Idris Elba tweets Funny Response to James Bond Rumors

So let me get this straight: we've had people complaining about Idris Elba playing a Norse comic book character in Thor; people complaining about John Boyega wearing a stormtrooper outfit in Star Wars: The Force Awakens; people complaining about Michael B. Jordan playing a member of the Fantastic Four; people complaining about a black Captain America. I'm sorry, what year are we living in? And recently, that fat racist blowhard Rush Limbaugh caused another stir by arguing that Elba shouldn't be allowed to play James Bond because he's black. Here's what that tub of lard had to say, and at least he seems to recognize his own racist tendencies...

. “James Bond is a total concept put together by Ian Fleming. He was white and Scottish. Period. That is who James Bond is, was. But now [they are] suggesting that the next James Bond should be Idris Elba, a black Briton, rather than a white from Scotland. But that’s not who James Bond is and I know it’s racist to probably point this out.”

Well yes it is racist, Limbaugh, so why don't you go and dope yourself deaf again, please? Anyway, this all springs from leaked Sony emails that suggested (but did not confirm or anything close to it) Elba would make for a pretty great 007 when Daniel Craig was finished. Obviously he would. These rumors have been going around for years and fans have been enthusiastic about the idea. So Elba decided to have some fun with it by tweeting the below image with the caption "Isn't 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I've got a show. Happy New year people."

Pretty cool way to have some fun with all the douchebags out there. [MediaMatters]

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'Bond 24' Officially Titled 'Spectre'; Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, and more Confirmed

Nobody makes a show out of a simple title and cast announcement better than the producers of the James Bond franchise. Every time a new 007 film is on the way the Internet obsesses over what it will be titled, and producers today have fed into that enthusiasm with a huge spectacle at Pinewood Studios to announce that Bond 24 will be officially titled Spectre.

You'll recall that SPECTRE is the name of the evil organization that includes Bond nemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld, recently rumored to be played by Christoph Waltz. Well now Waltz has been confirmed for the film, but as a character named Oberhauser, which sounds like a name designed to deceive the fans. He joins along with the previously rumored Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci as Madeleine Swann and Lucia Sciarra, Dave Bautista as henchman Mr. Hinx, and Andrew Scott (Pride) as a character named Denbigh. Daniel Craig, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Rory Kinnear, and Ben Whishaw will all be returning in their familiar roles.

Other than that we didn't learn much from returning director Sam Mendes, except that Bond's hot new ride will be the Aston Martin DB10. Production is now underway on Spectre, which opens November 6th 2015.

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Dave Bautista will Battle 007 in 'Bond 24'

Sorry, WWE fans, it doesn't look like Dave Bautista will be headed to the squared circle any time soon. While there had been some talk of a return, the Guardians of the Galaxy star continues to add one project after another, and now he's landed one of the biggest of his career by joining the next James Bond film!

Earlier this year a rumor surfaced that Sam Mendes and Bond producers were looking for an extremely physical "iconic" villain to face off against Daniel Craig's 007, and Bautista will now fit that role according to Latino Review's story. They also say the character is being referred to as "Hinx" during production but that could change...and hopefully it does. If their sources prove accurate this would be another big step in Bautista's career. While he's not quite on the level of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson I think it's safe to say he's on the right track.

Bond 24 brings back Craig, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, and Ralph Fiennes with new addition Lea Seydoux. The film is expected to open on November 6th 2015. Bautista recently signed on to play the villain Tong Po in the Kickboxer remake, and of course will return as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

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A Physically Imposing, Iconic Villain Sought for 'Bond 24'

Little of what we've heard about the sequel to Skyfall has been positive. Mostly it's revolved around casting rumors, but nothing official, and production delays, which sadly have turned out to be all too true. While Chiwetel Ejiofor, Penelope Cruz, and Lea Seydoux have been mentioned as eying roles in the Sam Mendes-directed film, possibly as villains, the James Bond site MI6 says producers may be searching for an iconic, physically imposing Bond villain to match up with Daniel Craig.

