberg, which was released in cinemas to huge acclaim but a slightly underwhelming commercial reaction, another big name director in the shape of Sam Mendes is being tipped as the director for another live-action Roald Dahl story, ‘James and the Giant Peach’.

According to a report in Deadline, the Oscar-winning director of American Beauty and who helmed the last two James Bond movies Skyfall and Spectre is in talks to take charge at the project being developed by Disney. The script for the prospective movie has been written by author Nick Hornby.

Sam MendesSam Mendes is reportedly in talks with Disney to direct live-action 'James and the Giant Peach'

Continue reading: Sam Mendes Reportedly In Talks With Disney To Direct 'James And The Giant Peach'

The Story Of How Daniel Craig's Favourite Gloves Nearly Ruined 'Skyfall'


Daniel Craig Sam Mendes

Daniel Craig’s love for a new pair of gloves allegedly nearly cost Bond producers millions during the editing of Skyfall, as they presented a major continuity error. Film critic Charlie Lyne has shared a story he heard from a man who worked on Skyfall, who recalled one of the film’s most important fight scenes nearly being ruined, all because of a pair of gloves.

Daniel Craig in SkyfallDid Daniel Craig’s special gloves nearly ruin Skyfall?

According to Lyne's story, which was shared through two videos on Twitter, Daniel Craig and director, Sam Mendes, were both completely miserable during the production of Skyfall, as they “were buried under the weight of the studio and the expectations” of how much the film should make.

Continue reading: The Story Of How Daniel Craig's Favourite Gloves Nearly Ruined 'Skyfall'

Emilia Clarke Says She'd Like To Play Bond With Leonardo DiCaprio As Her 'Bond Boy'


Emilia Clarke Leonardo Dicaprio Gillian Anderson Sam Mendes

Emilia Clarke is currently thrilling fans in the sixth season of ‘Game of Thrones’, but the 29-year-old actress also has her sights set on another franchise. Speaking to the Daily Star, Clarke revealed she’d like to be the first female James Bond.

Emilia ClarkeEmilia Clarke would like to be ‘Jane Bond’.

“I have a lot of unrealised dreams,” Clarke told the newspaper. “I would love to play Jane Bond. My ultimate leading man would be Leonardo Dicaprio. No doubt about it.” There’s no doubt that Clarke has the adventurous streak needed to play 007, as anyone who saw Sunday’s ‘GOT’ could attest to.

Continue reading: Emilia Clarke Says She'd Like To Play Bond With Leonardo DiCaprio As Her 'Bond Boy'

Bookies Suspend Betting On Next Bond As Tom Hiddleston Becomes Frontrunner


Tom Hiddleston Sam Mendes Daniel Craig

A bookmakers has suspended betting on who will be the next James Bond, after an influx of bets on ‘ The Night Manager’ star Tom Hiddleston between Friday and Saturday made him the 2-1 favourite. A particularly large bet was also then placed on Hiddleston, which saw his odds plummet to 1-2.

Tom HiddlestonIs Tom Hiddleston the next James Bond?

Nicola McGeady, a spokesperson for Coral, who suspended betting on Hiddleston said: "There is no smoke without fire, and following the big gamble on Tom Hiddleston in the last 24 hours, we've had no choice but to pull the plug on the market.”

Continue reading: Bookies Suspend Betting On Next Bond As Tom Hiddleston Becomes Frontrunner

"The Cockiest Email In The World" Landed Sam Smith The Chance To Sing 'Spectre' Theme


Sam Smith Sam Mendes Daniel Craig

Sam Smith has revealed that all it took to land the chance to sing the new Bond theme was, "the cockiest email in the world". Sitting down with director Sam Mendes and producer Barbara Broccoli in the latest Spectre vlog, Smith explained how he came to land the Bond gig and what the honour means to him.

Sam SmithSam Smith has opened up about how he landed the Spectre theme.

“I remember sending an email to my agents in America – probably the cockiest email in the world,” the singer revealed. “ I just said 'is there any way I could do the Bond theme?’ The next thing I knew, I was asked to go to Pinewood Studios to meet with Barbara and Sam.”

Continue reading: "The Cockiest Email In The World" Landed Sam Smith The Chance To Sing 'Spectre' Theme

Bond 24: Spectre "Massively Over-Budget" As Sony Try To Make Cuts


Sam Mendes

The 24th James Bond movie, Spectre, is massively over-budget and currently stands to cost Sony and MGM "in the mid $300Ms", according to leaked internal memos. MGM president Jonathan Glickman sent emails in early November explaining how the studio is looking to cut costs.

SkyfallSpectre is tracking to cost $50 million more than Skyfall

Glickman said the studio must cut back to $250 million given that Spectre is already tracking to cost $50 million more than Skyfall. He suggests numerous cost-cutting changes, including relocating a Villa scene in Rome in London, using fewer carriages on a train scene and forgetting the dramatic finalen"in the rain". Glickman also suggests showing "the more modern aspects" of Mexico to maximize "the Mexican incentive" (the makers of the film are getting paid to shoot in South America".

Continue reading: Bond 24: Spectre "Massively Over-Budget" As Sony Try To Make Cuts

Bond 24 Titled 'Spectre', Signalling Return Of Ernst Blofeld


Daniel Craig Sam Mendes

The 24th James Bond movie, to be directed by Sam Mendes and starring Daniel Craig, is titled Spectre. The announcement was made in a live broadcast from the 007 Stage at Pinewood Studios on Thursday morning, where Christoph Waltz, Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux were also unveiled as new cast members.

BondDaniel Craig will return as James Bond for Spectre

Christoph Waltz will play chief villain Frank Oberhauser, son of the late Hans Oberhauser, a ski instructor who acted as a father figure to Bond. However, the Mail reported that Waltz's character will later be revealed to be classic Bond villain Ernst Blofeld. The title SPECTRE appears to back this up, given it relates to the organisation led by evil genius and supervillain Ernst Stavro Blofeld that first formally appeared in the novel Thunderball (1961) and in the movie Dr. No (1962).

Continue reading: Bond 24 Titled 'Spectre', Signalling Return Of Ernst Blofeld

Recent James Bond Films Have Been Geared Towards Asian Audiences, Says John Cleese


John Cleese Daniel Craig Sam Mendes James Bond

John Cleese, who played James Bond’s gadget man Q in 2002’s Die Another Day, has claimed that filmmakers are more interested in the Britsh Spy’s action sequences than the witty one-liners and quintessentially British themes that made him so popular.

John CleeseJohn Cleese pictured outside BBC Radio 1's studios

"I did two James Bond movies and then I believe that they decided that the tone they needed was that of the Bourne action movies, which are very gritty and humourless," he told the Radio Times.

Continue reading: Recent James Bond Films Have Been Geared Towards Asian Audiences, Says John Cleese

'12 Years A Slave' Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor Set For Bond Villain Role


Chiwetel Ejiofor James Bond Daniel Craig Sam Mendes Ralph Fiennes Ben Whishaw Naomie Harris

The Oscar-nominated star of 12 Years A Slave, Chiwetel Ejiofor, is likely to become the next James Bond villain, according to Variety. The trade magazine says the British star is the top name on producers' wish list for the 24th official James Bond movie, which will once again be directed by Sam Mendes as well as starring Daniel Craig.

