Who should/could be a Bond actor?

15775785805825831229

Comments

  • suavejmfsuavejmf Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 5,131
    BOND. IS. NOT. BLACK. Period.

    I’m a Black man, but even I have to call out the ridiculousness of the “Black-washing” of specific fictional characters, in this case, James Bond. Like...why? If you want a Black actor to portray a Black spy - whether he’s English, American, or whatever the case may be - write an original character with that specific racial identity or attribute.

    It’s one of the reasons why I went into theatre and became fascinated by playwriting as part of my curriculum - it gave me the agency to put my ideas of identity and representation to paper. Because simply casting an actor as a character for the sake of race is asinine.

    Great post. Well said.....every word is true.
  • Posts: 11,425
    BOND. IS. NOT. BLACK. Period.

    I’m a Black man, but even I have to call out the ridiculousness of the “Black-washing” of specific fictional characters, in this case, James Bond. Like...why? If you want a Black actor to portray a Black spy - whether he’s English, American, or whatever the case may be - write an original character with that specific racial identity or attribute.

    It’s one of the reasons why I went into theatre and became fascinated by playwriting as part of my curriculum - it gave me the agency to put my ideas of identity and representation to paper. Because simply casting an actor as a character for the sake of race is asinine.

    I agree casting a black actor for the sake of it won't work. But what if there is a great black actor who comes along who would make a great Bond? We're talking about 2020 and a fictional character who has been on the screen for 60 years. Nothing is written in stone.
  • suavejmfsuavejmf Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 5,131
    Getafix wrote: »
    BOND. IS. NOT. BLACK. Period.

    I’m a Black man, but even I have to call out the ridiculousness of the “Black-washing” of specific fictional characters, in this case, James Bond. Like...why? If you want a Black actor to portray a Black spy - whether he’s English, American, or whatever the case may be - write an original character with that specific racial identity or attribute.

    It’s one of the reasons why I went into theatre and became fascinated by playwriting as part of my curriculum - it gave me the agency to put my ideas of identity and representation to paper. Because simply casting an actor as a character for the sake of race is asinine.

    I agree casting a black actor for the sake of it won't work. But what if there is a great black actor who comes along who would make a great Bond? We're talking about 2020 and a fictional character who has been on the screen for 60 years. Nothing is written in stone.

    It is because the character is white. So a black actor isn’t suitable for the part of Bond.
  • edited March 2020 Posts: 11,425
    Felix and Moneypenny are also white in the books and all the films up to the Craig era. M was a man up until Dench.

    We are talking about literary, fictional creations. Bond can be played by a black actor if someone makes that decision (as I am sure they will at some point) and they find the right actor.

    I am one of those who felt Idris Elba had something that might have made a good Bond. I am basing this mainly on his early performance in The Wire, where he basically steals every scene. There's a confidence and restrained performance there that is a bit like Craig in Layer Cake - the sophisticated gangster. Elba is too old now but he definitely had something that for me made me think Bond potential.

    I personally would rather have an excellent black actor as Bond than someone else like Brosnan who IMO was probably miscast and just ushered in an era of really bad films.

    Colour blind casting is here and it's not going to go away. The character has changed over time. Connery being cast meant Fleming invented a Scottish back story for his character. We've had an Irish Bond who speaks English with an Irish brogue. Stuff changes.

    Really good piece in the Irish Times on this subject, that also mentions Bond.

    https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/calm-down-online-bores-colour-blind-casting-isn-t-woke-1.4156284
  • suavejmfsuavejmf Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 5,131
    Getafix wrote: »
    Felix and Moneypenny are also white in the books and all the films up to the Craig era. M was a man up until Dench.

    We are talking about literary, fictional creations. Bond can be played by a black actor if someone makes that decision (as I am sure they will at some point) and they find the right actor.

    I am one of those who felt Idris Elba had something that might have made a good Bond. I am basing this mainly on his early performance in The Wire, where he basically steals every scene. There's a confidence and restrained performance there that is a bit like Craig in Layer Cake - the sophisticated gangster. Elba is too old now but he definitely had something that for me made me think Bond potential.

