let's be honest: really, do we need a new James Bond??? I don't think so...

peterpeter Toronto
in Bond 26 & Beyond Posts: 8,250
I just watched SP for the umpteenth time... Are there faults to the film (yes, can't stand C and his plot thread as executed (the idea is cool)).

But watching Craig AGAIN... Jesus, do we really need another 007? A new actor in the tux? I don't think so. The man, the actor we have now, is in such command of the role, it's like Brexit-- vote this guy out today, be seriously sorry by tomorrow.

I know I'll be lambasted for this opinion, but, damn, MI6 community, I think he is that good and, his performance still so "fresh", I wonder why anyone needs a new Bond.

Does EoN need to tighten budgets and stories (via better writers)? I agree.

But him, the man in the tux, Daniel Craig, is so damn perfect, still, that he almost ruins the role for his successor...
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Comments

  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,328
    Nope I want Dan back for more.
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  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 8,250
    I get you Murdock. If DC was lazy in his performance, or showing his age... But he's vibrant, curious and mischievous.

    And looks amazing,

    EoN, fix the scripts and get a daring director.

    Dan will do the rest
  • Posts: 1,680
    We are in an era now where the audience wants to see the same actor who has history playing the role i.e Bourne, Ethan Hunt, Indiana Jones,

  • Posts: 1,631
    I guess I'm fine either way, really. I would, however, like to see the producers take more control of the films and scale back Craig's input a bit, as it seems like he and Mendes kind of had free reign on the last one (hence the producer's credit) and it turned out horribly.

    Part of me wants to see Craig return, as I'd hate for Spectre to be his swansong, as I quite honestly find it to be the worst film of the lot, but they've really painted themselves into a corner with the desire for continuity and how the last film ended, and it'll be hard to get out from under that in the next film unless EON really steps up its game in the writing department. The other part of me would like to just see them forget about the last film, cast a new guy, and move forward with a clean slate
  • edited June 2016 Posts: 1,469
    Maybe one more for Craig, but as highly as I rate his Bond films, I think he's been showing his age in the last two. I thought he was the perfect age for Bond in CR (and even QoS) though he may've been a few years beyond that (ideal age) even then IMO. I can't help comparing to a younger Connery in his early ones. But maybe the producers are right in thinking guys who're around Craig's age (that includes me) can relate to/appreciate him better than an actor in his 30s--not sure where the Bond audience age skews--though maybe it wasn't so much age as the "talent pool" that was or is available. Craig has 10 years before he's the same age Roger Moore was when he did AVTAK.
  • edited June 2016 Posts: 3,564
    peter wrote:

    But watching Craig AGAIN... Jesus, do we really need another 007? A new actor in the tux? I don't think so. The man, the actor we have now, is in such command of the role, it's like Brexit-- vote this guy out today, be seriously sorry by tomorrow.

    The main fallacy here (aside from everything to do w/ the Brexit) is the idea that the fan community is actually ABLE to vote Craig out of the role. He'll stop when he wants to stop (or when Eon decides it's time for a change) and from the way the last film was scripted and plays to my eyes, Craig may just be ready to say "Enough. I've got enough $$$$$$ in the bank, I don't NEED to go back to the demands of that particular role."

    If all you wanted to do was open a new avenue for fans to debate/discuss their opinions on the topic of whether or not they WANT Craig to return for another, fine, carry on. But if you really think we can VOTE the actor out of his role like a politician you can turn out of office...sorry, but I urge you to think again.

    Oh, and @Murdock -- great poster! I really DO want to see Eon use the "Property of a Lady" title one of these days, and your tag line is great, but I'd suggest a full quote ("I Never Left") rather than the more indirect "He Never..."

  • SzonanaSzonana Mexico
    edited June 2016 Posts: 1,130
    Could we see Craig coming back with a standalone mission?
    If that's the case i do want him to continue, he has been a great Bond and with Spectre for me he proved he can lifhten up and give us the more traditional Bond portrayal.


    Performance wise he could easily do a Bond flick bu the numbers in the old classic way. Like the Brosnan films which was classic Bond brought to modern day.

    Skyfall and Spectre are not formulatic Bond they have some stuff from the films before the reboot but its still not the full formula yet.

    Actually i have an idea to get rid off Madeline without questions and thats going back to the other timeline with the old mi6 crew( Judi Dench, Colin Salomon, kitchen and John Clesse) just keep Craig and give him a standalone film.

    I like the new Mi6 crew but we can't have a standalone mission with Craig in this new timeline. So barbara would tell the new cast that they will be out for a short time and re introducing them little by little so people will see the reboot just as a 4 films prequel to the series.