Chiwetel EjioforChiwetel Ejiofor Could Be The Next Bond Villain

Bond 24 is due to begin filming in the summer for a November 2015 release date. Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris are also set to return as M, Q and Moneypenny respectively. 

Continue reading: '12 Years A Slave' Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor Set For Bond Villain Role

'King Lear' At The National: Is Simon Russell Beale Britain's Finest Actor?


Simon Russell Beale Sam Mendes Anna Maxwell Martin

Simon Russell Beale turns in an arguably career best performance in Sam Mendes' latest production at the National Theatre, King Lear.

Beale plays Lear as a hunched, thuggish leader - similar to the way in which Kevin Spacey played Richard II - though as his power begins to slip, he becomes frantic and nonsensical. In his review of the show, Henry Hitchens of the Evening Standard writes, "There is perhaps no actor better at conveying the shapes and sounds of grief."

Simon Russell BealeSimon Russell Beale Turns In A Career Best Performance in 'King Lear'

Continue reading: 'King Lear' At The National: Is Simon Russell Beale Britain's Finest Actor?

'Solo' Author William Boyd Touts Daniel Day-Lewis For James Bond


James Bond Sam Mendes Daniel Day Lewis Daniel Craig

British novelist William Boyd launched the latest James Bond novel at London's Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday (September 25, 2013). The book, called Solo, sees a 45-year-old Bond travel to worn-torn Africa in the late 1960s.

William BoydWilliam Boyd Arriving At The Dorchester Hotel For The 'Solo' Press Conference

Boyd is the latest novelist to write a new Bond book since the death of its creator Ian Fleming in 1964 and follows the likes of Kingsley Amis and Sebastian Faulks.

Continue reading: 'Solo' Author William Boyd Touts Daniel Day-Lewis For James Bond

It's Only 'Rocknroll' But Kate Winslet Will Never Take Her Husband's Name


Kate Winslet Sam Mendes Richard Branson

Rather than do things the old fashioned way, Kate Winslet has decided that she will keep hold of her last name rather than go by her husband's surname from here on in. Probably a wise move, because not only is Winslet one of the most instantly recognisable names around Hollywood today, but changing her name to Kate Rocknroll? That might be cause enough to get her barred from winning another Oscar nomination.

Kate Winslet TIFF
Kate at the Toronto Film Festival screening of her new film, Labor Day

The Academy Award-winning actress was speaking with British newspaper The Telegraph recently, when she stated that she may be in love with her husband, Ned Rocknroll, and may be bearing their first child together at the moment, but that doesn't mean she feels any pressure to take his surname. The 37-year-old acting star has been married before, to people with normal last names too, so maybe her decision to keep hold of her maiden name isn't based on the fact that her husband has a silly last name. Well, it might have something to do with it still.

Continue reading: It's Only 'Rocknroll' But Kate Winslet Will Never Take Her Husband's Name

Michelle Williams To Star In 'Cabaret' On Broadway Debut


Michelle Williams Sam Mendes Emma Stone

Actress Michelle Williams will make her broadway debut in a production of the world famous musical Cabaret next April reports BBC News. The Brokeback Mountain actress will play the lead female character Sally Bowles and will have plenty of opportunity to show off her singing skills. Sam Mendes will direct the production whilst Rob Marshall will be the choreographer, with plenty of exciting and dazzling dance routines expected.

Michelle Williams
Williams Is Preparing To Play Cabaret's Sally.

The 32 year-old actress made her stage debut in New York in 1999 after she'd made her name on television with on screen roles in Step by Step, My Son Is Innocent and the movie Lassie. She took to the boards in the off Broadway run of trailer park drama, Killer Joe. She went on to star in the Off Broadway production of Mike Leigh's Smelling a Rat in 2002.

Continue reading: Michelle Williams To Star In 'Cabaret' On Broadway Debut

Michelle Williams Joins Cabaret For Broadway Debut


Michelle Williams Sam Mendes Alan Cumming

Michelle Williams will star in a Broadway production of the musical Cabaret as seductive and troubled singer Sally Bowles. The production will mark William's Broadway debut.

Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams at the L.A. premiere of Oz the Great and Powerful.

Famously, Liza Minelli took the role of Bowles starring opposite Michael York in the 1972 film adaptation. The musical is based on The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood, and tells the story of American cabaret singer Sally Bowles who performs at the Kit Kat Klub in Berlin. Brian Roberts, a naive British graduate, is befriended by the vivacious Bowles and the two have an affair set against the backdrop of interwar Germany. 

Continue reading: Michelle Williams Joins Cabaret For Broadway Debut

A Week In Movies: The World's End Premieres, Mendes Returns To Bond, Oldboy Teases


Simon Pegg Nick Frost Amanda Seyfried Sam Mendes Ben Barnes Alicia Vikander Spike Lee Josh Brolin

The Worlds End

This week's big world premiere was in London for The World's End, where Simon Pegg and Nick Frost walked a blue carpet alongside costars Eddie Marsan, Paddy Considine and Rosamund Pike. The apocalyptic pub crawl comedy opens next week in Britain. The cast and crew talk to the press about it. As well as Simon Pegg And Nick Frost Discussing The Talents Of Edgar Wright.

Meanwhile in New York, stars turned out for a gala screening of the Sundance winner Fruitvale Station. Lead actor Michael B Jordan was joined on the red carpet by Cuba Gooding Jr, DJ Moss and his wife DJ Kiss, and Tony-winning actress Patina Miller. The true drama costars Octavia Spencer and opens in America this weekend. Watch the Cuba Goodling Jr video or the Brian d'Arcy James and DJ Mos video here.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: The World's End Premieres, Mendes Returns To Bond, Oldboy Teases

Will Sam Mendes Be Able To Replicate Skyfall's Success?


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig Idris Elba Javier Bardem

The news that Sam Mendes – who helmed the most successful Bond of all time – is returning for the 24th incarnation of 007 will come as a huge relief for fans of the franchise. Skyfall was praised for its modern, innovative approach to the Bond saga and won Mendes many plaudits, but will his next efforts win him an Oscar?

Sam MendesMendes with Skyfall's antagonist, Javier Bardem

Skyfall did in fact win two Academy Awards, but they went to Adele for her Bond theme and one for the sound engineering team. The film was, however, the most successful film in the franchise – a wonderful achievement despite the fact that every Bond film has risen exponentially in popularity.

Continue reading: Will Sam Mendes Be Able To Replicate Skyfall's Success?

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Musical Debuts In West End


Sam Mendes Douglas Hodge Johnny Depp Gene Wilder Sophie Dahl

When Sam Mendes first decided to adapt Roald Dahl's 49 year-old best loved children's book about an eccentric chocolate maker and one very lucky little boy, he hadn't anticipated the scale or scope of his Charlie And The Chocolate Factory production - or the time it would take to come to fruition.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory has been brought to life on a large scale before: 1971's film saw Gene Wilder bring his unconventional and volatile incarnation of the mad professor of confectionery in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, whereas a Tim Burton movie kickstarted the franchise again in 2005 with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that saw Johnny Depp on truly bizarre form.

Now, the legend has been brought to the West End by Skyfall director Sam Mendes, who also has a host of strong musicals under his belt, including Oliver! (1994) and Cabaret (1994). The Guardian hails the modern adaptation of Dahl's moral fable as a "sumptuous visual feast" and praises the effective "engaging and sinister" portrayal of Wonka by Douglas Hodge. Young Jack Costello's "adorable" performance as Charlie is lauded by The Independent, along with the band of entitled and greedy golden ticket-winning brats who accompany Charlie on the trip of a lifetime.

Continue reading: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Musical Debuts In West End

'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: The Musical', Directed By Sam Mendes, Will Open Tonight


Sam Mendes Douglas Hodge

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical has been re-envisioned by Sam Mendes and will open its doors to the public for the first time this evening at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

For those of you who don’t know the Raold Dahl’s much loved children’s book, the story follows Charlie, a poor but delightful child, who wins a golden ticket (hidden in a chocolate bar) and is given the opportunity to tour the eccentric Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Also present on the tour are a handful of hideous and sinful children who all come to sticky ends. It’s a modern day fairy-tale where good conquers evil except for Willy Wonka who we’re never quite sure about. There is something sinister about the chocolate maker and his army on oompa-lumpas.

Starring Douglas Hodge as Willy Wonka; Nigel Planer as Grandpa Joe; Clive Carter as Mr Salt and a multitude of small children playing Charlie and the assortment of monsters, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory promises to be a star filled event. Especially as it is directed by Sam Mendes, who won an Oscar for American Beauty, he is not unfamiliar with the stage either having directed numerous musicals including Gypsy, Oliver and Cabaret.

Continue reading: 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: The Musical', Directed By Sam Mendes, Will Open Tonight

Has Christopher Nolan Been Chosen To Direct The Next Bond Movie?


Christopher Nolan Sam Mendes James Bond

According to a report published in the Daily Mail today (May 17), British director Christopher Nolan is being eyed up by MGM executives as the man they want to direct the next James Bond film. The Inception director is atop the list of potential directors being lined up to direct the follow-up to the massively successful Skyfall, with the next film being the 24th film in the long-running series.

Skyfall director Sam Mendes, who did an excellent job it must be noted, has already voiced his desire to remain on board and direct the follow-up to the film, however the Oscar-winning director has been forced to dropped out of the project because of his theatre commitments Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear (a joint effort with Simon Russell Beale) at the National Theatre on London's West End.

Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan is in contention to be the next Bond director

Continue reading: Has Christopher Nolan Been Chosen To Direct The Next Bond Movie?

Will Sam Mendes Replace Nicholas Hytner At The National Theatre?


Nicholas Hytner Sam Mendes

Nicholas Hytner, the director of the National Theatre, will step down from his role in 2015, paving the way for a new era at London's biggest theatre company. However, there was no scandal, disappointing figures or bad reviews that led to his decision to Hytner's decision to leave and he is presumably still the best person for the job.

It's been a hugely successful run for the 56-year-old, whose first action in his role was to launch the Travelex £10 ticket scheme which meant a third of seats were available at massive discounts. It encouraged students, families and the less well-off to enjoy a night at the theatre and appeared to work. The legendary Peter Brook once said "The future of the theatre is cheap seats," and Hytner appeared to listen. 

Elsewhere, he created NT Live, which broadcasted productions to screens around the UK and the world, allowing audiences at home to enjoy the likes of Helen Mirren in Phedre. However, more than anything else, Hytner brought the very best plays, dramatists and actors to the National Theatre. Amongst Hytner's own productions were Alan Bennett's The History Boys - one of the most successful plays in the West End - and Richard Bean's One Man, Two Guvnors, which starred James Corden in one particularly production.

Continue reading: Will Sam Mendes Replace Nicholas Hytner At The National Theatre?

Skyfall Producers Still Confident Of Sam Mendes Bond Return


Sam Mendes

Sam Mendes made it pretty clear that he was done with the James Bond franchise for the foreseeable future, in wake of Skyfall’s success, but the producers of the biggest critical and commercial smash the series has ever had are confident that they’ll get the director back working with them again.

Mendes, alongside his main star Daniel Craig, combined to hugely successful effect for Skyfall last year, and the producers of the film were no doubt expecting a fruitful relationship to continue. However Mendes schedule dictated otherwise and the likes of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson are back to square one as they seek to take the franchise on an enforced new direction. However, at the Empire Awards on Sunday (March 24, 2013) they told Getty Images Entertainment that they do expect Mendes to return to the fold at some point.

"We will get him back. We haven't given up hope. Maybe not for the next [movie], but we will get him back again” Broccoli said coming out of the event in London, with Wilson adding “We are working on him. [With all these awards] we hope that maybe he will have gotten inspired to come back.'' Mendes himself meanwhile had a pretty unhappy Empire Awards, despite taking home three awards, with Dame Helen Mirren standing up to accept her Legend award and attacking the director for listing exclusively male influences only upon taking to the stage.

Continue reading: Skyfall Producers Still Confident Of Sam Mendes Bond Return

Dame Helen Mirren Hints At Sam Mendes Sexism At Empire Awards


Helen Mirren Sam Mendes

Dame Helen Mirren doesn’t indulge herself in any sort of beef too often, so when she does you tend to listen, as it’s normally based on some pretty solid foundations. So what, then, of her Empire Awards acceptance speech, where she lambasted Sam Mendes, suggesting slightly cryptically that he might be sexist?

According to The Guardian, Mirren’s issue with the Skyfall director after he’d listed an exclusively male set of influences upon picking up his best director award on stage, neglecting any female film makers. When it came to Mirren to pick her Legend award, she took to the stage and said in her acceptance speech "I don't want to unduly pick on Sam Mendes, but when he spoke about his inspirations earlier this evening, I'm afraid not a single one of the people he mentioned was a woman.” Receiving cheers from the audience. "Hopefully in five or 10 years, when Sam's successor is collecting their Inspiration award, the list will be slightly more balanced in terms of its sexual make-up. In the meantime, this one is for the girls."

It was a surprisingly direct attack from the much-celebrated actress, though maybe Mendes wasn’t thinking about the gender of these film makers when it came to listing his influences, and was simply listing those he admired? That said, maybe Mirren wasn't attacking him per se, more that his choices reflected the difference in equality that has been and still arguably is an issue in Hollywood even in 2013. Elsewhere at the fan-voted for awards, Martin Freeman took the best actor award for his role in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, while Jennifer Lawrence took best actress for The Hunger Games.

Continue reading: Dame Helen Mirren Hints At Sam Mendes Sexism At Empire Awards

Listen Up America: Chinese Box-Office Grows 37% To $2.7 Billion


Sam Mendes Peter Jackson Daniel Craig

Box-office revenue in China reached a massive $2.7 billion in 2012, far more than expected and up some 37 per cent on the previous year. The MPAA's annual report confirmed that China has overtaken Japan as the largest movie-going market outside of North America, which generated $10.8 billion in the same year, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

It also showed global box office revenue hitting $34.7 billion, up 6 per cent and an encouraging sign for the business. "It was a great year for movies," said MPAA chairman and CEO Christopher Dodd. The Avengers movie was the biggest of the year, grossing $1.51 billion, though Sam Mendes' Skyfall took an impressive $1.11 billion to make it the most successful British movie of all time, and the hugely anticipated Dark Knight Rises took $1.08 billion. Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was the fourth biggest film with takings of $1.01 billion. The National Association of Theatre Owners chairman John Fithian said, "The diversity of movies in 2012 was extraordinarily strong, and it's that kind of slate that drives the kinds of numbers you saw."

