Tag: James Bond

RegĂ©-Jean Page is ‘flattered’ to be tipped as the next James Bond after Bridgerton exit

He’s been facing mounting speculation that he’ll be the next James Bond since announcing his exit from Netflix hit Bridgerton.

And RegĂ©-Jean Page has now admitted that he’s ‘flattered’ to be included among a host of British stars tipped for the iconic role.

He told The Mirror: ‘Ah, the B word. I think that if you are British and you do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that.’

In the running? RegĂ©-Jean Page has said that he’s ‘flattered’ to be included among a host of British stars tipped to become the next James Bond

RegĂ©-Jean added: ‘I think that’s fairly normal and I’m flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed. Nothing more – or less – than that.’

However despite being the bookies favourite, RegĂ©-Jean said he was bemused by the idea of making any plans at ‘this moment in history’ and has ‘given up’ doing so.

The hunky star also admitted that he can be a bit of a ‘racehorse’, often signing onto a project and focussing completely on it with the ‘blinders on’.

His comments comes after bookmakers Coral revealed that the newcomer is hot favourite to play the iconic spy role following Craig’s departure from the franchise.

Gearing up for 007? The actor, 31, recently announced he would not be returning to Bridgerton for series two, sparking more speculation he could become Bond (pictured in January 2020)

RegĂ©-Jean’s odds have been slashed to 5-2, overtaking long-running favourites Tom Hardy and James Norton – who had previously been the top picks at 3-1.

Huge stars including Idris Elba, Sam Heughan, Richard Madden and Henry Cavill are all currently trailing behind the others on 10-1

A spokesman for the bookmakers said: ‘The news that RegĂ©-Jean Page will not be returning for the second series of Bridgerton has prompted plenty of bets from punters who believe he’ll make the perfect James Bond.

‘We now make him favourite, ahead of Tom Hardy, for who succeeds Daniel Craig as 007.’

The upcoming Bond film, No Time To Die, is currently slated for release in the UK in September and will be Daniel Craig’s final outing as the spy.

Final film: Daniel Craig’s last outing as Bond will be in upcoming move No Time To Die, which is currently slated for release in September after several Covid delays

Back in January, Regé-Jean hinted that he could be a good contender to succeed Daniel Craig as James Bond.

After being announced as favourite at the time, RegĂ©-Jean added fuel to the fire when he took to Twitter to share a glimpse of his character Simon Bassett, Duke Of Hastings, and referenced 007’s iconic drink order as he wrote:

‘Regency, royalty Shaken and stirred.’

The speculation over RegĂ©-Jean’s Bond future hit fever pitch after the news broke that he won’t be returning to Bridgerton for a second series.

The Hollywood Reporter wrote this week: ‘[According to a source] Page was offered an opportunity to return as a guest star in three to five episodes of season two – at a rate of $50,000 [ÂŁ36,000] an episode – but declined for a multitude of reasons.’

They went on to note that his ‘burgeoning film career’ is one of the reasons.

RegĂ©-Jean later confirmed the show had a ‘one-season arc’ and his character’s story was finalised in one series and he never intended to return.

Hint: After being announced as favourite at the time, RegĂ©-Jean added fuel to the fire when he took to Twitter to share a glimpse of his Bridgerton character Simon Bassett, Duke Of Hastings, and referenced 007’s iconic drink order

He told Variety: ‘It’s a one-season arc. It’s going to have a beginning, middle, end – give us a year. That’s interesting, because then it felt like a limited series. I get to come in, I get to contribute my bit and then the Bridgerton family rolls on.’

The hit Netflix series took to its official Twitter account to reveal that the actor won’t be appearing on season two.

The account confirmed that RegĂ©-Jean’s on-screen wife Phoebe Dynevor will return for the next instalment of the streaming phenomenon.

RegĂ©-Jean, who is set to star in The Gray Man, also took to Instagram to confirm the news as he emotionally said it had been a ‘pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke’.

In a tongue-in-cheek statement penned as the mysterious show lead Lady Whistledown, Bridgerton tweeted: ‘Your Grace, it has been a pleasure.’