  • Posts: 7,653
    I think we need a new 007 and a return to regular missions without all that personal sh%te. And I do not feel that Craig is the man to bring us that.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 8,250
    peter wrote:

    But watching Craig AGAIN... Jesus, do we really need another 007? A new actor in the tux? I don't think so. The man, the actor we have now, is in such command of the role, it's like Brexit-- vote this guy out today, be seriously sorry by tomorrow.

    The main fallacy here (aside from everything to do w/ the Brexit) is the idea that the fan community is actually ABLE to vote Craig out of the role. He'll stop when he wants to stop (or when Eon decides it's time for a change) and from the way the last film was scripted and plays to my eyes, Craig may just be ready to say "Enough. I've got enough $$$$$$ in the bank, I don't NEED to go back to the demands of that particular role."

    If all you wanted to do was open a new avenue for fans to debate/discuss their opinions on the topic of whether or not they WANT Craig to return for another, fine, carry on. But if you really think we can VOTE the actor out of his role like a politician you can turn out of office...sorry, but I urge you to think again.

    Oh, and @Murdock -- great poster! I really DO want to see Eon use the "Property of a Lady" title one of these days, and your tag line is great, but I'd suggest a full quote ("I Never Left") rather than the more indirect "He Never..."

    I understand we have no power, I'm just broaching this subject from a fan's perspective, and to hear from others, do we really need a new actor? I'm of the mind that DC has complete and utter command of the role (we need material now to challenge him, and us as an audience, something to "wow" the actor and the viewers).

  • SzonanaSzonana Mexico
    Posts: 1,130
    SaintMark wrote: »
    I think we need a new 007 and a return to regular missions without all that personal sh%te. And I do not feel that Craig is the man to bring us that.

    I do think Craig could do it, i just think the best way to bring those missions back without another reboot is bringing back the old Mi6 crew with just a new MoneyPenny to give us the feeling were back to the other timeline and the 4 movies we had with Craig was a prequel to the franchise but we are going back to normal.


    Bringing back all the Mi6 actors who were with Pierce Brosnan so people will understand Madeline just didn't exist.
    They can Bring back this timeline with or without Daniel Craig.

  • pachazopachazo Make Your Choice
    Posts: 7,314
    Do we need a new Bond? No, Craig is still capable. But is he still willing to do it? I wouldn't mind having him back if SP was completely ignored. That seems rather unlikely though. Then again, I suppose it's not completely out of the question if a brand new team is brought in. Otherwise, yes, give me a new Bond.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy My Secret Lair
    Posts: 13,384
    With each new actor comes the chance to "tweak" the series a little.
    keeping it relivent to a contemporary audience.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,882
    4 films and 10 years since he was cast, yes, we do need another Bond. Look, I liked Spectre for the most part, but Craig can't be Bond forever. The time is right for a new Bond actor.
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    4 films and 10 years since he was cast, yes, we do need another Bond. Look, I liked Spectre for the most part, but Craig can't be Bond forever. The time is right for a new Bond actor.
    Agreed.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    4 films and 10 years since he was cast, yes, we do need another Bond. Look, I liked Spectre for the most part, but Craig can't be Bond forever. The time is right for a new Bond actor.
    Agreed.
    Seconded.

    Craig has been great, but his era is inextricably & inexorably tied together, and I'm done with it. Time to move on imho.
  • Lancaster007Lancaster007 Shrublands Health Clinic, England
    Posts: 1,874
    In answer to the thread question. Yes. (Oh, and you only need one question mark).
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 7,889
    I've pondered, does an actor become board with the role or does an audience become board with the actor. When I thought this I was thinking of Connery; it could also apply to Craig. Both were great in the role but all thing run their course. I think it's time for a change.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    talos7 wrote: »
    I've pondered, does an actor become board with the role or does an audience become board with the actor.
    I think both applies, inevitably with time.
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 7,889
    That should have been bored :P Too early.

  • mcdonbbmcdonbb deep in the Heart of Texas
    Posts: 4,116
    Obvious answer but we do need new if Craig quit.
  • edited June 2016 Posts: 1,661
    Hand on heart, if Eon got Rick Astley to do a thumping moody Bond theme,

    If Eon took the basic vibe of SPECTRE and used the 'tone' for future Bond films,

    If Eon found some handsome charming actor to replace Craig...

    then yes, we would like a new James Bond. For Bond to endure (box office stats put to one side) is to embrace some change. A new actor is the best way to shake up things. SPECTRE is a great springboard for the next era of Bond but it needs a new actor.
  • SuperintendentSuperintendent A separate pool. For sharks, no less.
    Posts: 870
    Birdleson wrote: »
    No "vibe" of SP ever again, please.