Casting has begun for the main assassin, with the search specifically focussed on someone extremely physically fit and over 6' 2". Whoever wins the role will have several altercations with Daniel Craig's 007 throughout the film and also a driving sequence. Former sports athletes will be under consideration along with anyone 'very unusual'. The character has the working name of 'Hinx' (which may change before shooting starts) and is said to be between 30 and 45 years old.

Whoever this character is he will definitely be a henchman not the brains behind the evil operation, and  the goal is to create the next Oddjob or Jaws. Craig is the most athletic and physical Bond the franchise has ever had but he's yet to have an opponent who can match him. It's about time he had one. Bond 24 is expected to begin filming late this year or early next.

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Is Lea Seydoux the Next Bond Girl?

It's been a little bit of a roller coaster figuring out where things stand with the 24th James Bond film. Sam Mendes has been a little flaky about returning to the Skyfall follow-up, and last we heard it had been delayed as franchise scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade came back to punch up John Logan's script. But casting has also been an issue with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Penelope Cruz rumored for roles. But now a new story from the guys at Schmoes Know says Palm d'Or winner Lea Seydoux is next in line to play a Bond Girl.

The site, which has been surprisingly accurate on a lot of this stuff lately, says the Blue is the Warmest Color star is up for an unspecified role in the film, while speculating she could be playing secret agent Miranda Frost. Frost would be a returning character after being portrayed by Rosamund Pike in Die Another Day, so if that's true it would be a pretty big deal. This is based on some earlier reporting on their part but at this point nothing has been confirmed, and with the script undergoing some changes who knows where anything stands.

So we'll see what happens. If Seydoux does come aboard she would be joining Daniel Craig when Bond 24 begins shooting in 2015.

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Penelope Cruz Confirmed for Next Bond Film?

With Daniel Craig suddenly dropping out of The Whole Truth, and a pair of actresses eyed as Bond Girls, it does seem as if preparations are under way for the next James Bond film. About a year ago, word began to spread that Penelope Cruz may have a role in the follow-up to Skyfall, on the heels of her husband Javier Bardem's villainous turn. And now her name has surfaced again, but does it mean she's been confirmed?

French site Premiere has the story, noticing that a recent Sony schedule has Cruz listed as part of the cast along with Craig, Naomie Harris, and Ralph Fiennes. It could be an error, conflating rumor as fact, so until something official comes down just keep this filed away as a maybe. Interestingly, Ben Whishaw's name wasn't listed and he's fully expected to return as Q. We've also yet to hear an update on rumors of Chiwetel Ejiofor as the bad guy Bond will tangle with.

Bond 24 opens November 6th 2015.

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Screenwriter John Logan Says 'Bond 24' Script Nearly Complete

After Skyfall became the most successful James Bond film ever, busting the $1B barrier and updating the 50-year-old franchise in a major way, all eyes have been on what comes next. While we've heard more than a few rumors, such as the next couple of films comprising a two-part epic shot back-to-back, little has actually been confirmed other than Sam Mendes' return as director, and that came after months of uncertainty. Screenwriter John Logan, now writing the script solo, didn't reveal much in an interview with Empire, but he did talk a little about his progress penning the secret agent's next mission...

Logan: "Right now the first draft is almost done. I'm terrifically excited about it! I've been working very closely with Sam (Mendes), and it's been joyous to pick up from our work on Skyfall and just continue on with the storytelling. The new movie continues the themes of Skyfall. Some of the characters and themes that we began to introduce in Skyfall will play out, I hope successfully, in the next movie."

He also confirmed previous statements by Ralph Fiennes that production would begin in October, but was more evasive when asked directly about the possibility of seeing the evil Quantum organization return for the first time since Quantum of Solace....

