Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, producers of the James Bond films, and MGM announced today that Martin Campbell will direct CASINO ROYALE, the 21st film in the 007 franchise.
This is Campbell’s second time as helmer of a James Bond film. In 1995 he directed the hit GOLDENEYE which introduced Pierce Brosnan to the role of 007 with great success.
Wilson and Broccoli said:
“We are thrilled that Martin has accepted our offer to direct CASINO ROYALE. He is an extremely talented director and we believe he will help take our films in a new and exciting direction. He is currently finishing filming ‘Legend Of Zorro’, the sequel to ‘The Mask Of Zorro’, and will be joining EON Productions shortly to work on the development of the script with our writers, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade.”
MGM Vice Chairman and COO Chris McGurk said: “Martin is an incredibly exciting filmmaker. GOLDENEYE was a wonderful movie and helped reinvigorate the Bond franchise. We’re thrilled to have him back to direct the newest Bond.”
Born in New Zealand, Campbell moved to England in 1966 and made his directorial debut on the popular TV series’ ‘The Professionals’ and ‘Minder’. He moved to America in 1986 to direct ‘Criminal Law’ and ‘Defenceless’. Following GOLDENEYE, he went on to direct ‘The Mask Of Zorro’, ‘Vertical Limit’ and ‘Beyond Borders’ and is currently directing ‘Legend Of Zorro’.
CASINO ROYALE will be released in 2006 and distributed world-wide by MGM. No decision has yet been made regarding casting for the role of ‘James Bond’.
Casino Royale. The original was a campy spy romp. Awesome movie. Rent it.
This remake was rumored to be Quentin Tarantino's new film [this would have rocked so hard]. I don't really care for this director either way, but I'm worried he may drop the ball. The feel of this movie is--perhaps the missing link between Austin Powers and a real, serious Bond flick. The tone is hard to peg without brushing either extreme. QT could do this with his eyes closed. Even as is--this will be an event. Everyone will be talking about this movie as time goes on. Watch.
PS: I have no idea if Peirce Brosnan is on or out the bond tux. This is a smart ploy to bring attention to the franchise. I personally think he'll hang it up after just ONE more. Watch for this as well.
Director Martin Campbell, who was recently announced as the director of the new Bond film CASINO ROYALE, recently spoke to The New York Daily News about his plans for the upcoming film. He mentioned, first of all, that this film will be a "grittier, tougher and more realistic Bond movie." So, don't expect to see any invisible cars or ice boarding in arctic weather. As for who will be playing Bond, Campbell does offer some insight, mentioning "in the new film, Bond is essentially starting out in his career, and has just recently become part of the double-0 section," adding "the idea is to put a bit of the dash back in Bond. By the end of the movie, the character will have been forged into the wiser, harder Bond we know." Campbell is currently filming the sequel THE LEGEND OF ZORRO with Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones.
All of these going back to the begining movies (batman?). This actually sounds really awesome because the Bond movies have become so cheesy.
I heard that talks are between Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck), and Clive Owen (Closer) to play the next Bond.....interesting.
That's right! It's a toss up. Myself? I'd give it to Clive.
I agree. Not to say I don't adore looking at Julian McMahon (he is SO fine!), but just think Clive could pull it off better. He's got one up on Julian, being that he's British and all....
I just have to say, I'm just glad it's not P. Diddy that gets the role.
or Jude Law. He needs to not be in a movie for a week or so.
