Javier Bardem Might Haunt Captain Jack In PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES

Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales has been in development for a very long time, take from that what you will. It's been a while since we heard any sort of casting news concerning the project, even though it's expected to begin shooting soon in Australia. The film has a release date of July 7th, 2017 with Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg directing.

TheWrap reports that Spanish actor Javier Bardem (Skyfall, No Country For Old Men) has been offered the villain role. He would play ghost pirate Captain Brand, who seeks revenge on Jack Sparrow. Christoph Waltz was the last actor in the mix for the part, but was never given an offer. Waltz is the villain of Warner Bros' Tarzan, so it's unlikely they'll want him here as well. You might remember that Deadline reported on Bardem's desire to play Black Beard in Joe Wright's Pan, the role would eventually go to Hugh Jackman.

Geoffrey Rush is set to return, while it's unknown if we'll see actors like Stephen Graham and Ian McShane return once more. There was also a bit of a teaser at the end of On Stranger Tides that Penelope Cruz would be returning too. I'm sure Disney would love to see the couple in the same film.

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Chiwetel Ejiofor Wanted For Villain Role In BOND 24?

British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave, Children of Men) is being linked to a bunch of major productions lately, being one of the many actors linked to Star Wars: Episode VII. The doesn't seem to be only huge franchises he's being eyed for, as TheWrap reports Bond producers are interested in him for the untitled Bond 24. Apparently, the role isn't a supporting one, as Chiwetel could play a Bond villain in the 24th installment. This wouldn't be new for the actor, as he's played villains in sci-fi films Children of Men and Joss Whedon's Serenity.

Jeff also mentions two major female roles that are being cast as well. One being a Scandinavian woman with a troubled past, who ends up a love-interest for Bond. A few names that come to mind include Swedish actresses MyAnna Buring (Kill List, Downton Abbey), Alicia Vikander (A Royal Affair, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.) and Noomi Rapace (Prometheus, Dragon Tattoo, The Drop, Sherlock Holmes 2). My bet is on Noomi, since her ex-husband Ola Rapace had a role in Skyfall and she would be a different kind of Bond girl.

Director Sam Mendes looked at a lot of unknown actresses, when casting Skyfall. I'd suggest an unknown like Danish actress Mia Jexen for the role as well.

We don't have many details on the project, but at one point Bond 23 was said to focus on the heroin-trade in Afghanistan. That plot was ultimately scrapped for Skyfall. Yet, it's possible they could weave the unused elements in the final two films in Sam Mendes' trilogy. The returning cast includes Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw, with the release date set for November 2015 (October UK).

SOURCE: THEWRAP

Sam Mendes Likely Directing A BOND Trilogy?

Showbiz411 is reporting that director Sam Mendes is confirmed to be making the follow up to Skyfall the untitled Bond 24 film. They mention that Sam will likely also make Bond 25, which is expected to be Daniel Craig's last film as 007. There was more rumblings of serious talks with Christopher Nolan taking over as well. Perhaps, we could see a Nolan reboot of 007 in Bond 26 after Mendes is done with the franchise. Sam and screenwriter John Logan are currently working out the story for the next film.

Sam Mendes Coming Back To Direct BOND 24?

This shouldn't come as a shock but TheDailyMail reports that Skyfall director Sam Mendes is quite possibly returning to make Bond 24. I say it's not surprising because earlier it was reported that Mendes was working with screenwriter John Logan on Bond 24's script. It was the first hint that Sam could be back in the director's chair.

Producers are likely giving the pair a creative atmosphere to make the follow up just as successful as Skyfall, if not bigger. Hence the other writers not being involved in the new film. The film has made $1.1 billion making it the biggest Bond film ever released and the second biggest film (edging out Dark Knight Rises) of 2012 just behind Avengers. Nothing is confirmed but if Sam officially signs on expect him to complete a Bond trilogy to finish off Daniel Craig's run as 007. Production is expected to take place sometime during the year with a November 2014 release date.

Jessica Chastain Wants To Get Her Hands Dirty And Play A Bond Villain

Jessica Chastain has quickly become both a critical and box office success in her short career. Her films Zero Dark Thirty and Mama have opened number one this month and is looking like she could pull-off a Best Actress Oscar this year. She's a workaholic grinding out a stagering amount of projects every year. According to a statement Jessica made to ThePlaylist she wants to "get her hands dirty" and play a Bond villain.

I'm sure Bond producers, Sony and MGM are foaming from the mouth with this comment. They tried very hard to cast Javier Bardem as the baddie in Skyfall mainly because of his impressive awards background and it paid-off handsomely in the end. Skyfall became the first Bond film to reach a billion, mainly due to the amount of time spent getting the cast pitch-perfect. Casting awards caliber actors for future installments will likely become important factor for the franchise moving forward into Bond 24.