Logan: “There might be! Honestly, not being evasive, but the great thing about Bond is that I have fifty years of movies – 23 movies and all the Ian Fleming novels and short stories, all of which are fodder. And when I’m working on the new Bond I’m constantly going back to Fleming and the other movies – what are the bits and pieces, what are the resonances? One of the things we learned in Skyfall is that the audience really enjoyed those, they enjoyed when they saw the Aston Martin, they enjoyed when we had references to things they grew up with, either from Ian Fleming or from the other movies, and that’s always been a part of my thinking about Bond.”

The 24th Bond film is expected to open on November 6th 2015.

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Sam Mendes Finally Confirmed to Direct 'Bond 24'; Release Set for 2015

Whether Sam Mendes was legitimately balking at the idea of directing a follow-up to his $1B-grossing Skyfall, or if he was just angling for the best contract possible, he's been shaky on making a decision one way or another. Initially it looked like he was definitely out after saying the prospect of taking on another James Bond film made him physically ill. But then recently he was reported to be in talks to return and helm the next two films, until Mendes put the kibosh on that by saying he still wasn't sure. Whatever was going on behind the scenes, the situation has ended in the way many suspected it would, with Mendes officially back at the helm.

Sony has announced that Mendes will direct the next James Bond film, the 24th the long-running espionage franchise, with Daniel Craig again donning the tailored tux of the secret agent. John Logan is handling the scripting duties solo this time, but there's nothing on whether this is the first in a two-part storyline as many have suggested. Nor is there any mention of Penelope Cruz, who had been rumored to be joining the film.

What's more, Sony have already pegged release for the U.S. and across the pond, with the film arriving in the UK on October 23rd 2015. The film will land stateside on November 6th 2015, meaning right now Bond will be going head-to-head with Marvel's Ant-Man.

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Sam Mendes Still Not Confirmed For Next James Bond Film

After saying it made him "physically ill" the thought of directing another James Bond film, Sam Mendes downed a couple of aspirin, got over it, and signed on to direct possibly Bonds 24 and 25. Or at least that's what we thought, but new statements suggest he's yet to make a firm decision, and it could be a little while until he does.

While at the opening of his stage version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mendes got ahead of a question by HeyUGuys and offered up this bit on his James Bond plans...

Mendes: “In answer to the question you’re going to ask, I don’t know yet. I’m in discussion over the ‘B’ word and I won’t make any decision until this is open. It’s taken a long time to get this open and this has been my focus.”

That's a fair statement, as his desire to focus on the stage was part of the reason why Mendes originally opted out of directing a Skyfall follow-up.  It doesn't take him out of the running by any means, and considering the success he had last time, producers are going to do everything possible to bring him back. At the same time, it may be good to start recalling some of the names that were floated when Mendes was out of the picture.

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Penelope Cruz to be a Bond Girl in next James Bond film?

It appears that all of the directorial wrangling on the next James Bond film is over with now that Sam Mendes is on board to direct the next two. As contract talks with Daniel Craig continue to lock him down for what is looking like a two-part story, a rumor has emerged that they may have found his Bond Girl co-star.

A report over at Yahoo! says that Penelope Cruz is set to become the "oldest ever Bond Girl" in Bond 24. Only in Hollywood does it make a difference that Cruz will be 41 by the time production is expected to begin, when few make a big deal over Craig being 45 and would be approaching 50 by the time all is said and done. Whether this story is legit or just a rumor making the rounds is unclear, but it does seem unlikely that they would be looking to fill other roles before everything with Mendes and Craig has been finalized. But it does sound as if the producers have been trying to land her for some time, but her busy schedule always proved a hindrance. She's currently pregnant by her husband, Javier Bardem, who played the villain Skyfall.

Cruz would be coming off the $1B-grossing Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and it's still up in the air whether she'll return for the fifth film. Chances are she wouldn't be able to do both.  Cruz definitely has the glamourous look of a Bond Girl, and can more than hold her own if called upon to get physical. Nothing has been confirmed, but shooting on Bond 24 is expected to begin next year.

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More James Bond for Sam Mendes as he may direct next two films

What a roller coaster it's been over the last couple of weeks trying to keep track of the next James Bond film. Initially there was a ton of excitement at the possibility of Christopher Nolan taking over Bond 24, but that was tempered by a recent shortlist that included Ang Lee, Nicolas Winding Refn, Tom Hooper, Shane Black, and David Yates.  When all was said and done it was Skyfall director Sam Mendes deciding that he wants to come back after all, this after saying the thought of it made him physically sick. And now he may be sticking around for the long haul.

Showbiz411 says that not only is Mendes taking on Bond 24, but he'll "most likely" direct Bond 25. Last year Mendes made it clear that he was working with John Logan on the story, which at the time was being prepped as a massive two-part adventure. Those plans were supposedly scrapped a few months ago, but this news will certainly get those rumors percolating again.

Producers are still trying to finalize a deal with Daniel Craig, and combined with what they likely just shelled out for Mendes, it's going to be a very expensive next couple of Bond films. Audiences responded to Skyfall in record numbers, so it makes sense to keep the team together for as long as possible.

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Nicolas Winding Refn, Ang Lee, Shane Black and more eyed for next James Bond film

It's always a big deal when names start getting tossed around to direct the next James Bond film, but after the $1B+ returns on Skyfall, it's become more of an issue than ever. With Sam Mendes dropping out, the Internet was set abuzz when Christopher Nolan supposedly entered informal talks with producers, although nobody knows for sure just what entails. It could have just been a chat over breakfast. However those negotiations are, other directors are definitely being considered.

A report at Variety tosses Nicolas Winding Refn, Ang Lee, David Yates, Shane Black, and Tom Hooper into the mix to helm Bond 24, although they note that we could be waiting awhile for a final decision. The shortlist isn't at all surprising, as each contender is either a proven box office or awards season success, and are definitely of a similar stature as Mendes.

Refn is perhaps the most intriguing choice, even if he's also the one least likely to take something like this on. After what sounds like an awful experience during the brief time he was attached to helm The Equalizer, Refn came out recently and compared making blockbuster flicks like banging a cheap whore....

Refn: “Hollywood is like going into a hotel room and seeing the most gorgeous escort girl. She will say to you 'You are the greatest filmmaker in the world, I will do whatever you want’ and you’re so tempted, but you’re also like ‘Am I gonna catch something?’”

FirstShowing actually caught up with Refn recently and asked him directly about taking on the next Bond film. He doesn't confirm anything, but the site takes his smirk and demeanor as a confirmation he's been approached. They may be reaching a bit on that mark. Check it out in the video below....


Whoever gets the job will have to work with the script being put together by John Logan, which is expected to be bigger and extend into the follow-up film. So it's not as if the director is going to get much of a chance to put his own stamp on the franchise, which is perhaps the main reason why directors like Nolan and Refn seems like long shots.

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Christopher Nolan in talks to helm the next James Bond film

Ever since Christopher Nolan first mentioned his love of the James Bond franchise, and just how much it influenced his Batman trilogy, there's been a rapid groundswell of support for him to take over the next one. He's always said directing Bond was on his list of things to do, and with Sam Mendes recently begging off a follow-up to Skyfall, it looks like Nolan may on the path to getting his wish.

The usually reliable Baz Bamigboye over at the DailyMail reports that informal talks are underway between Nolan and James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson about directing the 24th film in the series. While this sounds awesome and like a perfect match, Nolan is busy with Interstellar right now, so chances are he wouldn't be available for quite some time. Considering that one of the reasons Mendes dropped out was the producers' desire for an accelerated schedule, this may not be the right time for Nolan, either. Plus, there's been talk of the 24th and 25th films tying together to form a larger story, and they would surely want Nolan to direct both, which he may not want to do. Considering what we know about Nolan at this point, it'd more likely he'd want to do a Bond film on his own terms.

Then again, this is Christopher Nolan we're talking about, and producers may be willing to wait awhile longer for him. If they are willing to do that, chances are they'd be willing to adjust the story to better serve him, also. So consider this a potentially exciting possibility for now. 

