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Is the cast of 'Skyfall' the biggest Bond star cast ever?

Gustav_GravesGustav_Graves
edited November 2011 in Skyfall Posts: 11,119
I mean, look at the resumes of the following actors:

Dame Judi Dench ('M'):
--> 6 time Oscar Nominee
--> 1 time Oscar Winner
--> 9 time Golden Globe Nominee
--> 2 time Golden Globe Winner

Javier Bardem:
--> 3 time Oscar Nominee
--> 1 time Oscar Winner
--> 4 time Golden Globe Winner
--> 1 time Golden Globe Winner

Ralph Fiennes:
--> 2 time Oscar Nominee
--> 3 time Golden Globe Nominee

Albert Finney:
--> 5 time Oscar Nominee
--> 9 time Golden Globe Nominee
--> 3 time Golden Globe Winner
--> 2 time Emmy Award Winner
--> 1 time Emmy Award Winner

Ben Whishaw ('Q'):
--> 1 time Emmy Award Winner
--> 1 time Independent Spirit Award Winner
--> 2 time BAFTA Nominee

Daniel Craig:
--> 1 time BAFTA Nominee

Sam Mendes:
--> 1 time Oscar Nominee
--> 1 time Oscar Winner (Actually, the first ever Bond director to have an Oscar in his possession during the opening press conference of a new Bond film production)
--> 2 time Golden Globe Nominee
--> 1 time Golden Globe Winner

And then we have Chris Corbould, who recently won his first Oscar for his work on 'Inception', newcomer on the Bond franchise, sound re-recording mixer Scott Millan, who already won 4 Oscars, and production designer Dennis Gassner, who also won an Oscar in the past.

I cannot remember ANY Bond film in which the cast had such high credentials when they were assigned to a Bond film. And a cast with such a load of prices can us only give one conclusion: 'Skyfall' will be big, bigger, biggest, especially in acting skills. And I have the distinct feeling EON wants to produce a Bond film that basically can outshine rival films like 'The Bourne Legacy' and 'The Dark Knight Rises'. And perhaps there's a distinct chance 'Skyfall' will give the franchise its 3rd ever Oscar? We just have to wait and see :-).

Funny fact: Only newly assigned actresses Naomie Harris (Eve), Bérénice Marlohe (Sévérine) and Helen McGrory (Miss Moneypenny) have rather 'small' CV's.

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Comments

  • karatemanchan37karatemanchan37
    Posts: 584
    Where have you been for the past few weeks? :-?

    But in all seriousness, yes, this is probably the closest we will get to an "ensemble" cast for a Bond film - Maybe it's because of the 50th anniversary hype or what not, but that fact that so many great talents committed to this project goes to show how amazing the film's story and direction will be.
  • PanchitoPistolesPanchitoPistoles 2.0
    Posts: 4,619
    @Gustav_Graves How could you forget to mention 9-time Oscar-nominee cinematographer Roger Deakins?
  • JWESTBROOKJWESTBROOK
    Posts: 5,745
    To the discussion title question: yes.
  • TopGearJB007TopGearJB007
    Posts: 624
    Gustav_Graves wrote:
    Helen McCrory (Miss Moneypenny) have rather 'small' CV's.
    Wha...? Has this been confirmed? Let's hope so...

  • PanchitoPistolesPanchitoPistoles 2.0
    Posts: 4,619
    TopGearJB007 wrote:
    Gustav_Graves wrote:
    Helen McCrory (Miss Moneypenny) have rather 'small' CV's.
    Wha...? Has this been confirmed? Let's hope so...

    No, it hasn't been confirmed and I would say don't count on it.
  • AgentJM7AgentJM7
    Posts: 421
    Yes. Absolutely. But at the same time, I like how they seemed to have picked the cast on their stature and acting ability, rather than how trendy they are.
  • LeChiffreLeChiffre
    Posts: 1,548
    Who knows. May still get some late additions to the cast albeit in smaller roles. But as it stabds the current cast is very strong indeed. Still hoping Ralph Fiennes is Blofeld/head of Quantum/other villain rather then a new M. If Dame Judi does depart in SF then I reckon it would be really cool if her successor made an uncredited cameo appearance at the end of the film as an introduction with it being left a complete surprise (I realise that's incredibly difficult to do these days). I could see Bond reporting back for duty after completing the Skyfall mission and opening the door to M's office to meet the new M. Someone like Sir Anthony Hopkins or Brian Cox would be perfect, but as I said earlier, unannounced to make a bigger impact.
  • danslittlefingerdanslittlefinger
    edited November 2011 Posts: 886
    On reading the cast it does tend to make me rather nervous though, hopefully it won't be a case of too many chefs.
    Here's hoping the ingredients meld well together otherwise it will be a very expensive film of luvvy darling chasing the oscar pretentiousness.
    LeChiffre wrote:
    Who knows. May still get some late additions to the cast albeit in smaller roles.