Shock: The speculation RegĂ©-Jean’s Bond future hit fever pitch after the news broke that he won’t be returning to Bridgerton for a second series (pictured in character)

The statement read: ‘Dear Readers, while all eyes turn to Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s quest to find a Viscountess, we bid adieu to RegĂ©-Jean Page, who so triumphantly played the Duke of Hastings.

‘We’ll miss Simon’s presence onscreen, but he will always be a part of the Bridgerton family.

‘Daphne will remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer – more intrigue and romance than my readers may be able to bear. Yours truly, Lady Whistledown.’

Regé-Jean later confirmed his show exit in his own statement posted to Instagram where he shared a picture of himself in character and behind-the-scenes.

He penned: ‘The ride of a life time. It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke.

‘Joining this family – not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans – it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined.’

Signing off his message, he added: ‘The love is real and will just keep growing ❀❀.’

Statement: The hit Netflix series took to its official Twitter account to reveal that the actor will not be back

This content was originally published here.

Pierce Brosnan Wants to Return in a Future James Bond Movie as a Villain

Pierce Brosnan is open to coming back to the James Bond franchise, but as a villain instead of the iconic MI6 agent. Brosnan played Bond in four movies beginning with 1995’s Goldeneye and certainly has a big place in the history of the long-running series. But the idea of him returning to the franchise, in a completely different capacity, as a foe to a new actor’s Bond, would undoubtedly be wandering into uncharted territory.

Recently, the 66-year-old actor participated in a live watch party for Goldeneye. During the event, he answered a few fan questions. At one point, Pierce Brosnan was asked if he would return as a villain in a future Bond movie. Here’s what Brosnan had to say about it.

For the most part, Pierce Brosnan has talked about his time as Bond with a great deal of affection, and during the watch party he attributed the sustained success in his career to the role. So it’s not too surprising that he would consider returning, albeit in a very different capacity. The big question is, could something like this truly work within the scope of James Bond? That is a far more difficult question to answer, as it would be unprecedented.

Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan have all played James Bond, but none of them have returned for another major role during another actor’s tenure. There were alleged discussions for Sean Connery to return in Skyfall as the keeper of Bond’s family home, but that didn’t come to pass. Not that Bond is averse to tongue-in-cheek moments, but would it be too distracting to have someone so synonymously associated with the role portraying a villain? It’s hard to say. Though, on the surface, getting to see a different side of Brosnan in that universe could be intriguing.

When Goldeneye was released in 1995, it had been six years since Bond had graced the screen in Timothy Dalton’s final entry, License to Kill. The franchise had rarely faced such pressure to deliver, but Pierce Brosnan’s debut proved to be a huge hit, both critically and commercially. That paved the way for three more Brosnan-led entries, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Collectively, they grossed more than $1.4 billion at the global box office. For a time, Quentin Tarantino considered directing a Pierce Brosnan James Bond movie, but that never came to pass.

Daniel Craig then picked up the torch with 2006’s Casino Royale. Craig is set to end his run with No Time to Die, which is set to arrive later this year. At that point, it will once again be time for a new actor to take up the 007 mantle. That means it will be time for a new villain as well. Maybe, just maybe, that villain should/could be played by Pierce Brosnan. Feel free to check out the full Goldeneye commentary for yourself. This news comes to us via Esquire.

This content was originally published here.

Cara Delevingne Favourite To Star In New James Bond Film – UNILAD

by : UNILAD on : 20 Jun 2017 18:48
Cara DelevingneCara DelevingneUNILAD

Now that whole debacle about Daniel Craig playing 007 is apparently out of the way, producers now have to decide who will play the next Bond Girl.

It’s a name that might surprise you considering the less than impressive track-record she’s had on screen in previous years.

This casting has really shaken things up, it’s really stirred the pot. Sorry.

Cara Delevingne is set to take up the mantle, according to Ross King on today’s Lorraine on ITV.

Cara DelevingneCara Delevingne

The model-turned-actress has apparently ‘impressed’ executives who are on the look out for the latest femme fatale.

While the casting decision would certainly turn a few heads, it’s not exactly obvious whether it would be for the right reasons.

Cara Delevingne received a lot of negative press for her *cough* acting *cough* in Suicide Squad, with many questioning why she was there in the first place.

But still, it seems the Bond bosses are really keen to get her on board.

A ‘movie studio source’ told the Mirror:

Her sizzling looks and ability to transform into many different characters on screen really gives her a unique edge. MGM mostly like to pick actresses just on the cusp of becoming big and helping that push, that is where is at.

Cara DelevingneCara DelevingnePA Images

Cara ticks many boxes. She appeals to a younger audience, has screen fighting experience and is English too. They also feel she could play a fierce spy working alongside the main protagonist who of course can play both sides.

This role would not be arm candy, but a kick ass strong character

It was also revealed on ITV’s Lorraine that Daniel Craig is pretty much a dead cert to return as everyone’s favourite spy.

This puts to bed speculation of a successor to the role after Craig reportedly said that he would rather “slit his wrists” than play Bond again.

It’s also great that they’re thinking about giving the Bond girl a more meaty role, whether it’s played by Delevingne or not.

To be fair, they say that every time and look how it turns out.

This content was originally published here.

Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy back among favourites to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond | The Irish Post

PEAKY BLINDERS star Cillian Murphy is back in the running to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond hen the actor vacates the role after the next 007 outing.

The Cork native is a serious contender to become only the second Irishman to play the world-famous secret agent, following on from Pierce Brosnan’s seven-year stint as Bond.

Murphy remains a popular choice among Bond fans, thanks to his breakout turn as Tommy Shelby on the hit Birmingham-set television drama series, Peaky Blinders.

And it would appear someone in the know is backing the Irishman to take up the role.

Irish bookmaker BoyleSports has been forced to slash the odds of Murphy replacing Craig from 20/1 to a much more palatable 14/1.

Betting movements of this kind can sometimes be an indication of impending casting news.

It’s not the first time Murphy has been linked with a major blockbuster movie role.

Back in the mid-2000s, he came close to landing the part of Batman in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, only to lose out to Welshman Christian Bale.

The 28 Days Later star ended up being cast as the comic book film’s central villain, The Scarecrow and his career has gone from strength to strength since.

While James Norton remains the bookmaker’s favourite at 11/8, Murphy would be a popular choice.

His case could be further enhanced should Christopher Nolan agree to direct the next instalment.

Bond producers are keen admirers of Nolan’s talents while the British filmmaker has so far refused to rule out helming a 007 movie.

Nolan is a keen admirer of the Irishman’s talents having previously cast Murphy in Batman Begins and Inception.

Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “According to reports, James Norton is trying to get a deal signed off which has sparked his price cut into 11/8 from 13/8, but Cork star Cillian Murphy is attracting support too in the race to replace Daniel Craig.

“He is now 14/1 from 20/1 after a handful of bets arrived on Tuesday for the Peaky Blinder.”

No Time To Die, Craig’s final outing as 007, is set to be released in April.

A replacement has yet to be announced.

This content was originally published here.

Billie Eilish to write and record James Bond theme song

Her name is Eilish, Billie Eilish, and she’s set to become the youngest artist ever to write and record a James Bond theme song.

Eilish will handle the theme for the upcoming 25th Bond film, No Time to Die, EON Productions, Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (MGM), and Universal Pictures International confirmed today. Eilish first teased the announcement last night by posting photos of past Bond girls — including Eva Green, Hallie Berry, and Lea Seydoux — to Instagram. She later updated her account with a 007 logo.

The as-yet-untitled song was written by Eilish with her brother and frequent collaborator Finneas, and will premiere on April 2nd.

“It feels crazy to be a part of this in every way. To be able to score the theme song to a film that is part of such a legendary series is a huge honor. James Bond is the coolest film franchise ever to exist. I’m still in shock,” Eilish said in a statement.

No Time to Die, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Daniel Craig in his final turn as Bond, hits theaters in the UK on April 3rd and in the US on April 10th.

Eilish joins an elite group of musicians to have recorded a Bond theme. That list includes Adele, Sam Smith, Chris Cornell, Alicia Keys with Jack White, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.

It’s just the latest accolade for Eilish, our 2019 Artist of the Year whose debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, was our favorite album of the year. Beginning in March, she’ll embark on a lengthy arena tour of North America. Get tickets here.

Billie Eilish to write and record James Bond theme song
Alex Young

This content was originally published here.