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MGM wants next James Bond film within 3 years; new director named "soon"

Coming off the $1B box office of Skyfall, MGM was quick to start putting together the pieces for the next film, and for awhile it seemed as if everything was coming together nicely. Sam Mendes appeared to be well on his way to directing the 24th James Bond film, and the studio was targeting a rather ambitious 2014 release date. The plan has now shifted considerably with Mendes out of the picture, and it turns out we may be waiting a lot longer.

MGM CEO and Chairman Gary Barber gave a brief update on the next 007 film, revealing that a new director announcement may be imminent...

Barber: "We are very excited about the franchise, we look forward to announcing a director soon… We are currently developing the screenplay and working with our partners. We look forward to developing the script soon and signing a director. We are hoping within the next 3 years it will be released."

The script he refers to is being handled solo by John Logan, although it's unclear if Mendes is still helping him develop the story as was reported awhile back. Three years is a big window, and it's possible that the film could arrive sooner. But these Bond films take a long time to produce, as evidenced by Skyfall's lengthy production period.


Who would you like to see as the next James Bond director? [Reuters]

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Sam Mendes won't direct the next James Bond film

It's rare that a director decides to tackle more than one James Bond film, Martin Campbell being the last to do so, but there also haven't been many to have the immediate impact as Sam Mendes had on Skyfall. Bouncing back from the lackluster Quantum of Solace, Mendes turned Skyfall into a $1B-grossing smash that earned a whopping five Oscar-nominations. In recent months it was beginning to sound like Mendes was leaning towards coming back for at least one more film, but it sounds as if he's had a change of heart.

While talking with Empire, Mendes revealed that his busy schedule is largely the reason for his decision not to return for the 24th Bond film, which is already in the planning stages....

Mendes: “It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie," explained Mendes. "Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond."

Even if he doesn't direct, Mendes' influence is still going to be felt on whatever the next film turns out to be. We learned that he was assisting in the development of the storyline, working with writer John Logan on what at the time was said to be a two-part story. That idea was ultimately scrapped last month, just as it was rumored Mendes was extremely close to committing to the film.

The door for Mendes to return is still open, and he sounds more than willing to step through it at some later date...

Mendes: "I feel very honoured to have been part of the Bond family, and very much hope I have a chance to work with them again sometime in the future".

It was eleven years between Bond films for Martin Campbell, but hopefully we won't have to wait that long for Mendes' comeback. So who do you think should take over directing Bond 24? Let us know your picks.

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Sam Mendes close to directing next James Bond film; two-part plans scrapped

These James Bond movies take a good little chunk of time to make, which is why it's good we're hearing movement on the 24th film now. Last fall, we learned that screenwriter John Logan would be back and tackling the script solo, developed in part by Skyfall director Sam Mendes, with rumors suggesting it would be the first of a two-part storyline shot back-to-back. Daniel Craig shot that talk down, and it appears he was telling the truth.

Baz Bamigboye says the next two films will be stand-alone, with Logan having prepared a pair of treatments for the next one. Maybe that's where the confusion came in? Or maybe there never were any plans to make it a two-parter? Either way, it's looking more likely that Sam Mendes will return, with Bamigboye estimating it to be about 75 percent likely.

I think it's an absolute must to bring Mendes back considering the excellent job he did on Skyfall, even if it means waiting a bit longer. The hope was to have Bond 24 done possibly by the end of next year, but Mendes has a couple of stage projects to complete. They'll likely push a start date into early 2014 at the soonest, and I doubt Mendes is going to rush things. There's also Craig's schedule to factor in.

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Blu-Ray Deal of the Day: 67% off Bond 50: The Complete 22-Film Collection

When I say there's no better time than now to pick up the entire James Bond collection, I really mean it. For today only you can get Bond 50: The Complete 22-Film Collection on Blu-Ray for only $99.99! That's a whopping 67% off where you'll find it anywhere else, and it would make for the perfect gift for that Bond fan in your life. Or make it a reward just for yourself? Either way, today's the day, so take advantage of this amazing deal today right here before it's gone!