Daniel CraigRobert Downey Jr
Daniel Craig [L] Had A Huge Hit With Skyfall While Robert Downey Jr [R] Led The Biggest Movie If The Year, The Avengers

Continue reading: Listen Up America: Chinese Box-Office Grows 37% To $2.7 Billion

MGM To Announce James Bond 24 Director Soon, Could It Be Guy Ritchie?


Daniel Craig James Bond Sam Mendes Matthew Vaughn Guy Ritchie

MGM say it will announce the director of the new James Bond movie in the near future, but confirmed the film is some three years away, at least. We already know that it will not be Sam Mendes behind the camera, after he passed at the opportunity to concentrate on his theatre work. The British filmmaker was responsible for the last movie, Skyfall, the most successful film in the history of UK film.

"We are very excited about the franchise, we look forward to announcing a director soon," said MGM chairman and chief executive officer Gary Barber in a conference call with investors. "We are currently developing the screenplay and working with our partners. We look forward to developing the script soon and signing a director. We are hoping within the next three years it will be released." It was a massive year for MGM, which took $1.1 billion at the box office mainly thanks to Skyfall and Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. A huge turnaround when considering the studio was languishing in insolvency just a couple of years ago, resulting in the four year gap between 2008's Quantum of Solace and Skyfall. Mr Barber will have all but banked on Mendes returning to the director's seat for Bond 24 - given the success of the last movie - though it's back to the drawing board. "[Mendes] did an amazing job on Skyfall," he said "We are very thankful for the work that he did."

Sam MendesGuy Ritchie
Sam Mendes At The BAFTAS [L] and Potential Bond Director Guy Ritchie At The Sherlock Holmes 2 Premiere [R]

Continue reading: MGM To Announce James Bond 24 Director Soon, Could It Be Guy Ritchie?

Despite South Bank Award, Skyfall Producers Still Reeling At Sam Mendes Snub


Sam Mendes

Sam Mendes decision not to direct the sequel to James Bond film Skyfall has reportedly shocked the franchise’s producers, with Michael G Wilson admitting “We’re devastated.”

Mendes and Bond star Daniel Craig together combined to make Skyfall the most critically and commercially successful Bond film in it history, and there were high hopes that the pair would continue the union. The movie won the top award at the South Bank Sky Arts awards in London this week. However, in a statement reported by Empire Online, Mendes wrote “It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie. Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond."

Speaking at the South Bank awards to the Daily Telegraph, Wilson said “We didn’t expect it, so I have no idea who will replace him. We’re still reeling. We only found out a day before the announcement. I think he feels like he’s done it now, but hopefully we can tempt him back.” Fellow producer Barbara Broccoli added: ”It’s a ------, isn’t’ it? We’re very sad he’s decided not to do it as we really wanted him on board.” Mendes had left the door open for a return to the film in the future.

Continue reading: Despite South Bank Award, Skyfall Producers Still Reeling At Sam Mendes Snub

After Weeks Of Teasing, Sam Mendes Rules Himself Out Of Bond 24


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig

The success of Skyfall was phenomenal. It broke records by becoming the highest grossing movie in England, and has been hailed the ‘best Bond ever’. No wonder, then, the director Sam Mendes has been courted to helm the next Bond, and even the next after that…

But it’s a no from Sam. The British-born director has officially ruled himself out of the running, telling Empire: "It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie. Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond." Skyfall is by far the most successful Bond film, with a worldwide take currently standing at $1.11bn, but Mendes will be looking to please smaller audiences, for less money, with his upcoming and aforementioned theatre productions of the Roald Dahl and Shakespeare classics. He had suggested that his involvement with the 007 franchise to stretch to a 24th film, saying, "I feel very honoured to have been part of the Bond family and very much hope I have a chance to work with them again sometime in the future."

Continue reading: After Weeks Of Teasing, Sam Mendes Rules Himself Out Of Bond 24

A Week In News: Carrie Fisher Is Princess Leia, Kate Middleton Having A Girl, Harrison Ford Joins Anchorman 2!


Carrie Fisher Kate Middleton Harrison Ford Taylor Swift Jon Stewart Sam Mendes Mila Kunis Jennifer Lawrence

Carrie Strikes Back: Great news for Star Wars fans this week, with Carrie Fisher confirming that she'll reprise her role as Princess Leia in J.J. Abrams' forthcoming movie Star Wars Episode 7. Fisher, 56, joked that her age might make things a little tricky this time around.

It's A Girl! Or Is It? Did Kate Middleton inadvertently give away the gender of her baby this week? During a public appearance in the UK, the Duchess of Cambridge told one well-wisher that she would give a gift to her d..before stopping short

Continue reading: A Week In News: Carrie Fisher Is Princess Leia, Kate Middleton Having A Girl, Harrison Ford Joins Anchorman 2!

Sam Mendes Won't Be Directing Bond 24


Sam Mendes

With Skyfall crossing the $1.1 billion mark at the global box office recently, the James Bond franchise has a huge amount of thanks to give director Sam Mendes and star Daniel Craig – however, they’re also going to have to move forward towards Bond 24 without one of their key men.

In what he’s described as a “very difficult decision,” Mendes has revealed that he won’t be returning to direct the follow-up to the critically and commercially acclaimed Skyfall. In a statement reported by Empire Online, the 47 year-old commented. “It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie. Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond."

Sam Mendes

Continue reading: Sam Mendes Won't Be Directing Bond 24

Skyfall Wins Big Twice At The Evening Standard Awards


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig Javier Bardem Toby Jones Andrea Riseborough Adele

Skyfall is one of the biggest films to ever come out of Britain, and James Bond is one of its most iconic characters. It's fitting, then, for it to win plenty of awards, especially given that it was largely snubbed by the Oscars. Having won both Film of the Year and Blockbuster of the Year at the Evening Standard Awards, it seems it is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

As the Guardian reports, the Evening Standard editor, Sarah Sands said: "Thanks in part to the extraordinary success of Skyfall - a truly big British movie, delivered with a panache Hollywood could envy - 2012 also highlighted the creativity, vision and talent of a new generation of British film-makers, actors and actresses." 

Taking over a billion dollars worldwide, as well as over £100m domestically, Skyfall wasn't always a sure-fire success, particularly given that the last feature Sam Mendes had directed was Away We Go (a far, far cry from the fast paced, slick style of a Bond movie). However, the combination of Mendes, a Daniel Craig Bond, a Javier Bardem baddy and its title song from woman of the moment, Adele, seems to have been the recipe for success. 

Continue reading: Skyfall Wins Big Twice At The Evening Standard Awards

Why Does Adele Feel Like Meryl Streep Today, Exactly?


