My problem with an animated Bond film is that I could not take Archer out of my mind… :-/
I think with Bond, if it came to that, we’d probably see something very far from Archer stylistically. It’s of course entirely speculative but it seems unlikely Eon would try to out-satire Archer on its home turf.
I’d rather imagine something along the moodier lines of Cowboy Bebop with a little less sci-fi and a dash more charm. Something that’s still recognisably a Bond adventure but taking advantage of literally unlimited possibilities of setting and bizarre elements. If we simultaneously dial back Bond’s near superhuman abilities and endurance the result could prove a serious thriller that would not have to have a cartoon aftertaste.
2 Likes
I think a good argument could be made for both. I lean towards noir since you said “anime-like”. If it was anime actual I’d be out, not a fan myself. Also I think mid-season form Bond would be better than brand new 007, but only because we just did that.
The more likely to happen option is the brighter version you suggested. With the right actor and right story is could even be better than the noir version.
1 Like
I would prefer no anime, we just witnessed how successful it can be to humanize Bond. To turn him into a heaavily stylized cartoon would be the opposite direction.
2 Likes
Yeah, I agree. My suggestion was live action, but with an anime-like style, as far as sets, locations, backgrounds, angles of shots are concerned. And it was also a suggestion that they might have to go in a completely different direction, to avoid comparisons with Craig (although that will be inevitable).
But maybe that points to the more light-hearted option?
1 Like
An animated James Bond would take the entire “wow” factor out of it. Please, no.
Didn’t we have the Kirk /Star Trek Generations analogy a while ago?
“It’s not real.”
2 Likes
A video game akin to Hitman with slick cutscenes would satisfy my urges when it comes to something resembling animation. And we’re getting that.
The only reboot remake retro needed is to hire the right actor.
They’ve not really gotten it wrong in 60 years so I have faith.
6 Likes
Danjaq seemingly agreed with that…
I’m wondering if something akin to the shift from MR to FYEO is what Eon would be looking for with a new actor. NTTD is so big, I wonder if they would give the new actor something a bit more pared down, a “warm up” outing if you will. Always thought that the original MR novel had great kind of minimalistic atmosphere to it. I also wouldn’t be opposed to an adaptation of the original TSWLM novel (albeit with more Bond).
2 Likes
The hunt for a new actor has slowly started.
4 Likes
One suggestion that get’s thrown round every so often is a return to Fleming. Generally speaking I’m not really a fan of re-adapting the novels, with 2 exceptions…
Moonraker
Given how little of the novel made it to screen first time there are plenty of plot points and characters(Gala Brand, Ronnie Valance, Krebbs etc.) left to stop it feeling like a total retread. The story itself would be easy enough to update with weponised drones being the most obvious stand in for the rocket and providing a contemporary issue as well as interesting potential for action scenes. The title would have to be changed (to whatever the the drones get called) but I still think there’s enough from the novel to form the basis for an interesting film.
The Man With The Golden Gun
I always thought ‘Bond vs the word’s greatest assassin’ was a great premise but both the book and the film fell short for me. What I’m really suggesting is forget what came before and just take that premise and build a new story around it, you don’t even need the character of Scaramanga. It could really dig into Bond’s role as a professional killer by contrasting his approach with this freelance assassin.
I genuinely think there’s potential for a multi-film arc here too. You could develop the dynamic between the two, professional rivalry giving way to grudging respect and maybe even an uneasy alliance.
5 Likes
If this would be Barry Eisler´s John Rain…chances looking slim for Bond to survive
Another assassin could shoot Bond.
Bond would shoot the other assassin after sleeping with his wife.
Must be getting itchy. I was told this wasn’t going to start till after the first of the year. We want to give Daniel a proper send off… sort of. Who are the top names? Anyone being ruled out right away?
1 Like
Not really sure where they can take the next one. I feel like they need to wait a few years, since they just got done killing Bond.
I almost feel as though they should go ahead with an Amazon series featuring either Paloma or Nomi (or both) and further explore some things within the Craig universe rather than immediately diving back in with a new Bond just a year or two after they literally killed the character.
1 Like
Just got back from my second viewing, and as I walked out, I heard a 16 year old boy say to his parents, “Worst Bond movie ever! He died!!”
1 Like
Idea: we should start referring to Craig’s Bond as the “What If…?” Bond. Like the Marvel animated series. What if… Bond had a kid? What if… Felix died? What if… Blofeld was Bond’s stepbrother (or whatever)? What if… Bond died?
If you want to include CR and QoS in the original cannon fine, but the rest is a complete animated series off-shoot. The next film will return to our regularly scheduled programming.
There’s an element of “what if?” in there, but the spirit of the material is honoured as far as I am concerned. NTTD takes pre-existing plot beats such as Felix being mauled by a shark, and Bond being presumed dead, and pushes them one step further.
Bond dying is foreign to the character in terms of things being an ongoing series. Yes, the stakes would have to be huge and at the end of his career. But in absolute seriousness I can only accept a version of James Bond dying if it means something central to his character.
Bond having a son or daughter isn’t something new and I don’t believe he should settle down with them - James Suzuki being killed in Blast From The Past, for example. And that obviously applies to love interests (Vesper and Tracy). Reversing things and killing Bond keeps that status quo. If the family component wasn’t present I wouldn’t be on board with the concept of Craig facing down those missiles in the same way. And I’d like to think that scenario would be something very rare indeed.
2 Likes
TRIGGER WARNING
Summary
1 Like