Bond 24 of course is without a title but director Sam Mendes and screenwriter John Logan are already putting together ideas for the next installment. The film is set for November 2014 release date and Mendes hasn't confirmed or denied his return. It's possible Sam could come back to make a Bond trilogy, since he's been so fond of what Nolan did with Batman. Those films being a major influence on Skyfall's look and tone. A rumor surfaced last year that Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness, The Hobbit Trilogy, Sherlock) was being looked at as the next villain. Perhaps, an interesting way to go would be to have both Cumberbatch and Chastain as the baddies. It wouldn't hurt to have these two actors in one film either.

John Logan Will Also Write BOND 25, Could Shoot Alongside BOND 24

Deadline has another Bond update as Skyfall writer John Logan (Gladiator, Last Samurai) has also been tasked to write not only Bond 24 but it's sequel Bond 25 (Daniel Craig's last outing). Apparently the two films will be linked and could be shot back to back. It's the first time the franchise has moved so quickly on two sequels. It gives the impression producers are betting Skyfall will blow away audiences raking in more box office than usual.

Skyfall had it's development issues taking longer than usual to get the story right after the let down that was Quantum of Solace. It went through many script changes and different writers. There could be a few unused scripts laying around from that development that John Logan could rework and pull from.  Not to mention Logan's unused notes from writing Skyfall could also be put to use. If the two films are indeed shooting at the same time it would mean the director would need to commit to larger than usual production shoot. No word if Mendes is returning at this point as the franchise isn't known for keeping directors around for next installments.

SPECULATION: Danny Boyle Being Considered To Direct BOND 24?

Sam Mendes seems to have done an excellent job with Skyfall but it's rare for directors to return for sequels. Considering Mendes is the first Oscar winning director we should expect producers to look at similar directors for future installments. Danny Boyle had been a rumored candidate for Skyfall and directed a Bond short-film for the Olympics. Boyle like Mendes has had a string of commercially successful and Oscar nominated films that includes Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, 28 Days Later and Trainspotting. My bet would be on Boyle at least talking with producers to direct the 24th film. That said, when responding to the rumor Boyle seemed flattered but isn't looking to direct a Bond film.

‘I enjoy the Bond movies, always have and always will, but I have no plans to direct one. I don’t know who came up with the story, but please tell them I’m very flattered to be thought of!’

SPECULATION: Could Christopher Nolan Reinvent 007 With BOND 26?

There's nothing more that Christopher Nolan fans want than to see him tackle Bond.
He's professed his love for the franchise over the years and has even met with producers in the past about helming one. Skyfall producer Gregg Wilson commented (via ThePlaylist) on the possibility of Christopher taking a shot at directing. Of course he seems optimistic and also a bit coy at the same time. Director Sam Mendes has stated he took direct influence from The Dark Knight for Skyfall. It's safe to say that the Bond camp is very fond of Nolan and will try to work something out for the future.

More recently Nolan stated if he was to do it would make a Bond film he'd start fresh. Meaning, a new actor in the role so he can make his stamp on the franchise. Names such as Idris Elba, Michael Fassbender and Tom Hardy have been mentioned as potential new Bonds. All seem like actors that Nolan would be eager to work with. However, Daniel Craig over the summer re-signed with producers for Bond 24 and Bond 25. This would give Nolan time/breathing-room between the next two films to put together his vision for Bond 26. Not to mention directing a film or two of his own in the meantime.

Could Idris Elba Play 007 In BOND 26?

The Daniel Craig era of Bond will have to end sometime and seems like producers are looking to the future. Craig has already signed up for two more installments Bond 24 and Bond 25. However, according to Skyfall co-star Naomie Harris who talked to TheHuffingtonPost Idris Elba is a strong candidate to replace him. She confirms that Elba (Prometheus, The Wire, Luther) has met with producers about the role. It's likely that Bond 26 is the film that Craig would end up passing on.

"I didn’t realize that there was this talk and then I did a film with Idris [Elba] and he said that he met Barbara Broccoli [James Bond producer] and that it does seem like there is a possibility in the future that there could very well be a black James Bond. And I would have to vote for Idris because I just finished working with him and he’s a great guy."

There had been a strong push for the actor to be considered for iconic role from his fans and film bloggers (like myself). Elba the ever modest, commented on the pros and cons earlier in the year. My belief is that if someone like Christopher Nolan (who wants to reinvent the franchise) gets involved it would be the perfect chance to place him in the part. Idris has proved himself over and over as an excellent action/dramatic actor, a perfect combo for Bond. Names such as Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender have also been linked for the part.