Adele Academy Of Motion Pictures And Sciences Daniel Craig Sam Mendes Meryl Streep Seth Macfarlane Emma Stone

Adele’s going to be getting a few sly looks from Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes next time they’re in the same room together, we reckon. Skyfall hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons today, when it was widely snubbed by the Academy in this year’s Oscars nominations. Adele – as she is wont to do – however, came up trumps and walked away with a nomination in the Best Song category.

The British singer seemed over the moon at the news and tweeted “Oh my god I feel like Meryl Streep!” Easy love, you haven’t actually won yet… Her Skyfall theme tune (which adopted the same name as the movie), reached number one when it was released and is the favourite to take the title. Its competition comes from ‘Before My Time’ from Chasing Ice, ‘Lullaby From Life Of Pi’ from (you guessed it) Life of Pi and ‘Everybody Needs A Best Friend’ from Ted.

The awards were announced by Emma Stone and Seth Macfarlane. It was 5am in Hollywood, so they did well to keep everyone entertained with their banter. One of the big headlines to come out of the nominations today was the nomination of nine year old Quvenzhané Wallis. Wallis became the youngest woman ever to be nominated for the Best Actress Oscar, for her role in Beasts of the Southern Wild

Continue reading: Why Does Adele Feel Like Meryl Streep Today, Exactly?

BAFTA 2013: Judi Dench Recognised At Last, Skyfall Looms Large In Nominations


Judi Dench Sam Mendes Javier Bardem Daniel Day Lewis

Judi Dench has finally found BAFTA recognition for her role as M in the James Bond movies. This year, the latest Bond movie, directed by British director Sam Mendes has received no fewer than eight nominations, in a year when at last, the 50 year old Bond franchise looks as though it could be in the running for an Oscar.

Dench’s appearance in Skyfall marked the last time that the veteran actress would play the role of M in the James Bond movies and finally, she has been recognised by the BAFTAs for her contribution to the world famous franchise, with a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Skyfall has also received nods for Outstanding British Film, Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor (for Javier Bardem), Editing Original Music, Production Design and Sound. No nod for Daniel Craig, though, the star of the movie.

Amanda Berry, chief executive of BAFTA, said “The public have really taken the film to their hearts, they went to see it in their droves internationally," the Telegraph reports. “Javier Bardem was the most amazing baddie so it's great to see him nominated too… Judi Dench was first nominated in 1966 as outstanding newcomer. She's never been nominated as M before, and it felt like her role was bigger this time. It was also her last performance. I just think it was a terrific film, really well made, with an outstanding cast.” Skyfall was just pipped to the post in terms of the number of nominations it received, by the movie Lincoln, starring Daniel Day Lewis.

A Week In News: Kardashian Pregnant, Bieber Puts His Foot Down, Gerard Departs To Russia!


Kim Kardashian Kanye West Justin Bieber Kathy Griffin Gerard Depardieu Lindsay Lohan Katie Holmes Samuel L Jackson Sam Mendes Bradley Cooper Brittney Palmer Arianny Celeste

Where Does James Bond Go After Skyfall?


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig James Bond

If Skyfall figures so far are to be believed, this 23rd instalment in the franchise is looking to be the most successful Bond film to date. The Daily Mail speculates that once it's released in Asia and Australia, it'll hit the £500m mark (that's almost $800m!) which will be figures from cinema release only. However, after such success and 50 years of the same character, where can you go next? 

As yet, no one knows. It seems, with success like that, the combination was just right. Sam Mendes as director, Daniel Craig as Bond himself and incredibly screen writing duo Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. However, Wade and Purvis have said that Skyfall is their final Bond movie, according to the Evening Standard, and have instead speculated that Mendes has the next Bond story. 

"We're very happy to have done five Bond movies." Wade said, "I think we've gotten it to a good place. I know that John Logan and Sam Mendes have come up with a plot for another one, which takes the pressure off because these films take up a lot of time."  Apparently, rumours state that films 24 and 25 will be one story in two parts, which in many ways loosens the reigns and opens doors for it to be even bigger and better than it's 23 predecessors.

Continue reading: Where Does James Bond Go After Skyfall?

Twilight Breaking Dawn Ends Skyfall's Box Office Domination


Robert Pattinson Kristen Stewart Sam Mendes Steven Spielberg Daniel Day Lewis

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 debuted with massive global ticket sales of $341 million, proving the franchise is most certainly ending on a high. The vampire movie - starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart - earned an estimated $141 million in the United States and Canada over the weekend, reports Reuters.

News that the total ranked as the eighth biggest domestic debut of all time will no doubt please executives at Summit Entertainment, though bosses will already be drawing up plans to further a franchise that is clearly still running on full power. Breaking Dawn Part 2 rang up sales of $199.6 million from Thursday to Sunday at theaters in 61 countries for a total worldwide taking of $341 million. The previous Twilight movies had pulled in a combined $2.5 billion at the global box office over a four year run. Unsurprisingly, the Twilight movie eclipsed all rivals over the weekend, including last week's No.1, Skyfall. The James Bond movie finished in second place with $41.5 million in North America, though it has easily become the highest grossing Bond movie to date, with a global total of $669 million. Sony Pictures will be pushing for Sam Mendes to return as director for the next 007 movie, which appears more likely to happen by the day.

Steven Spielberg's historical drama Lincoln expanded from a limited opening a week ago to take third place with $21 million. Though Twilight and Skyfall have dominated the box-office, Spielberg and his lead star Daniel Day-Lewis may be the ones walking away with the top honors come awards' season. 

Continue reading: Twilight Breaking Dawn Ends Skyfall's Box Office Domination

Daniel Craig On Board For The Next Bond; Will Sam Mendes Be Next?


Sam Mendes

With Daniel Craig signing on for another couple of films, James Bond fans are now crossing their fingers that director Sam Mendes will also be staying on to continue the pair’s phenomenal success with the franchise – and if Skyfall scriptwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are to be believed, the omens look very good indeed.

The pair were talking at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, according to The Daily Telegraph, and though their own joint association with the series is coming to an end, they said that Mendes had plenty of plans for the future one. "We're very happy to have done five Bond movies, I think we've gotten it to a good place” said Wade, adding "I know that John Logan (screenwriter) and Sam Mendes have come up with a plot for another one, which takes the pressure off because these films take up a lot of time."

As has been recently reported, Craig has signed up for a further three Bond films for a cool $49 million, comfortably making him the highest earning Bond of all time. It’s likely any deal with Mendes is likely to be a huge figure as well, but you can’t say they haven’t earned it; Skyfall was perhaps the most critically lauded Bond of all time, as well as setting records at the Box Office and perhaps even forcing its way into the reckoning come Oscar-time.

Could Sam Mendes Direct The Next James Bond?


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig Idris Elba

The success of Skyfall has been huge, both critically and commercially, with excellent performances on its opening weekend both in the U.K and the U.S. Given the warm reception of the 23rd Bond, portrayed by Daniel Craig, the talk has shifted onto the next incarnation. 

Speaking during an appearance at the fourth Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Robert Wade, one of the films writers said: "We're very happy to have done five Bond movies, I think we've gotten it to a good place." I know that John Logan (screenwriter) and Sam Mendes have come up with a plot for another one, which takes the pressure off because these films take up a lot of time," The Belfast Times reports. It's not just talk of the next director that has flittered around the press gangs, talk of who will be the next Bond has been rumoured, too. Despite Craig being contracted to appear twice more as 007, the quick turn around is something that might put him off, and given the tremendous success, it's something the producers will want to get in motion. Idris Elba of The Wire and Luther is a possible candidate, and would be the first black James Bond if he were to be offered the role.

Skyfall, which was released last month, became the UK's biggest box office hit of the year in the space of just 12 days. It is also the most financially successful Bond film, superseding 2006's Casino Royale.

Box Office Roundup: Twilight Breaking Dawn Inflicts Killer Bite To Bond


Robert Pattinson Kristen Stewart Sam Mendes Daniel Craig

The cinema cash registers saw plenty of action this weekend, with The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 taking a massive $199.6 million from 9,950 locations across 54 markets. To put that into context: its predecessor Breaking Dawn Part 1 took $144 million from the same amount of cinemas, reports Reuters.

The fifth and final movie in the series - once again starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart - took $141 million in the U.S alone, $24.4 million in the UK and $19 million in Brazil. Basically, it took loads and loads of cash, just about everywhere. Its success in North America pushed Sam Mendes' huge grossing James Bond movie Skyfall into second place, though Daniel Craig's third outing as 007 has now taken over half a billion worldwide. It collected a further $49.6 million this weekend, confirming its status as the most successful Bond movie ever made. Elsewhere, Lincoln pulled in a solid $21 million for its first full weekend though Steven Spielberg's movie is perhaps the most critically acclaimed film in this week's Top 5. Animated family flick Wreck-It Ralph continued its good form to take $18.3 million, while Oscar bait Flight, starring Denzel Washington, took $8.6 million to sit comfortably in fifth position. Ben Affleck's Argo, Taken 2, Pitch Perfect, Here Comes the Boom and Cloud Atlas completed the Top 10.

Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 is likely to hold onto the top spot this coming weekend, though it faces reasonable competition in the form of Ang Lee's Life of Pi. Action-fest Red Dawn starring Chris Hemsworth will also tempt cinemagoers. 

Continue reading: Box Office Roundup: Twilight Breaking Dawn Inflicts Killer Bite To Bond

Hot Tickets! This Weekend's US Movie Releases: Skyfall, Lincoln, In Their Skin, Nature Calls


Daniel Craig Sam Mendes Daniel Day Lewis Joaquin Phoenix Selma Blair Joshua Close James D'Arcy Johnny Knoxville Patton Oswalt

With the drama and devastation that befell the East Coast of America, with the arrival of Hurricane Sandy last week, US movie fans seem to have opted for the feel-good factor with their box office choices. Wreck It Ralph currently sits atop the US Box Office chart but the generation-spanning animation should prepare to be ousted this week, with the release of two major players: Skyfall and Lincoln.

Skyfall has already been hailed as the best Bond movie ever. Directed by Sam Mendes, Skyfall marks the 50th anniversary of Bond movies and has already proved to be a box office sensation in the UK and Europe. There’s a question mark hanging over how much longer Daniel Craig will play Bond, which is only adding to the sense of urgency in getting to the movie theaters to check out Skyfall.

Watch the Skyfall trailer

Continue reading: Hot Tickets! This Weekend's US Movie Releases: Skyfall, Lincoln, In Their Skin, Nature Calls

Daniel Craig's Skyfall To Sweep US Box Office: But Should Javier Bardem Have Been 007?


Javier Bardem Daniel Craig Sam Mendes Ralph Fiennes Judi Dench Steven Spielberg

Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes bring their James Bond leviathan Skyfall to U.S. shores this weekend, with box-office analytics predicting a huge opening that should far exceed the debut $67.5 million taken by Quantum of Solace in November 2008.

Skyfall is buoyed by massive showings overseas, superb reviews, an Oscars buzz and, of course, the partnership of Craig and Mendes. Sony has given a conservative estimate of $67 million (perhaps considering the effects of Hurricane Sandy), though Skyfall is likely to fly past that figure. The critically acclaimed movie opens in IMAX at 12.01am tonight (November 8, 2012), and everywhere else at 12.01am on Friday. Though few can deny Daniel Craig his position amongst Bond's finest actors, it all could have been very different, as Javier Bardem explained in a recent interview with Cinema Blend. The actor - who himself gives a gripping performance as villain Raoul Silva in Skyfall - revealed that he was offered the opportunity to play Bond earlier in his career. "Years ago, I was. I don't remember what movie it was for. But yeah, it just was not that time. I didn't feel that it was the time for me to do something like that. And also, I was doing something else, so I passed," he said. It's likely that Bardem was offered the role shortly before Pierce Brosnan was cast for Goldeneye in the early 1990s. The Spanish star has since gone on to win an Oscar (No Country for Old Men) and insists, "I have passed on many things that I could easily regret, but I don't regret any of them, because that also gives room for something else to come that I'm proud of."

Though Skyfall, also featuring Ralph Fiennes and Judi Dench, is likely to storm the box-office this weekend, it does face some notable competition. Steven Spielberg's Lincoln opens on a limited release in 11 cities (expanding Nov 16), while 18th Century historical drama A Royal Affair also gets a limited release.

Continue reading: Daniel Craig's Skyfall To Sweep US Box Office: But Should Javier Bardem Have Been 007?

Skyfall Breaks Box Office Record, But Is It Set For Oscars Snub?


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig Judi Dench Javier Bardem Steven Spielberg

Skyfall, the new movie in the James Bond franchise, has enjoyed the highest grossing weekend of any film in the series. Thousands of fans queued in cinemas across the length and breadth of the country to see Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench and Javier Bardem star in Sam Mendes' highly rated action romp.

The film, which for a short time held a perfect 100% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregating website, pulled in £20.1 million at the UK box office, which is also the biggest opening of the year. The total also represents the second largest gross ever for an opening weekend, after last year's final instalment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Skyfall topped the charts in 24 overseas markets though is yet to open at the hugely lucrative U.S. box office, where it his eagerly anticipated. Attention is already turning to the next movie - set to be based on a two-part original story by John Logan - though first there's the small matter of awards season. Mendes' film is tipped by many industry insiders for an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, though the bookmakers remain certain it will not challenge for the major honors come February. In fact, Irish bookmaker Paddy Paddy doesn't even include Skyfall in its first twenty movies challenging for the prize of Best Picture. It has Steven Spielberg's Lincoln at 4/1 favourite with the indie-drama Silver Linings Playbook at 9/2. Comic book caper The Avengers is available at 50/1, though there's no sign of Bond.

It may well be the quick thinking punters who placed money on Skyfall weeks ago that have the last laugh. Stranger things have happened at the Oscars, and Sam Mendes is a hugely respected directed among the Academy. Should 007 pick up a nomination on January 10, 2013, just don't say we didn't warn you.

Continue reading: Skyfall Breaks Box Office Record, But Is It Set For Oscars Snub?

On The Shelves: UK Album Release Round-Up, October 29, 2012: Neil Young, Madness, Kylie Minogue, Calvin Harris, Skyfall OST


Neil Young Madness Kylie Minogue Beatles Calvin Harris Rihanna Florence Welch Dizzee Rascal Ellie Goulding Adele Labrinth Emeli Sande Sam Mendes

Psychedelic Pill is the 35th studio album from Neil Young and was written and recorded in collaboration with his sometime band, Crazy Horse, marking their first album of original material since Greendale in 2003. As with many of Young’s latter-day releases, the quality is less than consistent. Reviews from The Guardian and the Independent suggest that Psychedelic Pill contains “moments of majesty,” (The Independent) as well as some less impressive tracks. It’s unlikely that any of this week’s releases are going to shake Taylor Swift from her throne at the top of the UK album chart but with reassuring reviews in the mainstream press, Psychedelic Pill should prove popular amongst Young’s considerable fanbase.

Also released today is the interestingly-titled Oui Oui Si Si Ja Ja Da Da, by veteran ska-pop band Madness. It’s the tenth studio album from Madness and contains 14 new tracks, as well as cover art from the ever popular pop-art legend Peter Blake (he designed the cover for The BeatlesSgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band). The Guardian gave the album an impressive 3 stars out of 5 but can Madness really recapture the youthful exuberance of their glory days, with this latest album? It seems unlikely that they’ll continue to enjoy the success that they experienced in years gone by. 

Continue reading: On The Shelves: UK Album Release Round-Up, October 29, 2012: Neil Young, Madness, Kylie Minogue, Calvin Harris, Skyfall OST

After Crazy Horse, Could Kelly Brook Be The Next Bond Girl?


Kelly Brook Daniel Craig Sam Mendes Cheryl Cole Rachel Weisz

Kelly Brook is about to make her debut in the burlesque show Crazy Horse, though could more serious roles lie ahead? Probably not, but it's a fun story. According to The Sun newspaper - who ran a recent poll - Brook is the public's preferred choice to become the next Bond girl.

She just pipped singer Cheryl Cole in the poll, which was worryingly short on, err, actresses?  Anyway, Brook has almost no chance of landing a role alongside Daniel Craig in the next month, likely to be directed once again by Sam Mendes. Her acting experience is pretty much limited to Three, Piranha 3D and Keith Lemon: The Movie. As mentioned, Geordie singer Cole came second, while Craig's real-life wife Rachel Weisz was in third place though the entire poll's credibility was lost entirely with news that The Queen scored well, too. 

Earlier this year, Brook suggested she would have flirted with Oscars success had she concentrated on acting at a young age, saying, "I often think if I had been better at focusing on one thing exclusively I'd have had an acting career like Kate Winslet or a career as a top dancer. In many ways I've gone with what people want me to do rather than what I want to do. I am changing that now." Kelly Brook will join the Parisian troupe Crazy Horse for one week from 1 November, 2012.

Continue reading: After Crazy Horse, Could Kelly Brook Be The Next Bond Girl?

Idris Elba To Replace Daniel Craig As James Bond?


Idris Elba Christopher Nolan Daniel Craig Sam Mendes

Daniel Craig’s already signed up for two more Bond films, though that hasn’t stopped Bond fanatics pondering who might eventually replace the gruff English gent when he eventually grows tired of being 007. A bit of digging around by The Huffington Post reveals that one such actor mooted for a possible Bond role has been Idris Elba, star of The Wire and Prometheus.

The news of Elba’s possible future involvement was slipped out by Skyfall star Naomie Harris, who said “I didn’t realize that there was this talk and then I did a film with Idris [Elba] and he said that he met Barbara Broccoli [James Bond producer],” Harris explained, “It does seem like a possibility in the future that there could very well be a black James Bond.” It’d certainly be a heck of a change in direction for the Bond character, but one that would work as Elba’s brasher personality would be a fresh change unexplored over previous films.

And who might replace Sam Mendes? There’ve been discussions apparently about the possibility of Christopher Nolan possibly getting involved in the future. Gregg Wilson, associate producer of Skyfall had this to say on the matter: “We would of course be interested to have a discussion with him. We would like to do the same type of movie. It would be a dream to be with Nolan. But we always have an open mind when it comes to directors.”

Daniel Craig On James Bond's New Favourite Beer: What's All The Fuss About?


Daniel Craig Sam Mendes

James Bond actor Daniel Craig discussed concerns about product placement at the Skyfall premiere in London this week. During one scene in Sam Mendes' new movie, Bond is seen drinking bottled Heineken beer - a far cry from his usual tipple, Martini, shaken not stirred.

The move is clearly something to do with Heineken coughing up the megabucks, though it could be argued it also fits with Bond's new direction. Craig's portrayal of 007 is arguably the most 'human' yet, and the British star brushed off any criticism at the premiere this week, telling BBC News, "We couldn't afford to make those movies if we didn't have those sponsors - it's a fact of life and it's been happening for the past 50 years.I don't know what all the fuss is about." Director Mendes also defended the product placement, explaining that sponsorship was particularly important given MGM's bankruptcy, which briefly delayed production of the movie. He said, "The producers come to you at the beginning: 'We have relationships with these six firms - is there anyone you don't want to work with? Any of these you can't fit in the movie?' And you say, 'No I can't do those two, these four would've been in the movie anyway." 

Skyfall has received glowing reviews since its initial preview screenings this week. There's even talk of an Oscar on the horizon, which wouldn't be particularly surprisingly given the quality of the cast and crew.

Continue reading: Daniel Craig On James Bond's New Favourite Beer: What's All The Fuss About?

Daniel Craig At The Skyfall Premier Brings The House Down, If Not The Sky


Daniel Craig Sam Mendes Prince Charles

All manner of esteemed guests turned up to the Skyfall premier last night (23rd Oct 2012) in London. Prince Charles and Camilla were there, to give the royal seal of approval, as well as the glittering cast of the production, including; Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naiome Harrice, Berenice Marloh and Ralph Fiennes. 

Hundreds of fans also showed up to glimpse the stars, if not get a signature, photo or even a quick kiss, of the cast of what has been referred to as 'the best Bond film ever'. Speaking to Sky News, Craig remained humble. "You just try and make the best movie you can," he said, "and we've had some good response. Now it's up to the audience to make their decisions about it." Indeed, the whole cast have been quick to praise one another, Judi Dench said she was spoilt to be working with the likes of Craig and Bardem, and described Mendes as "a terrific film director... thrilling to work with". Bardem was also full of praise for director. "Sam Mendes has done something very challenging," the BBC reports, "which is to mix the flavour of the classic Bond movies with something more modern." 

Mendes is still in somewhat of a state of shock, as he told SkyNews: "The weirdest thing is that about two weeks ago I was still finishing the movie with about three other people in a dark room - so the big shock is coming out and finding people about to see the movie." Now that the premiere is finally out of the way, we simply can't wait to camp out at the cinema to watch it. The expectations are now sky high, but judging by the talent involved, not ungrounded.

Can Skyfall Be The Bond To Win That Elusive Oscar?


Daniel Craig Sam Mendes Judi Dench Javier Bardem

James Bond can save the world and get the girl; he's proved that over 50 films, but he's only managed 7 nominations and won two academy awards in all that time. 