    I personally would rather have an excellent black actor as Bond than someone else like Brosnan who IMO was probably miscast and just ushered in an era of really bad films.

    Colour blind casting is here and it's not going to go away. The character has changed over time. Connery being cast meant Fleming invented a Scottish back story for his character. We've had an Irish Bond who speaks English with an Irish brogue. Stuff changes.

    Really good piece in the Irish Times on this subject, that also mentions Bond.

    https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/calm-down-online-bores-colour-blind-casting-isn-t-woke-1.4156284

    We’ll have to agree to disagree. For me ‘blackwashing’ an iconic character is wrong. He should remain as Fleming created. ‘White washing’ a black character is also wrong. E.g a white Shaft, Blade, Black Panther, Axel Foley etc.

    For me, if the producers change Bond’s race I won’t be watching it, as it isn’t Bond anymore.
  • ResurrectionResurrection Kolkata, India
    Posts: 2,541
    suavejmf wrote: »
    Getafix wrote: »
    Felix and Moneypenny are also white in the books and all the films up to the Craig era. M was a man up until Dench.

    We are talking about literary, fictional creations. Bond can be played by a black actor if someone makes that decision (as I am sure they will at some point) and they find the right actor.

    I am one of those who felt Idris Elba had something that might have made a good Bond. I am basing this mainly on his early performance in The Wire, where he basically steals every scene. There's a confidence and restrained performance there that is a bit like Craig in Layer Cake - the sophisticated gangster. Elba is too old now but he definitely had something that for me made me think Bond potential.

    I personally would rather have an excellent black actor as Bond than someone else like Brosnan who IMO was probably miscast and just ushered in an era of really bad films.

    Colour blind casting is here and it's not going to go away. The character has changed over time. Connery being cast meant Fleming invented a Scottish back story for his character. We've had an Irish Bond who speaks English with an Irish brogue. Stuff changes.

    Really good piece in the Irish Times on this subject, that also mentions Bond.

    https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/calm-down-online-bores-colour-blind-casting-isn-t-woke-1.4156284

    We’ll have to agree to disagree. For me ‘blackwashing’ an iconic character is wrong. He should remain as Fleming created. ‘White washing’ a black character is also wrong. E.g a white Shaft, Blade, Black Panther, Axel Foley etc.

    For me, if the producers change Bond’s race I won’t be watching it, as it isn’t Bond anymore.

    Problem is most don't understand changing a bit here and there(hair color etc) and changing complete race of the character are two different things. I wouldn't prefer either, that's why Timothy still my favorite. Other supporting Characters won't matter much to me as much as bond although i would say it's time for white traditional supporting characters - Male M/White moneypenny/Older Q. They can do whatever they want with it, make bond a woman if you will but i wouldn't watch that.
  • JeremyBondonJeremyBondon Seeking out odd jobs with Oddjob @Tangier
    Posts: 1,318
    BOND. IS. NOT. BLACK. Period.

    I’m a Black man, but even I have to call out the ridiculousness of the “Black-washing” of specific fictional characters, in this case, James Bond. Like...why? If you want a Black actor to portray a Black spy - whether he’s English, American, or whatever the case may be - write an original character with that specific racial identity or attribute.

    It’s one of the reasons why I went into theatre and became fascinated by playwriting as part of my curriculum - it gave me the agency to put my ideas of identity and representation to paper. Because simply casting an actor as a character for the sake of race is asinine.

    As a white man I applaud your sensible thoughts and comments. This should already be enough to shut the white pc crowd up.
  • Daniel316Daniel316 United States
    Posts: 210
    Getafix wrote: »
    M was a man up until Dench.


    You do realize that Benard Lee, Robert Brown and Dench's M are completely different characters? Brosnan even mentions her predesecor in GoldenEye. Granted yes M was a male up till then but if you're trying to use Dench's casting as proof that major changes can be made to a longstanding character then you're kinda half wrong as it's not even the same person. Also Moneypenny and Felix are more supporting characters who appear briefly and thus can be recasted without trouble. Besides Craig's era is a totally different timeline than the original so them having their nationalities changed didn't really make such a huge backlash so to speak as well they're not the same Felix and Moneypenny we knew from before.

    Also you'd rather have a great black actor than another Brosnan huh? Nice to see your Brosnan hate boner is still at large good sir. Bond should remain white because he's Always been that way from the very beginning, it's one thing to change supporting characters but you can't just change the lead role and top dog. Like Gatecrasher said if you really must have a Black Bond then make a whole new spy character instead of forcibly changing Bond's long established race just for muh shock and muh publicity.
  • OctopussyOctopussy Piz Gloria, Schilthorn, Switzerland.
    Posts: 1,081
    BOND. IS. NOT. BLACK. Period.

    I’m a Black man, but even I have to call out the ridiculousness of the “Black-washing” of specific fictional characters, in this case, James Bond. Like...why? If you want a Black actor to portray a Black spy - whether he’s English, American, or whatever the case may be - write an original character with that specific racial identity or attribute.

    It’s one of the reasons why I went into theatre and became fascinated by playwriting as part of my curriculum - it gave me the agency to put my ideas of identity and representation to paper. Because simply casting an actor as a character for the sake of race is asinine.

    +1
  • ThunderballThunderball playing Chemin de Fer in a casino, downing Vespers
    Posts: 814
    BOND. IS. NOT. BLACK. Period.

    I’m a Black man, but even I have to call out the ridiculousness of the “Black-washing” of specific fictional characters, in this case, James Bond. Like...why? If you want a Black actor to portray a Black spy - whether he’s English, American, or whatever the case may be - write an original character with that specific racial identity or attribute.

    It’s one of the reasons why I went into theatre and became fascinated by playwriting as part of my curriculum - it gave me the agency to put my ideas of identity and representation to paper. Because simply casting an actor as a character for the sake of race is asinine.

    Post of the year. Now if only your comments, which are dead on, could close the door on Black Bond, but it won't.
  • Daniel316Daniel316 United States
    Posts: 210
    If only it would
  • Posts: 4,408
    Getafix wrote: »
    Felix and Moneypenny are also white in the books and all the films up to the Craig era. M was a man up until Dench.

    We are talking about literary, fictional creations. Bond can be played by a black actor if someone makes that decision (as I am sure they will at some point) and they find the right actor.

    I am one of those who felt Idris Elba had something that might have made a good Bond. I am basing this mainly on his early performance in The Wire, where he basically steals every scene. There's a confidence and restrained performance there that is a bit like Craig in Layer Cake - the sophisticated gangster. Elba is too old now but he definitely had something that for me made me think Bond potential.

    I personally would rather have an excellent black actor as Bond than someone else like Brosnan who IMO was probably miscast and just ushered in an era of really bad films.

    Colour blind casting is here and it's not going to go away. The character has changed over time. Connery being cast meant Fleming invented a Scottish back story for his character. We've had an Irish Bond who speaks English with an Irish brogue. Stuff changes.

    Really good piece in the Irish Times on this subject, that also mentions Bond.


    https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/calm-down-online-bores-colour-blind-casting-isn-t-woke-1.4156284

    Excellent post that succinctly explains me feelings.

    The whole ‘literacy character’ argument has zero merits, it would immediately contradict the decision to hire Connery (too working class and Scottish), Lazenby (an Aussie!), Dalton (Welsh with an American mother!), Brosnan (Very Irish) and Craig (Blonde!!!!).

    I also agree that Idris Elba had something. Sadly, his time has probably past. But you raise a fair point – a bland agreeable actor (someone like Henry Cavill) would be disastrous. Perhaps, you don’t need someone as iconoclastic as a black actor. But certainly someone like Daniel Craig. With a bit of an edge.

    Still a crying shame that Idris isn’t Bond. Though here he is in 2020 and he still looks beautiful. Maybe a bit too famous now though…

    IdrisElbaandSabrinaDhowreattheroyalweddingofmeganandprincecharles-520x399.jpg
  • suavejmfsuavejmf Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England
    edited March 2020 Posts: 5,131
    Getafix wrote: »
    Felix and Moneypenny are also white in the books and all the films up to the Craig era. M was a man up until Dench.

    We are talking about literary, fictional creations. Bond can be played by a black actor if someone makes that decision (as I am sure they will at some point) and they find the right actor.

    I am one of those who felt Idris Elba had something that might have made a good Bond. I am basing this mainly on his early performance in The Wire, where he basically steals every scene. There's a confidence and restrained performance there that is a bit like Craig in Layer Cake - the sophisticated gangster. Elba is too old now but he definitely had something that for me made me think Bond potential.

    I personally would rather have an excellent black actor as Bond than someone else like Brosnan who IMO was probably miscast and just ushered in an era of really bad films.

    Colour blind casting is here and it's not going to go away. The character has changed over time. Connery being cast meant Fleming invented a Scottish back story for his character. We've had an Irish Bond who speaks English with an Irish brogue. Stuff changes.

    Really good piece in the Irish Times on this subject, that also mentions Bond.


    https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/calm-down-online-bores-colour-blind-casting-isn-t-woke-1.4156284

    Excellent post that succinctly explains me feelings.

    The whole ‘literacy character’ argument has zero merits, it would immediately contradict the decision to hire Connery (too working class and Scottish), Lazenby (an Aussie!), Dalton (Welsh with an American mother!), Brosnan (Very Irish) and Craig (Blonde!!!!).

    I also agree that Idris Elba had something. Sadly, his time has probably past. But you raise a fair point – a bland agreeable actor (someone like Henry Cavill) would be disastrous. Perhaps, you don’t need someone as iconoclastic as a black actor. But certainly someone like Daniel Craig. With a bit of an edge.

    Still a crying shame that Idris isn’t Bond. Though here he is in 2020 and he still looks beautiful. Maybe a bit too famous now though…

    IdrisElbaandSabrinaDhowreattheroyalweddingofmeganandprincecharles-520x399.jpg

    Idris is a great actor and very cool...but Bond he is not.

    Thanks for sharing the picture.....he'd make a fantastic Mr Big.

  • ResurrectionResurrection Kolkata, India
    Posts: 2,541
    suavejmf wrote: »
    Getafix wrote: »
    Felix and Moneypenny are also white in the books and all the films up to the Craig era. M was a man up until Dench.

    We are talking about literary, fictional creations. Bond can be played by a black actor if someone makes that decision (as I am sure they will at some point) and they find the right actor.

    I am one of those who felt Idris Elba had something that might have made a good Bond. I am basing this mainly on his early performance in The Wire, where he basically steals every scene. There's a confidence and restrained performance there that is a bit like Craig in Layer Cake - the sophisticated gangster. Elba is too old now but he definitely had something that for me made me think Bond potential.

    I personally would rather have an excellent black actor as Bond than someone else like Brosnan who IMO was probably miscast and just ushered in an era of really bad films.

    Colour blind casting is here and it's not going to go away. The character has changed over time. Connery being cast meant Fleming invented a Scottish back story for his character. We've had an Irish Bond who speaks English with an Irish brogue. Stuff changes.

    Really good piece in the Irish Times on this subject, that also mentions Bond.


    https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/calm-down-online-bores-colour-blind-casting-isn-t-woke-1.4156284

    Excellent post that succinctly explains me feelings.

    The whole ‘literacy character’ argument has zero merits, it would immediately contradict the decision to hire Connery (too working class and Scottish), Lazenby (an Aussie!), Dalton (Welsh with an American mother!), Brosnan (Very Irish) and Craig (Blonde!!!!).

    I also agree that Idris Elba had something. Sadly, his time has probably past. But you raise a fair point – a bland agreeable actor (someone like Henry Cavill) would be disastrous. Perhaps, you don’t need someone as iconoclastic as a black actor. But certainly someone like Daniel Craig. With a bit of an edge.

    Still a crying shame that Idris isn’t Bond. Though here he is in 2020 and he still looks beautiful. Maybe a bit too famous now though…

    IdrisElbaandSabrinaDhowreattheroyalweddingofmeganandprincecharles-520x399.jpg

    Idris is a great actor and very cool...but Bond he is not.