    I did post an article sometime ago stating that Mendes will have many of his theater friends in the smaller roles. The article was mainly waved off in the usual manner. However it seems it maybe true.
  • commandbond007commandbond007
    Posts: 660
    Yes it is amazing that the cast and those behind the scenes have a lot of oscar and golden globe! But as Mendes said at the press conference he is not aiming for a Oscar obviously..that is clearly not Bond is about
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    Agreed. I don't think this movie is even thinking about the golden statue. To me it looks as though they're trying to make a great film simply because they're interested in doing exactly that; making a great film. The fact that the movie has attracted the participation of a lot of reputable talent is a testament to how amazing the script must be and Mendes' vision. Not since the 60s if ever has a Bond movie collectively employed the talents of such a high calibre ensemble cast and crew. With the standard of certain types of movies upping their game and redefining the rules and commanding critical acclaim, it's only right that Bond be rolling in such circles also. I really think Skyfall is THE movie of 2012 and I wouldn't be surprised if it does manage to find itself as a contender for an oscar(s).
  • Agent005Agent005
    Posts: 562
    doubleoego wrote:
    Agreed. I don't think this movie is even thinking about the golden statue. To me it looks as though they're trying to make a great film simply because they're interested in doing exactly that; making a great film. The fact that the movie has attracted the participation of a lot of reputable talent is a testament to how amazing the script must be and Mendes' vision. Not since the 60s if ever has a Bond movie collectively employed the talents of such a high calibre ensemble cast and crew. With the standard of certain types of movies upping their game and redefining the rules and commanding critical acclaim, it's only right that Bond be rolling in such circles also. I really think Skyfall is THE movie of 2012 and I wouldn't be surprised if it does manage to find itself as a contender for an oscar(s).

    Well said!
  • BounineBounine
    edited November 2011 Posts: 2,599
    What is encouraging is that while it is a high profile, talented cast, at the same time the actors are not stereotypical Hollywood players like Halle Berry and Denise Richards.

    Never heard of this French woman but she's a very attractive young lady. She must act well too otherwise Mendes woudn't have cast her.
  • JWESTBROOKJWESTBROOK
    Posts: 5,745
    Bounine wrote:
    Never heard of this French woman but she's a very attractive young lady. She must act well too otherwise Mendes woudn't have cast her.

    Or she doesn't have alot of talky-bits. Haha I kid. She'll be great.
  • QBranchQBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.
    Posts: 14,584
    She doesn't have to say a word to get my vote! ;)
  • 001001
    Posts: 1,575
    Big cast,hopefully this helps the film become a good one.
  • Gustav_GravesGustav_Graves
    Posts: 11,119
    Maybe 'Skyfall' will create a similar 'Oscar-buzz' to 'The Dark Knight'? Also, the chanses of winning a 'technical Oscar' for Roger Deakins or Scott Millan could be a bit higher this time around?
  • GermanladyGermanlady
    Posts: 6,601
    A star of its own. Move it, if you like.

    http://rumorfix.com/2011/11/exclusive-why-you-should-watch-for-daniel-craigs-watch-in-skyfall/
  • thelordflasheartthelordflasheart
    Posts: 1,370
    Germanlady wrote:
    A star of its own. Move it, if you like.

    http://rumorfix.com/2011/11/exclusive-why-you-should-watch-for-daniel-craigs-watch-in-skyfall/

    Germanlady, you are the Queen of digging out interesting tidbits from the net...don't happen to have a background in spying, by chance..? ;-)
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    Posts: 13,355
    That's a nice little tidbit, that, about the watch. Nice find @Germanlady.
  • SJK91SJK91
    Posts: 1,310
    A truly talented cast should produce nothing but greatness. There have star studded films that turned out to be a bunch of hooplah (Mars Attacks!), but I don't have the feeling that Skyfall has stunt casted in anyway. There just happen to be a lot of very talented people in the film, and they will all have a purpose. (As opposed to saying, "Look! Javier Bardem shows up in this movie, too!")
  • JWESTBROOKJWESTBROOK
    Posts: 5,745
    SJK91 wrote:
    A truly talented cast should produce nothing but greatness. There have star studded films that turned out to be a bunch of hooplah (Mars Attacks!), but I don't have the feeling that Skyfall has stunt casted in anyway. There just happen to be a lot of very talented people in the film, and they will all have a purpose. (As opposed to saying, "Look! Javier Bardem shows up in this movie, too!")

    Definitely. Bardem joined because of the script. The same with Mendes and Deakins. They wouldn't have put forth the effort if they didn't like the image they got in their heads.

    It'll be good.
  • GermanladyGermanlady
    Posts: 6,601
    thelordflasheart wrote:
    Germanlady wrote:
    A star of its own. Move it, if you like.

    http://rumorfix.com/2011/11/exclusive-why-you-should-watch-for-daniel-craigs-watch-in-skyfall/

    Germanlady, you are the Queen of digging out interesting tidbits from the net...don't happen to have a background in spying, by chance..? ;-)

    Thanks, but I am only repeating what my Ladies over at DTD (dedicatedtodaniel) dig out. ;)
  • Gustav_GravesGustav_Graves
    Posts: 11,119
    I always wondered why franchises like Jason Bourne and Batman get so easily nominated in the technical Oscar categories, like cinematography, sound mixing, etc., whereas the Bond films are usually ignored. I mean, come on, 'Casino Royale' deserved at least one Oscar flick.
  • YessupYessup
    Posts: 21
    Ola Rapace has got a lot of experience, but no awards so far. But he is sure getting fit for an active role.

    http://media.multisportbloggen.se/2011/04/ola-rapace-web1_54907777.jpg
  • KennonKennon
    Posts: 297
    I seem to remember early stages of Fleming's 'Thunderball' were also supposed to feature a most illustrious cast and crew, something that was later decided as perhaps too expensive (before the project was dropped and Fleming used his work for the book). The '67 'Casino Royale' showed that it could be done though, albeit for a spoof.

    EON seemed always a little reluctant to gather more than one or two heavyweights around their Bond (although they were quite prepared to get talented people behind the camera and in the director's chair). Now 'Skyfall' apparently seems to have dropped most inhibitions in front of the lense. On paper this is the most impressive cast in quite some time.
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,582
    You raise an interesting parallel there Kennon. The greatest cast assembled for a Bond film prior to this was...Casino Royale in 1967. :-q

    Still I agree with many comments here. I'm optimistic about SF
  • Gustav_GravesGustav_Graves
    Posts: 11,119
    Maybe it is safe to say that in fact for 'Skyfall' EON wants to put Daniel Craig a little bit more out of the spotlights and instead putting the characters that are played by Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem ín the spotlights? It is a bold move by Babs and Michael, but reviewers of 'Skyfall' will off course focus a lot on the characters played by Fiennes and Bardem, thus reforcing the rumours that their roles will be big, very big roles.
  • GermanladyGermanlady
    Posts: 6,601
    Gustav_Graves wrote:
    Maybe it is safe to say that in fact for 'Skyfall' EON wants to put Daniel Craig a little bit more out of the spotlights and instead putting the characters that are played by Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem ín the spotlights? It is a bold move by Babs and Michael, but reviewers of 'Skyfall' will off course focus a lot on the characters played by Fiennes and Bardem, thus reforcing the rumours that their roles will be big, very big roles.

    I highly doubt, this is the plan. In my book, that would be not bold but stupid to let others eat up their Bond. Au contraire, I think, with DC they have the opportunity to throw great actors at him without loosing him along the way.
  • Gustav_GravesGustav_Graves
    Posts: 11,119
    Germanlady wrote:
    Gustav_Graves wrote:
    Maybe it is safe to say that in fact for 'Skyfall' EON wants to put Daniel Craig a little bit more out of the spotlights and instead putting the characters that are played by Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem ín the spotlights? It is a bold move by Babs and Michael, but reviewers of 'Skyfall' will off course focus a lot on the characters played by Fiennes and Bardem, thus reforcing the rumours that their roles will be big, very big roles.

    I highly doubt, this is the plan. In my book, that would be not bold but stupid to let others eat up their Bond. Au contraire, I think, with DC they have the opportunity to throw great actors at him without loosing him along the way.

    Well, sometimes I draw the compariosn too much with rival franchise Batman. I mean, The Joker really outshone Batman. In every aspect. Was it bad? Apparently not.

  • GermanladyGermanlady
    Posts: 6,601
    Gustav_Graves wrote:
    Germanlady wrote:
    Gustav_Graves wrote:
    Maybe it is safe to say that in fact for 'Skyfall' EON wants to put Daniel Craig a little bit more out of the spotlights and instead putting the characters that are played by Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem ín the spotlights? It is a bold move by Babs and Michael, but reviewers of 'Skyfall' will off course focus a lot on the characters played by Fiennes and Bardem, thus reforcing the rumours that their roles will be big, very big roles.

    I highly doubt, this is the plan. In my book, that would be not bold but stupid to let others eat up their Bond. Au contraire, I think, with DC they have the opportunity to throw great actors at him without loosing him along the way.

    Well, sometimes I draw the compariosn too much with rival franchise Batman. I mean, The Joker really outshone Batman. In every aspect. Was it bad? Apparently not.

    I am not sure about that, because the film is called BATMAN and not Joker. It only happened, because he was so good (and unfortunately dead, which only enhanced the whole hype) but what we remember is the Joker and not Batman. This is not how it should be IMO.
    It seems, that the stronger the villains, the more the hero is forced to shine, to draw on every bit of his mental and physical power and this makes the film interesting, I believe, without outshining the hero.
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