With Bond 22 still overshadowed by Casino Royale‘s recent worldwide success and while we are waiting for its DVD release in March there is little information being released on the next film, currently known simply as James Bond 22, and what is being printed tends to be the same regurgitated nonsense.
That in mind it must be time to look at the few facts we know and put together the snippets leaked by the Casino Royale stars when interviewed in November. Although it doesn’t add to much it will be interesting to see how the production unfolds.
The first firm news was released in July, when it was announced that Bond 22 would be released on May 2nd 2008. By the beginning of September though the news was different; a delay to November 7th 2008 with a strong rumour that it was due to director Roger Michell walking off the project; that last point has never been confirmed by Eon.
As to the plot, Eva Green revealed that Bond 22 was going to be a direct continuation of Casino Royale and that there was a possibility of her reappearing as Vesper Lynd although her performance would be limited recorded video messages. It was widely reported that Green signed a 2 picture contract and so her reappearance does seem likely. However, Michael Wilson’s about a continuation storyline were less sure; he stated that they would see but it was possible that was the direction the film would move.
And, although the producers stated at the press conference to announce Daniel Craig that scriptwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade would be getting down to write the first draft of Bond 22 that appears not too happen; note Wilson’s comments above, as well as the comments that Craig himself made – that they would all get together in January to thrash things out and decide the directon of the next film.
This last point is interesting; Daniel Craig stated in November that one of his conditions to become the next Bond were that he had input into the creative process and that seems to be confirmed by the January meeting.
Given that filming should start in January 2008, it seems likely that a director will be appointed immenently, if not already decided. That should mean some announcements soon, although it is still too early for casting decisions to be taken.
Whatever the outcome both Daniel Craig and the filmakers have a tough task ahead; Casino Royale beat most people’s expectations by a long way and their next task is to exceed the heightened anticipation that will result.
May 10th, 2007 at 14:39
can you go back to pierce brosnan and not us daniel craig