    Thanks for sharing the picture.....he'd make a fantastic Mr Big.


    I wouldn't say he should be playing a Villian, he can be another 00/CIA agent to help bond. He is indeed a great actor though.
  • suavejmfsuavejmf Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England
    edited March 2020 Posts: 5,131
    suavejmf wrote: »
    Getafix wrote: »
    Felix and Moneypenny are also white in the books and all the films up to the Craig era. M was a man up until Dench.

    We are talking about literary, fictional creations. Bond can be played by a black actor if someone makes that decision (as I am sure they will at some point) and they find the right actor.

    I am one of those who felt Idris Elba had something that might have made a good Bond. I am basing this mainly on his early performance in The Wire, where he basically steals every scene. There's a confidence and restrained performance there that is a bit like Craig in Layer Cake - the sophisticated gangster. Elba is too old now but he definitely had something that for me made me think Bond potential.

    I personally would rather have an excellent black actor as Bond than someone else like Brosnan who IMO was probably miscast and just ushered in an era of really bad films.

    Colour blind casting is here and it's not going to go away. The character has changed over time. Connery being cast meant Fleming invented a Scottish back story for his character. We've had an Irish Bond who speaks English with an Irish brogue. Stuff changes.

    Really good piece in the Irish Times on this subject, that also mentions Bond.


    https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/calm-down-online-bores-colour-blind-casting-isn-t-woke-1.4156284

    Excellent post that succinctly explains me feelings.

    The whole ‘literacy character’ argument has zero merits, it would immediately contradict the decision to hire Connery (too working class and Scottish), Lazenby (an Aussie!), Dalton (Welsh with an American mother!), Brosnan (Very Irish) and Craig (Blonde!!!!).

    I also agree that Idris Elba had something. Sadly, his time has probably past. But you raise a fair point – a bland agreeable actor (someone like Henry Cavill) would be disastrous. Perhaps, you don’t need someone as iconoclastic as a black actor. But certainly someone like Daniel Craig. With a bit of an edge.

    Still a crying shame that Idris isn’t Bond. Though here he is in 2020 and he still looks beautiful. Maybe a bit too famous now though…

    IdrisElbaandSabrinaDhowreattheroyalweddingofmeganandprincecharles-520x399.jpg

    Idris is a great actor and very cool...but Bond he is not.

    Thanks for sharing the picture.....he'd make a fantastic Mr Big.


    I wouldn't say he should be playing a Villian, he can be another 00/CIA agent to help bond. He is indeed a great actor though.

    I still say he's be a great imposing Mr Big......as that Fleming villain has never been done properly.

  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    Starting to warm to Nicholas Hoult.....looks like a leading man in weighting. Let's wait till the Mission Impossible set photos. But I'm seeing serious potential. Especially in light of him being a finalist for Batman.



    Secondly, I have my eye on Jamie Dornan. Hopefully he has a good 2020 and gets his name out there more. Without the context of being that Fifty-Shades-guy....



    Thirdly, another name I feel is on the verge of stardom is Harris Dickinson....he's the new lead of Kingsman. He has something about him. I'm thinking if they do the young Bond thing again. He will be considered.


    Oh look, Twink Time is on again, with your ever salivating host Pierce2daniel

    Opinions are allowed. Thanks.
  • JeremyBondonJeremyBondon Seeking out odd jobs with Oddjob @Tangier
    Posts: 1,318
    NicNac wrote: »
    Starting to warm to Nicholas Hoult.....looks like a leading man in weighting. Let's wait till the Mission Impossible set photos. But I'm seeing serious potential. Especially in light of him being a finalist for Batman.



    Secondly, I have my eye on Jamie Dornan. Hopefully he has a good 2020 and gets his name out there more. Without the context of being that Fifty-Shades-guy....



    Thirdly, another name I feel is on the verge of stardom is Harris Dickinson....he's the new lead of Kingsman. He has something about him. I'm thinking if they do the young Bond thing again. He will be considered.