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John Logan returning to script 24th and 25th James Bond film

Skyfall is only a couple of weeks away from its stateside release, and so far the response from the U.K. has been tremendous. We're talking Best Picture-level discussions, with maybe even a nod going to Daniel Craig and Judi Dench. I'm not going to delve too deep into my personal opinion on it, but awards may be in the film's future. That's all I'll say.

With Daniel Craig recently signed for two more Bond flicks, producers are keen to keep the creative talent in place, signing screenwriter John Logan to pen the 24th and 25th films. Logan co-wrote Skyfall with longtime Bond scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, but they won't be coming back next time. Logan will handle the scripting duties himself on what will be a two-part storyarc, and considering the year he's had we know he's more than up to the task. Last year the Oscar-nominated writer provided the screenplays for Rango, Coriolanus, and Martin Scorsese's Hugo, and has Darren Aronofsky's Noah for 2014.

The wheels are already turning on the next Bond, and with recent news that Idris Elba may be targeted to take over the role once Craig finishes up, the future is looking bright. Much better than it did after Quantum of Solace. If all goes to play, expect to see the next Bond film in the fall of 2014.

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Benedict Cumberbatch to play the next James Bond villain?

Although Daniel Craig has already signed up for a couple more James Bond flicks, I know more than a few folks are sitting back and wondering when red hot Brit Benedict Cumberbatch is going to get his shot. He seems like the perfect fit, winning high praise for playing Sherlock Holmes in the hit BBC series, and will no doubt show more of his physical nature in Star Trek Into Darkness. It's possible he'll never get his shot to play Bond himself, but a current rumor going around has him pegged to play an enemy of the super spy in the next film.

A story from Express UK says that Cumberbatch is the guy being looked at to join the long list of classic Bond villains, although this should be taken with a grain of salt because there's no sourcing or anything substantial. They say that production on the 24th film is set to begin next year for a 2014 release and that Cumberbatch "is considered perfect Bond villain material". 

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Cumberbatch does end up with the gig, but right now this is pretty flimsy stuff. So just file it away for when we hear something more official, which likely won't happen until well after Skyfall opens on November 9th.

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Sure Shots: Michael Keaton; Ti West; Daniel Craig

* I always thought Michael Keaton's directorial debut, The Merry Gentleman, was a film that was sorely overlooked even after its festival success. Keaton proved himself to be a real actor's director, not surprisingly, so it's been a shame that it's taken this long for him to take another stab at it. He'll next direct Buttercup, a dramedy about a woman who is forced to take responsibility for her father after repeated drunk driving violations. In so doing she learns to accept him and trust the other men in her life. Sounds like a friggin' riot. The script was written by Alice O'Neil, and the film has had a ton of talent previously attached to it. Jennifer Aniston and Alan Arkin were set to star at one point, along with Sarah Polley and Niki Caro circling the director's gig. We'll see if Keaton's the guy to finally bring Buttercup to light, and maybe he can even be convinced to star? [Variety]

* Ti West has had a busy year already, having already directed the excellent horror The Innkeepers, and having provided a segment for V/H/S, which is doing great On Demand right now. He's not finished, though, as a press release confirms he'll direct The Sacrament, which you've probably guessed is yet another horror. Eli Roth is producing, which is funny because West directed Cabin Fever 2, a sequel to Roth's breakthrough feature. Plot details on The Sacrament are being hidden for now, but the title would indicate there's something religious and freaky going on. Filming begins later this month in Georgia.

* Daniel Craig has reportedly upped his contract to remain as James Bond for two more movies after Skyfall. To me this indicates the studio's confidence in the film's and Craig's success, despite the lukewarm reaction to Quantum of Solace. If he does indeed stick around, that would be five movies for Craig, one more than Pierce Brosnan. It also means he'd be the iconic super spy for the celebratory 25th film in the James Bond franchise. [MI6]

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