James Bond Will Return In...

Earlier today at Pinewood Studios, which has been the home of 007 since Dr. No (and in fact has it's own named stage at the facility), director Sam Mendes unveiled the cast and title of the 24th James Bond film, now to be known officially as Spectre. Fans of the series will recognize that name as that of the terrorist organization in the novels and Sean Connery films, which has not reappeared since the rise of the Soviet Union during the Roger Moore era, and a long standing legal dispute surrounding the rights to the novel Thunderball. When Daniel Craig took over the role, the filmmakers introduced a similar shady organization known as Quantum as a stand-in for SPECTRE. Last year, the legal issues were resolved, paving the way for SPECTRE's return.

Returning to the franchise will be Daniel Craig in the title role, along with Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw as Q, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, and Ralph Fiennes as the new M. Joining them for this edition will be Sherlock's Moriarty Andrew Scott as MI6 officer Denbigh, Guardian's David Bautista will henchman Mr. Hinx, Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux as "Bond Girls" Lucia Sciarra and Madeleine Swann respectively. And heading the villains will be Christoph Waltz. While the internet has theorized that he'd be playing classic baddie Blofeld. This morning's announcement identified him as Oberhauser.

The film, which begins filming on Monday, will be overseen as usual by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, and directed by Skyfall helmer Sam Mendes, off a script by Skyfall writers John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. Those last two had "retired" from the Bond series after having written every film since 1999′s The World Is Not Enough, but were brought back into the fold to pump up Logan draft.


Also announced was the Bond vehicle, as much a centerpiece element as the villains or the women. This time, he'll be driving an Aston Martin DB10, a car that Aston has made specifically for the film, with input from the filmmakers. Said Aston CEO Andy Palmer, "In the same year that we celebrate our 50-year relationship with 007, its seems doubly fitting that today we unveiled this wonderful new sports car created especially for James Bond." The car will not be available for purchase by the general public.

The film is currently set for a 6th of November release next year, giving them slightly less than a year to put this thing together and get it out. If this creative team manages to match their Skyfall effort, then I think we'll be in good hands.


Via /Film.