    Oh look, Twink Time is on again, with your ever salivating host Pierce2daniel

    Opinions are allowed. Thanks.

    Interesting you say that. It seems that, given the past, often didn't count for me or others. You see @NicNac, @Pierce2Daniel keeps on posting stuff regarding guys he finds hot, rather than being suitable for Bond. That is my opinion and a bit of banter is allowed I reckon.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    edited March 2020 Posts: 7,582
    NicNac wrote: »
    Starting to warm to Nicholas Hoult.....looks like a leading man in weighting. Let's wait till the Mission Impossible set photos. But I'm seeing serious potential. Especially in light of him being a finalist for Batman.



    Secondly, I have my eye on Jamie Dornan. Hopefully he has a good 2020 and gets his name out there more. Without the context of being that Fifty-Shades-guy....



    Thirdly, another name I feel is on the verge of stardom is Harris Dickinson....he's the new lead of Kingsman. He has something about him. I'm thinking if they do the young Bond thing again. He will be considered.


    Oh look, Twink Time is on again, with your ever salivating host Pierce2daniel

    Opinions are allowed. Thanks.

    Interesting you say that. It seems that, given the past, often didn't count for me or others. You see @NicNac, @Pierce2Daniel keeps on posting stuff regarding guys he finds hot, rather than being suitable for Bond. That is my opinion and a bit of banter is allowed I reckon.

    Opinions are subjective.

    All I want is for the thread to remain amicable without unnecessary baiting. If it's banter, and you are all ok with it then I'm sure nothing will transpire.

    And if you have grievances for anything said to you in previous posts (If that is what you are suggesting) then drop me a PM and I'm happy to look at it. No one has been warned, yet.
  • suavejmfsuavejmf Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 5,131
    Daniel316 wrote: »
    Getafix wrote: »
    M was a man up until Dench.


    You do realize that Benard Lee, Robert Brown and Dench's M are completely different characters? Brosnan even mentions her predesecor in GoldenEye. Granted yes M was a male up till then but if you're trying to use Dench's casting as proof that major changes can be made to a longstanding character then you're kinda half wrong as it's not even the same person. Also Moneypenny and Felix are more supporting characters who appear briefly and thus can be recasted without trouble. Besides Craig's era is a totally different timeline than the original so them having their nationalities changed didn't really make such a huge backlash so to speak as well they're not the same Felix and Moneypenny we knew from before.

    Also you'd rather have a great black actor than another Brosnan huh? Nice to see your Brosnan hate boner is still at large good sir. Bond should remain white because he's Always been that way from the very beginning, it's one thing to change supporting characters but you can't just change the lead role and top dog. Like Gatecrasher said if you really must have a Black Bond then make a whole new spy character instead of forcibly changing Bond's long established race just for muh shock and muh publicity.

    Good post.
  • JeremyBondonJeremyBondon Seeking out odd jobs with Oddjob @Tangier
    edited March 2020 Posts: 1,318
    NicNac wrote: »
    NicNac wrote: »
    Starting to warm to Nicholas Hoult.....looks like a leading man in weighting. Let's wait till the Mission Impossible set photos. But I'm seeing serious potential. Especially in light of him being a finalist for Batman.



    Secondly, I have my eye on Jamie Dornan. Hopefully he has a good 2020 and gets his name out there more. Without the context of being that Fifty-Shades-guy....



    Thirdly, another name I feel is on the verge of stardom is Harris Dickinson....he's the new lead of Kingsman. He has something about him. I'm thinking if they do the young Bond thing again. He will be considered.


    Oh look, Twink Time is on again, with your ever salivating host Pierce2daniel

    Opinions are allowed. Thanks.

    Interesting you say that. It seems that, given the past, often didn't count for me or others. You see @NicNac, @Pierce2Daniel keeps on posting stuff regarding guys he finds hot, rather than being suitable for Bond. That is my opinion and a bit of banter is allowed I reckon.

    Opinions are subjective.

    All I want is for the thread to remain amicable without unnecessary baiting. If it's banter, and you are all ok with it then I'm sure nothing will transpire.