Ben Whishaw Wanted For ROBOPOCALYPSE

Variety reports yet another possible addition to the cast of Steven Spielberg's Robopocalypse. As British actor Ben Whishaw is wanted for the role of hacker Lurker. Whishaw is best known for his roles in Perfume and Layer Cake. He'll be seen next in Cloud Atlas and as the new Q in Skyfall. The sci-fi action film already has Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Avengers) in place for the lead and Anne Hathaway (Dark Knight Rises) is being courted for the female role.

First Trailer For 'SKYFALL' Starring Daniel Craig

First Teaser Poster For New Bond Film 'SKYFALL'

A Slew Of New 'SKYFALL' Images

'SKYFALL' Adds Another Bond Girl With Model Tonia Sotriopoulou

MI6 (via ThePlaylist) reports that Greek model Tonia Sotiropoulou has joined fellow Bond girls Berenice Marlohe and Naomie Harris for the 23rd film Skyfall. Tonia confirmed the news via her Facebook page mentioning she's headed to Turkey. It was said that the original location of India had been changed to Turkey over production issues with the local government. Of course there will be other locations with London being one of the major settings of the film. The rest of the cast includes Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whisaw with release date set for November 9th 2012.

Javier Bardem Also Could Join The Counselor

It was reported earlier in the week that Ridley Scott's The Counselor landed Michael Fassbender as it's lead. An unnamed role alluded to as the villain had actors such as Brad Pitt, Jeremy Renner and Bradley Cooper were in the mix for the part. Now, Deadline reports that Spanish actor Javier Bardem (Skyfall) is now pursing the same role. Oddly enough in the new report Bradley Cooper is no longer mention as in the running. I assume he's either aiming for another role in the film or has moved on to other projects. Bardem seems like a given after his Oscar winning performance in No Country For Old Men.

Russell Crowe And Liam Neeson Could Join Noah

Deadline reports that director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) and 20th Century Fox is pursuing Russell Crowe for the lead role in his bible epic Noah. The part was expected to go to an actor in his 40-50s and Crowe seems perfect for the role. Having earning an Oscar for his performance in Gladiator a movie I assume will influence Noah. Screenwriter John Logan isn't a stranger to the large budget epics either. Logan's previous scripts include Gladiator, The Last Samurai and the upcoming Bond film Skyfall.

Liam Neeson is also being looked at for another role in the film. It's not revealed what that part would be but it could end up the villain of the picture. Previously it had been teased that a villain would make his/her way onto the Ark.

Great Official Image Of Bond In Skyfall

RUMOR: Could Ralph Fiennes Become The New M?

When Ralph Fiennes originally was linked to Bond23 now titled Skyfall, it was assumed he'd be playing a villain. Previously there had been rumors Ralph could be playing the legendary Bond villain Blofeld. The villain had appeared in seven Bond films and was last seen in Never Say Never Again (1983). A new report from MovieWeb (via BadassDigest) could see Fiennes perhaps replacing Judi Dench as M. Judi is still confirmed for Skyfall so there could be a changing of the guard during the film. Instead of just changing actors between films showing a transition could be interesting.

It seems to be similar to Ben Whishaw reprising the role of Q. There had also been rumors of Moneypenny returning but that hasn't been made official. MovieWeb isn't the greatest source as a lot of their "stories" end up being second hand gossip or just made-up. I feel Fiennes is one of the greatest actors to portray a villain so I wouldn't count him out as a baddie.

Ben Whisaw Will Play Q In Skyfall

It was mentioned around the time that Quantum of Solace came out that Daniel Craig was interested in bringing back the character Q, who had been a staple of the franchise. Q was responsible for a majority of Bond's gadgets which would save his skin more than once. HollywoodReporter says that Ben Whisaw (Perfume, Layer Cake) who was confirmed for the new film will play Q in Skyfall. The Q scenes were mostly for comedic effect but considering the tone of the new Bond films it's unlikely there will be too many jokes cracked.

Skyfall Official Title Of Bond 23, Cast Confirmed

Bond 23's official title will be Skyfall. The title had been rumored for a couple of weeks but is now confirmed. The official cast lineup has also been announced which includes Daniel Craig, Judy Dench, Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men), Naomie Harris (28 Days Later), Bérénice Marlohe, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney (Miller's Crossing) and Ben Whishaw (Layer Cake, Perfume). While most of the new cast hasn't been given character names it was revealed that Naomie will play field agent Eve (not Miss Moneypenny) and Bérénice will play a Bond girl named Severin. The film will still have large action pieces and it was confirmed that it will be it's own story not being connected to the previous two installments. Skyfall will hit North American theaters on November 9th 2012.


"In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost."