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The biggest missed opportunities in the Bond franchise

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  • fjdinardofjdinardo
    Posts: 1,970
    Queen singing a title song.
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    edited February 2019 Posts: 4,593
    Ian Fleming Publications not taking better care of the Bond movie novelisations. Christopher Wood's TSWLM and JB&MR adaptions should be put together in one book. Same with John Gardner's LTK and GE. And a trilogy pack for Raymond Benson's adaptations, with one of his short stories. There's a lot of strong material in these. Also the Bond On Set books should be rereleased, into one volume, if Greg Williams isn't doing anymore. People need to read more about James Bond outside of the novel series!
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,593
    I think that once Daniel Craig is done, and if all his movies connect, they should write them into one big novel. They could write it Moonraker style, with each movie being the day of week, in style to MR. An author that could write it would be Bruce Feirstein. He's had success with writing Bond movies and video games, why not give him a big book to try? He could even put in Bloodstone, as that's his work as well.
  • RogueAgentRogueAgent
    Posts: 12,526
    The last 4 almost 5 years now glaringly springs to my mind.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    Posts: 17,740
    Last_Rat_Standing wrote: »
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    Roadphill wrote: »
    On a slight side note, would any of you liked to have seen a villain other than Blofeld or Jaws survive, and return again?

    Kronsteen perhaps? Always liked that character.

    Baron Samedi. I would have found a way to work him in to TMWTGG.

    That's a good suggestion. Wonderful character from a great film!
  • BT3366BT3366
    Posts: 1,916
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    Ian Fleming Publications not taking better care of the Bond movie novelisations. Christopher Wood's TSWLM and JB&MR adaptions should be put together in one book. Same with John Gardner's LTK and GE. And a trilogy pack for Raymond Benson's adaptations, with one of his short stories. There's a lot of strong material in these. Also the Bond On Set books should be rereleased, into one volume, if Greg Williams isn't doing anymore. People need to read more about James Bond outside of the novel series!
    Good call. Those who haven't read those Wood novelizations are missing out on some of the most interesting post-Fleming writing.

    But it's not surprising as the Flemings always have and likely always will be the main focus as it probably has to do with money and name recognition.

    The Bond on Set books on QoS and SF are going for big bucks these days. I blame myself for not buying them at the time, although I did pick up QoS on eBay for a decent price. It would seem like less of a prospect to reprint any of those except in a limited run sort of thing as the demand would probably be low.

    There have actually been way too many film Bond books out there in recent years. Many are just glorified photos books aimed at a general audience along with a few relevant entries like Some Kind of Hero. The one I would've most liked to see updated was the first in-depth look at the films, John Brosnan's James Bond in the Cinema. It came out in 1972 and updated in 1981. He wrote for Starburst Magazine for years but passed away a while back.
  • suavejmfsuavejmf Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 5,131
    BT3366 wrote: »
    MaxCasino wrote: »
    Ian Fleming Publications not taking better care of the Bond movie novelisations. Christopher Wood's TSWLM and JB&MR adaptions should be put together in one book. Same with John Gardner's LTK and GE. And a trilogy pack for Raymond Benson's adaptations, with one of his short stories. There's a lot of strong material in these. Also the Bond On Set books should be rereleased, into one volume, if Greg Williams isn't doing anymore. People need to read more about James Bond outside of the novel series!
    Good call. Those who haven't read those Wood novelizations are missing out on some of the most interesting post-Fleming writing.

    But it's not surprising as the Flemings always have and likely always will be the main focus as it probably has to do with money and name recognition.

    The Bond on Set books on QoS and SF are going for big bucks these days. I blame myself for not buying them at the time, although I did pick up QoS on eBay for a decent price. It would seem like less of a prospect to reprint any of those except in a limited run sort of thing as the demand would probably be low.

    There have actually been way too many film Bond books out there in recent years. Many are just glorified photos books aimed at a general audience along with a few relevant entries like Some Kind of Hero. The one I would've most liked to see updated was the first in-depth look at the films, John Brosnan's James Bond in the Cinema. It came out in 1972 and updated in 1981. He wrote for Starburst Magazine for years but passed away a while back.

    I’ve got all the Bond on set books from DAD to SP. They are great....but just mainly photos. The Bond archives is the bible of Bond.
  • DenbighDenbigh UK
    Posts: 5,970
    As much as I loved Karin Dor as Helga Brandt, I would've loved to have seen German actress Eva Renzi play the role, although she had turned it down...