Can Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes buck the trend of supposed genre snobbery from the Oscars voters? Well, hiring a cast of seasoned winners won't hurt their chances. Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney with 2 Oscars and 16 nominations between them will undoubtedly boost the franchise's chances of permeating the Bond-hoax when it comes to winning at the Academy Awards. Daniel Radcliff has previously bemoaned the apparent snobbery surrounding franchises, as his Harry Potter films failed to win big on the biggest film night of the year, according to the Independent. We have a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't quite snobbery, but the fact that the Harry Potter films weren't that good, and as for his performance as the young wizard? Well this is a family site. Bond's new dark persona, and the fact that first time Bond director Mendes has three nomination under his belt means the Oscar buzz is probably justified this time.

The stars will be descending upon London's Leicester Square as the 23rd Bond film premieres tonight. Stay close to Contact Music for any news. We could have gone if we wanted to, but it's more fun telling you about it. 

Continue reading: Can Skyfall Be The Bond To Win That Elusive Oscar?

Who Convinced Sam Mendes To Direct James Bond Skyfall Movie?


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig Pierce Brosnan

Sam Mendes had no interest in directing a Bond movie until Daniel Craig suggested he got involved with Skyfall, according to an interview with indiewire.

In fact, when his good friend Daniel Craig was cast as Bond, he was pretty vocal in his disagreement with the casting choice. When he watched Casino Royale, though, he admits that he was forced to eat his words. He insists though, that even though he’s a long-time fan of Bond, the thought of directing a Bond film had never appealed to him until the current leading man suggested it to him.

“I was never interested and I don’t think I saw most of the Pierce Brosnan films," said Mendes. "I was not into them at the time and then when Daniel got cast [in 'Casino Royale'] I was interested because he was a friend and I had worked with him. And I thought, ‘Wow, that's interesting.’ I was on record as saying that I didn’t think he was good casting. Then I saw it and was blown away and was suddenly interested again, as a character, and eager to see the next one. I was slightly disappointed with ‘Quantum of Solace’ although I think it’s got a bit of a short shrift, there’s a lot in it that’s interesting.”

Continue reading: Who Convinced Sam Mendes To Direct James Bond Skyfall Movie?

Is Daniel Craig The Best Bond Ever?


Daniel Craig Sean Connery Barbara Broccoli Michael Wilson Sam Mendes

Next week sees the release of Bond film number 23, Skyfall; It's the third outing for Daniel Craig as the British spy, and the first to see him drop the shaken-not-stirred classic drink of the iconic character, in favour of Heineken.

The Mirror not only gave Skyfall 5/5 stars, it also said that “Daniel Craig gives Sean Connery a damn good run for his money as the best Bond actor”. If this really is true then what is it that makes Craig, and the film, so good? In an interview with MTV.com Craig said "I like to think [I have input]. Certainly, [the producers] let me talk; whether they listen to me, I don't know. The truth of it is that Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the producers, they allow me to get involved, and it means so much to me. I always said to them when I did 'Casino Royale,' 'I don't care about many things, but if you allowed me to be involved, I can pretend to be James Bond.'"

Sam Mendes as director can't go wrong really either. Although this is his first action movie, Mendes' portfolio is more than impressive, without a scar upon it. American Beauty, his first film, was rife with tensionm which is an attribute well suited to the action/thriller genre as well. Craig is also contracted for another two films, and the next film has been reported to already in the first stages of production, with a release date for sometime in 2014. With a four year gap between Skyfall and the last film, Quantum of Solace, Craig said "I think they'd like to [speed up the timetable], and I think that would be the plan. That was too long last time, although I quite enjoyed the gap, but it's too long. As long as we've got the script and we're ready to go, there's no reason why we can't start shooting."



100% Rating: Is Skyfall The Best Bond Movie Ever?


Sam Mendes Daniel Craig Helen McCrory Ralph Fiennes Javier Bardem Judi Dench Neal Purvis Robert Wade John Logan

Sam Mendes must be feeling pretty smug right now. The director of Skyfall, the latest James Bond movie, has scored an impeccable 100% on the Rotten Tomatoes reviews site.

This will make excellent Monday morning news for Mendes, as well as the movie’s stars. The cast list includes Daniel Craig, of course, who plays the lead role, as well as Helen McCrory, Ralph Fiennes, Javier Bardem and Dame Judi Dench.

Skyfall has received a resounding round of applause from critics across the board; even the most cynical of movie reviewers seems to have struggled to find any cracks in this latest offering from the Bond franchise. Writing for the Hollywood Reporter, Todd McCarthy wrote that Skyfall “Feels more seriously connected to real-world concerns than any previous entry, despite the usual outlandish action scenes, glittering settings and larger-than-life characters,” making the movie a credit both to its scriptwriters Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan. Equally, Variety’s Peter Debruge remarked that Skyfall puts the “’intelligence’ in MI6. Skyfall reps a smart, savvy and incredibly satisfying addition to the 007 oeuvre.”

Continue reading: 100% Rating: Is Skyfall The Best Bond Movie Ever?

Skyfall Trailer


James Bond struggles with his career, experiencing lassitude and depression concerning his MI6 role as becomes clear when he is analysed by a government psychiatrist. His allegiance to MI6 chief M is put to the test when secrets from her past come back plague her. The secret service organisation becomes under serious threat and it is safe to assume that villain Raoul Silva is behind it all. How far will agent 007 go this time to eliminate the threat?

Continue: Skyfall Trailer

Road To Perdition Review


Essential
Murder is a cold and senseless act. Those who make it their life must by necessity be hard and brutal men. Road to Perdition never flinches away from that, but somehow, in the emotionally empty lives of mafia killers, finds warmth, depth, and soul.

This second film from American Beauty director Sam Mendes presents a highly stylized and muddied look into the world of the Irish mob. Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is at the center of it, as mob boss John Rooney's (Paul Newman) personal "Angel of Death." Raised as Rooney's son, Sullivan and his family have been given an idyllic life, marred only by the secrecy of Sullivan's dastardly work. But when his oldest son Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin) witnesses dad taking care of business, their world is shattered, as mob boss Rooney's overeager son murders Sullivan's wife and youngest child in response. Now, Sullivan must put his loyalty to the test to protect his oldest son Michael and buy a life for them both.

Continue reading: Road To Perdition Review

Sam Mendes

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Sam Mendes

Date of birth

1st August, 1965

Occupation

Filmmaker

Sex

Male

Height

1.78


Sam Mendes Movies

Spectre Trailer

Spectre Trailer

James Bond has never played by the rules, but this time he may have gone...

Spectre Trailer

Spectre Trailer

It seems James Bond's flighty career has all boiled down to this moment. He's in...

Spectre - Teaser Trailer

Spectre - Teaser Trailer

Picking up after the climactic battle at his childhood home of Skyfall Lodge and the...

Skyfall Trailer

Skyfall Trailer

James Bond, the legendary MI6 spy we all know and love, is starting to struggle...

Skyfall Trailer

Skyfall Trailer

James Bond struggles with his career, experiencing lassitude and depression concerning his MI6 role as...

Road to Perdition Movie Review

Road to Perdition Movie Review

Murder is a cold and senseless act. Those who make it their life must...

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