    +1
  • Posts: 15,785
    I feel only 4 films in a 10 year period was a waste of what could have been 6 outings by now. At this point we should be excited about Craig's 6th adventure coming out this November and discussing whether or not he'll return for a 7th like Roger or should he turn in his PPK.
    Sadly that is clearly not the situation. I agree we do not really need a new Bond, and Craig is good for at least two more. He looked great in SP (IMO).
    However, if 007 is indeed to be recast, so be it.
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 7,889
    I hate to beat this same drum but I will. MI: Rogue Nation wasn't out of theaters and the next one was is the pipeline. Cruise has another 5 to 10 years of action oriented films left in him and he's a man on a mission; pardon the pun.
    Following the success of Casino Royale a path should have been mapped out for Craig to take advantage of his outstanding portrayal of 007. It seems that one franchise has direction, the other has wandered trying to find it's way.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 8,250
    talos7 wrote: »
    I hate to beat this same drum but I will. MI: Rogue Nation wasn't out of theaters and the next one was is the pipeline. Cruise has another 5 to 10 years of action oriented films left in him and he's a man on a mission; pardon the pun.
    Following the success of Casino Royale a path should have been mapped out for Craig to take advantage of his outstanding portrayal of 007. It seems that one franchise has direction, the other has wandered trying to find it's way.

    I agree @talos7. I think after the messy and very dated crap that was MI2, JJ Abrams came on board that franchise with a very clear direction to ground Ethan Hunt (insofar as that character can be grounded), and developed this new vision with each subsequent sequel. They know what their strengths are (although I'm partial to JJ's directorial effort in MI3 as being the best of the bunch).

    DC is so talented as an actor and as a physical actor, they really had something great in him (which I think is still there). As others have said, Babs and Co need to go back and get a great story that will challenge DC's talents. They need to bring back the edge, because his physical work is so exhilarating, and they need to bring back some genuine human emotion/element (i.e. seeing Vesper in the shower in a state of shock, not Blofeld as being his surrogate brother). Know your strengths and use efforts to nurture that in the story telling department.

    One of my disappointments in SP (coming from a guy that still finds it highly watchable), was that I did think they were going to give us an OHMSS type film; something with more emotion (a la CR); I thought we were going to get a unique, adult Bond film. And when they teased the OHMSS theme in the trailer, I was over the moon.

    Instead we got what we got. It looked good. I enjoyed DC's performance (AGAIN), the individual scenes were wonderful, but, as a whole, the film is an empty shell.

    EoN should know their strengths (DC as Bond (like TC as Hunt), the seeds of Fleming's stories, and build a mature film, with great set pieces (considering Craig's great physical work (also akin to, but not to the degree of, TC)). Know your strengths and build from there, like JJ and TC did with MI3 through to MI5
  • mcdonbbmcdonbb deep in the Heart of Texas
    Posts: 4,116
    bondjames wrote: »
    4 films and 10 years since he was cast, yes, we do need another Bond. Look, I liked Spectre for the most part, but Craig can't be Bond forever. The time is right for a new Bond actor.
    Agreed.
    Seconded.

    Craig has been great, but his era is inextricably & inexorably tied together, and I'm done with it. Time to move on imho.

    x3
  • talos7talos7 New Orleans
    Posts: 7,889
    @peter I wouldn't change a word of your post, it's on the money. I'm also with you on MI3; as much as I live Ghost Protocol and Rogue Nation, 3 is my favorite.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 8,250
    @talos7, great minds, and all of that (!); MI3 is highly re-watchable, and very bad ass film.
  • Major_BoothroydMajor_Boothroyd Republic of Isthmus
    edited June 2016 Posts: 2,721
    I like Craig - One more from him would be great. I think five films and twelve years in the job (by the release of the next one) will be a great record for Craig. Skyfall was enough of a departure narratively that it didn't actually have too much linking him to CR and QoS. It did have personal things attached to it - the ancestral home and Silva's vendetta against M - but it wasn't inexorably linked to the Quantum group and Vesper. That was jettisoned with Spectre (the movie) making everything connected and this, along with the handling of Blofeld, are my biggest issues with the movie. It was also disappointingly apparent that there would never be a non-personal mission and stop to the continuum of the over arching plot started in CR. So Craig himself is great - along with Connery and Dalton - my favourite Bond - and I actually liked his performance in Spectre. For most of that film he was successfully reaching for Connery cool. I realise that EON and perhaps Craig himself want to take it in this direction of deep character motivations for their heroes and villains other than one wanting to save the world because it's his duty and another wanting to destroy it because he's a megalomaniac. Still, they've done the groundwork in Spectre - there are no more pointless foster brother connections and last minute surprise surname changes for Blofeld to wheel out so maybe they'll just get on with the job. So I'll take another hit of the Craig dope - and I think I'll enjoy the resulting film more than Spectre because my expectations to have a standalone mission have been lowered since Spectre's release - even if my desire for it hasn't.

  • Posts: 6,432
    If Craig does not return, need look no further than Steven Toast...

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