Dr. DVD

This is not a discussion of the new Bond selection as much as it is a little theory I have developed.

When I was last home visiting the parents, we went to see the Pink Panther re-make, which while amusing, I didn't think much of overall. However, what stood out to me was the brief appearance of Clive Owen as 006, which I know was a wink to those in the know about him turning down Bond. While it was done in jest, I think Owen did an impressive job. Also, having seen his work on Inside Man and Closer, I feel this guy would be great as Bond.
Almost all reports from the media I have read regarding Casino Royale are that it is not the kind of Bond movie people want to see. Let me say that I am NOT going to judge the movie until I see it. I personally think it will be the closest interpretation of the Fleming books character than has been made in a while. But let's face it, that (a vulnerable Bond with a gritty feel) is not what most people want when they see Bond. They want him to ooze coolness and have fancy gadgets and all that while ravishing women. Almost everything this movie will reportedly not have.
I think that the studio cast Craig as a safeguard in case this one is a commercial flop, which I think it will prove. Craig, while a good actor, has not been readily accepted since he was announced and cannot seem to catch a break from anyone. Furthermore, I think it is obvious he was the cheapest of all candidates. Should this "prequel" fail, then they can most likely buy out his three picture contract at a cheap price and resume the series from where it left off calling this version "experimental" to save face.

Enter Clive Owen again. Okay, I know he turned it down saying he didn't want it, and I don't think he does. This will define his career, which is doing fine without playing Bond. However, money talks. I think Owen's notoriety from movies like Inside Man, Closer, Sin City, not to mention his quick Pink Panther cameo have people believing he is the right choice. If Royale disappoints, the studio, anxious to salvage its once wildly successful franchise, will do whatever is necessary. I think they will once again approach Clive Owen, and Owen will refuse again, but they will eventually offer a sum that he would be insane to decline. Also, if a few of his solo film projects perform like Derailed, he might be up to Bond afterall. He gets to be Bond, public is happy, Bond is rejuvenated from people desperate to get the taste of Craig out of their mouth, and everyone is happy. Well, maybe not Craig, but almost everyone!

GoldenJCJ

Do I think Daniel Craig will have a long Bond run? NO (3 films tops)

Do I think Clive Owen will ever be Bond? NO

Do I think Casino Royale will be successful? Moderately, and more successful than the last few Bond films.


Interesting theory. However, I'm a little confused as to why the studio would sign Craig to a multi picture deal, if they didn't have full faith in him.

BravesMG

I haven't seen any of Craig's work, but I can say to me he doesn't look like a prototypical Bond, but I'm not sure if that's good or bad. I can say that I think Clive Owen would be a tremendous choice and I would be in line for all 3. As it stands I'll wait and see, I have nothing against Craig but nothing for him either.

riley_dude

He is not being set up to fail but I do question remaking a movie that has already been made.

Legolas

I don't have any problems with Craig and will go see Casino Royale, even if it's a reboot where only Bond has been reboot but everyone and everything else is the same.

Though the thing is, only every other Bond has been successful -- Connery, Moore, Brosnan. I wonder if Christian Bale is still interested.

Rogue588

They're just waiting for the right opportunity to put Timothy Dalton back in the role..

Numanoid

I don't think there's any other way to remake a movie.

tasha99

I doubt it, but I'd actually go watch a new Bond movie if Clive Owen was in it.

Mr. Cinema

I loved Craig in Layer Cake and Munich. I will be there opening night.

movielib

Except that the original Casino Royale was a stupid spoof and shouldn't even be considered a Bond picture. As far as I'm concerned Fleming's Casino Royale has never been made until now. As it was the first Bond book, it deserves to be treated at least semi-seriously.

DeanoBKN

I agree. I am looking foward to an "old fashioned" Bond movie again.

jaeufraser

Are you talking quality?

Because if you're talking monetary success, I don't see how Casino Royale can be only moderately successful, and at the same time be more successful than the last few Bond films. Cause quite frankly, at least commercially speaking, the last few Bond films were far more than moderately successful.

Seantn

Daniel Craig set up to fail? Kind of like how "Mr and Mrs Smith is doomed"?

GoldenJCJ

I was actually refering to monetary success. For some reason I thought the last 2 Bond films fizzled in the theaters (they made about 160mil and 126mil respectively).

I do however think Casino Royale will do better than both of those, but whether that's moderate success or not depends on the expectations.

UAIOE

I don't really know how i feel about this new Bond movie.

Yes i'd like to see a serious take on "Casino Royal" (even though i never saw the other version).

Yes i want more spying and less invisible cars.

But i'm just not all that psyched about this movie and i'm not really sure why.

B.A.

Wasn't the Pink Panther filmed a couple of years ago, before a lot of the Bond drama even started (i.e. before it was official that Brosnan was leaving the franchise and Owen said "no.")?

Dr. DVD

I read on IMDB in the trivia section that Owen's appearance was supposed to be a nod to his turning down Bond situation. But that's according to IMDB, so take it with a grain of salt.

majorjoe23

As oppossed to remaking a movie that hasn't been made?

DonnachaOne

Oh fuck a pig, not more of ths again. People are so pissed about Craig's casting that they're now forming conspiracy theories to explain it?

Won't the moviegoing experience be impeded by the tin foil hat?