    And if you have grievances for anything said to you in previous posts (If that is what you are suggesting) then drop me a PM and I'm happy to look at it. No one has been warned, yet.

    Alright, thanks @NicNac I'll make sure to do that if it happens. What I said was meant in jest, just a tiny tad critical in the sense that Bond doesn't necessarily have to be hot, or look effete, whichever you'd lean to.
  • RichardTheBruceRichardTheBruce I'm motivated by my Duty.
    Posts: 13,767
    Daniel316 wrote: »
    You do realize that Benard Lee, Robert Brown and Dench's M are completely different characters?
    Not exactly. Bernard Lee and Robert Brown are the same character. Dench's Ms are different characters.

    What was the topic again?

  • Posts: 6,709
    So...the next Bond actor is probably still in diapers. Right? By the going of things...
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    Birdleson wrote: »
    That's up to individual interpretation.

    I never took Lee and Brown as being the same at all. I always considered Brown the successor.

    (God no one can replace Lee)
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,351
    Yeah I always saw Brown's M as a promoted Admiral Hargreaves from TSWLM.
  • RichardTheBruceRichardTheBruce I'm motivated by my Duty.
    Posts: 13,767
    Individual interpretation is the point I was making of course. To me nothing indicates a difference between Bernard Lee and Robert Brown from playing the M from the Fleming novels.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,180
    I'm pretty sure at the time of filming Robert Brown was meant to be playing the same M that Bernard Lee played. It's pretty telling that when Robert Brown is first shown in OP there's absolutely no effort made in trying to convey that he's a new and different character. During the Cubby era the filmmakers treated the recasting of M no differently than they did with Bond, Q, Moneypenny, Leiter, and Blofeld. New actor, same character, moving on.

    The idea of having brand new characters take on the MI6 positions of M and Q was not really a thing until the Brosnan era, which was much more explicit in introducing Judi Dench and John Cleese as different people. Craig would somewhat continue that, introducing a new M and Q in SF that were brand new characters rather than rebooted versions of Miles Messervy and Major Boothroyd.
  • NickTwentyTwoNickTwentyTwo Vancouver, BC, Canada
    Posts: 7,546
    I didn't think GoldenEye made a huge deal about Dench as the new M, just two quips "Your predecessor keeps Brandy... " "I hear the new M is a lady...". Certainly more than what came before.

    Kind of hard to just let people assume the same character was played by Bernard Lee, Robert Brown, and Judy Dench however.
  • MakeshiftPythonMakeshiftPython “Baja?!”
    Posts: 8,180
    I didn't think GoldenEye made a huge deal about Dench as the new M, just two quips "Your predecessor keeps Brandy... " "I hear the new M is a lady...". Certainly more than what came before.

    Not just the quips but the presentation, blocking and framing during her introduction. It's very deliberate. Contrast that with how Robert Brown was introduced, as if he was just the same old pipe smoking M that we've known since 1962.
  • NickTwentyTwoNickTwentyTwo Vancouver, BC, Canada
    Posts: 7,546
    Fair point
  • edited March 2020 Posts: 6,709
    Birdleson wrote: »
    Univex wrote: »
    So...the next Bond actor is probably still in diapers. Right? By the going of things...

    Good one.

    Ladies and Gents, the next James Bond:

    James-Bond-1-Costume-Photoshoot-Burble-and-Balletr.jpg

    Oh, and these will be us by then ;)

    the-kominsky-method1-696x353.jpg

    :-D

    I feel that with all the delays and with five films in what will surely be something close to twenty years, they'll have to bank on a more classical looking actor for the next one, whenever that is. I mean, we have to wait years and years for them to break the formula again? No one will even remember the so called formula by then. Heck, if they give us a dark haired blue eyes actor in his 40s, really looking like the Bond from the novels, people by then will say it looks nothing like Bond, I mean, he's not even blonde, right?

    So I say it here and now, they'll go for a classical approach/choice. I have no doubt about it.

    Oh, and alas, Aidan Turner will be an old man by then. Just picture the beard as white.

    1*vIDMTjh9tZE_Omo8V6ex5w.jpeg
Sign In or Register to comment.