Arriving this weekend is 007 Day, if you weren't aware – the fifth of October is recognized as a global celebration honoring the world of 007, thanks to this being the day of the global debut of the first Bond film, starring Sean Connery, back in 1962. Think of it comparable to May the 4th, minus the creature costumes and a whole lot more sophisticated style.
Yet this time around, the advent of JBD is a bit like a damp squib. It hasn't been following the acclaimed director was revealed to direct the next Bond film back in June, and even less time since writer Steven Knight was hired to draft the story. Yet there has been almost no indication since then regarding the next Bond getting unveiled, and even less sense concerning the path this venerable franchise is headed. What remains are whisperings on the wind via the Hollywood trades suggesting that the film-makers will be looking for a comparatively fresh-faced British actor, possibly from a diverse background but is not going to be female, a big-name celebrity, or a person we’ve vaguely heard of.
This is, of course unwelcome developments for the many internet betting sites that have generating substantial revenue over recent months by attempting to persuade gamblers that the selection process is between Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Theo James, Leo Woodall along with the attractive actor featured in Saltburn who is actually Australian.
Notably, the previous instance the 007 series actually went for a complete unknown was in 1969, when George Lazenby for a short time carried the Walther PPK. Earlier, Connery himself was not famous: he had had a few minor film roles plus occasional theater and modeling jobs while also employed in physique competitions and dairy delivery in Scotland before landing the lead role in the debut movie. The film's producers intentionally rejected an established star; they desired an unfamiliar performer whom audiences would accept as Bond himself, instead of a star in the role.
Trying this approach once more may end up as an ingenious move, similar to how it worked during the franchise's infancy.
Yet hiring Villeneuve involved means that there are no excuses in any way if this new Bond ends up as a stiff. Increasing the ridiculous devices and innuendo is no longer an option under the guidance of is a serious filmmaker known for genre films renowned for ponderous sci-fi epics in which the most intense element is the audience’s own existential dread.
An aggressive type in black tie … Craig's debut in Casino Royale.
However, to a large extent, bringing in Villeneuve tells us everything we should understand regarding the upcoming era after Daniel Craig. There are not going to be vehicles that disappear or suggestive jokes, and it's doubtful we'll see Sheriff JW Pepper back any time soon. These changes are, naturally, absolutely fine if you like your 007 with a modern twist. However, it leaves unclear this new version on Britain’s suavest state-sponsored assassin will be unique from the 007s that came before him especially if the next chapter doesn’t choose to place the plot in the initial decades.
Craig was immediately recognisable as a different type of dapper super-spy when he arrived in the franchise in 2006’s Casino Royale, a tough character in formal attire who would avoid at all costs in a stealth vehicle, or trading sex puns with Denise Richards while handling explosives. He caused the previous Bond's polished style which recently was regarded by certain critics the finest agent since the original, appear as an imitation Connery badly reheated. This is not unprecedented. Lazenby (briefly) followed Connery, Brosnan came after the underrated Timothy Dalton, and the campy later Moore came after the intense early Moore. Each Bond period alters the prior, yet they are all distinctively James Bond 007, deserving of a toast. It feels odd, as we apparently celebrate this year’s Bond Day, that we are being invited to toast one who remains unidentified.
Lena Hoffmann is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, specializing in German current affairs and digital media trends.
