All articles tagged with #james bond
Debbie McWilliams, who cast the last 14 James Bond films, defended Fleming’s original creature at Karlovy Vary by saying 007 should stay white and male, stressing she has never read a Bond novel. She recalled Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale casting after a global search, noted Eva Green faced initial resistance, and underscored that casting hinges on the director and script, with industry changes likely to come slowly.
Debbie McWilliams, who cast the last 14 James Bond films, told Karlovy Vary she won’t handicap the next 007 and that the role must carry a threat and killer instinct; she contrasted Daniel Craig’s tougher take with past Bonds, recalled Judi Dench’s groundbreaking casting as M, and explained Craig’s selection after Barbara Broccoli saw Layer Cake. She also addressed AI’s impact on acting, noted improvements in on-set behavior post-#MeToo, and pointed out that Amazon MGM Studios now controls Bond IP, as she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival.
Bob Iger revealed in a Financial Times interview that Disney pursued the James Bond franchise but never sealed the deal, came close to buying Twitter hours before its sale closed (Elon Musk would later take it as X), and held internal talks with Apple about a merger that never materialized.
Former Disney CEO Bob Iger reveals in a Financial Times profile that Disney discussed a potential Apple deal but Apple showed little interest, and he notes that Jobs-era friendship and possible mergers were discussed; he also recounts Disney’s near pursuit of the James Bond franchise, a near-BuzzFeed acquisition, and the Twitter deal he backed away from to avoid a distraction to Disney’s core business, plus reflections on Bob Chapek’s leadership and other internal debates, including the decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel over a joke.
A reviewer argues 007: First Light presents a more mature, irresistibly sexy James Bond in a coming‑of‑age MI6 story, powered by a confident performance, witty banter with Moneypenny, and a tone that treats Bond’s sexuality as a grown-up facet of character rather than objectification.
The Flight, the music duo behind Bond-like soundscapes, crafted the score for IO Interactive's James Bond game 007 First Light, recording 32 minutes of music in a half-day session at Abbey Road with the Chamber Orchestra of London, blending electronic textures with classic Bond motifs and designing interactive music that changes as players act in combat and stealth.
Steven Spielberg revealed on The Rest Is Entertainment that Cubby Broccoli repeatedly turned him down after Jaws when he offered to direct a James Bond film, joking that if Bond ever asked again, the answer would be: 'You can’t afford me.' He also recalls George Lucas pitching Indiana Jones as a better fit, explaining why he pursued that path and later prioritized family over other mega-franchise offers.
Steven Spielberg revealed on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast that James Bond producer Cubby Broccoli twice turned him down for directing a Bond film—first after Jaws and again after a Moonraker negotiation. He even offered to let Broccoli use the Moonraker five-note theme in exchange for directing a Bond film, but was refused. The refusals reportedly nudged him toward Raiders of the Lost Ark, and he quips that if Bond ever asks again, ‘you can’t afford me.’
Steven Spielberg said on The Rest Is Entertainment that after Jaws he asked Bond producer Cubby Broccoli to let him direct a Bond film, but he was repeatedly turned down—even after offering to license Bond's five-note melody for Moonraker; George Lucas later pitched him Indiana Jones, which became his signature franchise. He also noted he turned down Harry Potter to spend time with family, and added that if Bond ever asked again, you can't afford me.
The Hollywood Reporter profiles Callum Turner, highlighting how industry peers view him as a future Bond‑level star even as he navigates high‑profile projects like the rom‑com One Night Only opposite Monica Barbaro and indie roles Rose of Nevada, while juggling life with wife Dua Lipa and pursuing a mix of prestige and blockbuster opportunities.
Idris Elba says the long-running Bond rumors were never legit, as Amazon MGM begins its search for a new 007; the pop-culture digest also notes Hugh Laurie’s playful response to a House critique, confirms Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion sequel heading to Hulu with most of the original cast, and highlights Madonna’s Confessions II visuals with a July 3 release date.
Idris Elba stated in British GQ that the rumors he would be the next James Bond were never legitimate and that he never viewed the role as realistic for him. He noted Bond “was written [the way] he was for a reason,” and while he was flattered by the chatter, he believes global audiences — and markets — wouldn’t necessarily embrace a Black Bond. He also argued Bond should remain escapism and not be treated as a political statement, questioning whether there should be a Black Bond at all.
Idris Elba said some international audiences wouldn’t accept a Black actor as James Bond, calling the notion a rumor rather than a legit possibility and arguing Bond should stay escapist. He noted casting for the next Bond is underway at Amazon MGM Studios and that the race debate around the role has persisted, with other actors like Henry Cavill and Cillian Murphy among those tipped as potential successors.
Idris Elba says the idea of him playing James Bond has never been realistic, suggesting some markets wouldn’t accept a Black actor in the iconic role and urging not to force a woke vibe onto Bond. The piece notes the longstanding rumor, mentions that auditions for a new Bond are underway with Denis Villeneuve rumored to direct the next film, and that Elba remains focused on other action roles.
Idris Elba dismissed reports that he was seriously in contention for James Bond, arguing that audiences worldwide wouldn’t accept a Black Bond and that the character should remain faithful to Ian Fleming’s vision as escapism rather than a woke shift. The piece also notes ongoing development of Amazon MGM’s Bond reboot, with Nina Gold joining as casting director and several actors—Tom Francis, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, and Callum Turner—reportedly in contention.