    RenziEva.jpg
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    edited February 2019 Posts: 17,740
    Watched Funeral in Berlin last weekend, where Eva Renzi played one of the roles. She would definitely have been a good choice for a Bond girl.
  • DenbighDenbigh UK
    edited February 2019 Posts: 5,970
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    Watched Funeral in Berlin last weekend, where Eva Renzi played one of the roles. She would definitely have been a good choice for a Bond girl.
    I thought she was great in Funeral in Berlin. A very good complex character. I would love to see a role like that in James Bond. Someone who falls into that grey area between Bond girl and villain.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    Posts: 17,740
    Birdleson wrote: »
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    Watched Funeral in Berlin last weekend, where Eva Renzi played one of the roles. She would definitely have been a good choice for a Bond girl.

    I am rewatching the Harry palmer films, as well.
    I really enjoy the Harry Palmer films. The Ipcress File is one of my favourite films, Funeral in Berlin is really good, and Billion Dollar Brain isn't too bad either (but not as good as the other two).

    I haven't seen the 90's films in many years, but should probably watch them again soon.
    Denbigh wrote: »
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    Watched Funeral in Berlin last weekend, where Eva Renzi played one of the roles. She would definitely have been a good choice for a Bond girl.
    I thought she was great in Funeral in Berlin. A very good complex character. I would love to see a role like that in James Bond. Someone who falls into that grey area between Bond girl and villain.
    Yes, I really liked her character as well – and you're right, that sort of character would be great for Bond.
  • MalloryMallory
    Posts: 2,157
    Not so much a missed opportunity as Eva Green is perfect, but wouldve been interesting to see...

    https://www.mi6-hq.com/news/index.php?itemid=3234
  • thedovethedove hiding in the Greek underworld
    Posts: 5,395
    Mallory wrote: »
    Not so much a missed opportunity as Eva Green is perfect, but wouldve been interesting to see...

    https://www.mi6-hq.com/news/index.php?itemid=3234

    Oh I like her and that would have been interesting. Is there a thread for those who were rumoured or cast who didn't play their roles?
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,593
    If they a in depth book on Goldfinger, akin to Making of OHMSS and TLD, they need to talk about Pussy Galore from all three of her appearances Goldfinger book and film, Trigger Mortis and if she makes an appearance in Dynamite Comics current Goldfinger and Oddjob storylines.
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,593
    Ian Fleming not being able to truly finish The Man With The Golden Gun. And then seeing the finished version of Goldfinger, solidly making his creation a mark in popular culture.
  • RevelatorRevelator
    Posts: 2,914
    The sad thing is that Fleming did finish TMWTGG, but he was so dissatisfied with the book that he wanted to delay publication for a year to rewrite it. This was totally unprecedented, since none of his other books had undergone drastic revision. He knew illness had prevented him from writing the way he used to (his daily writing routine had been halved), but he intended TMWTGG to be the last Bond novel and wanted to go out with a bang. Only his first wish was granted.
  • DenbighDenbigh UK
    edited March 2019 Posts: 5,970
    I love Séverine, she's one of my favourite Bond girls of the Craig-era, but it would've been pretty awesome to see her go full femme-fatale and be Silva's henchwoman.
  • LudovicoLudovico
    Posts: 15,099
    Denbigh wrote: »
    I love Séverine, she's one of my favourite Bond girls of the Craig-era, but it would've been pretty awesome to see her go full femme-fatale and be Silva's henchwoman.

    I think she was perfectly used as a tragic character.
  • DenbighDenbigh UK
    Posts: 5,970
    Ludovico wrote: »
    Denbigh wrote: »
    I love Séverine, she's one of my favourite Bond girls of the Craig-era, but it would've been pretty awesome to see her go full femme-fatale and be Silva's henchwoman.

    I think she was perfectly used as a tragic character.
    She was 100%, but this is just a hypothetical thing I thought would be cool.
  • RichardTheBruceRichardTheBruce I'm motivated by my Duty.
    Posts: 13,757
    Sévérine would be awesome in every possibility I can imagine.
  • bondsumbondsum
    Posts: 3,333
    echo wrote: »
    YOLT more down to earth. Would we have had this DAF without YOLT?

    Or a close DAF adaptation more in the spirit of LALD, with Roger Moore. Easy to see Moore and Hedison in that story.

    A proper adaptation of the FYEO short story, with Bernard Lee.

    Generally, more Fleming from 1971-1985.
    Trouble was Roger Moore was unavailable to make DAF due to being under contract to Lew Grade which became The Persuaders after The Saint was cancelled. Realistically, Moore was up for TMWTGG in ‘68 but withdrew his services fearful of a public backlash without Connery as 007. He then signed on for more Saint episodes. Moore even stated that Lazenby going before him helped ease his own transition into the role. Had Lazenby not come before Moore, it’s highly doubtful that Roger would’ve agreed to play the part of 007. Also, Moore was very unfit and quite chubby in ‘71 - a critism that’s always leveled at Connery despite Moore being equally unfit himself. It’s a separate point, but it shouldn’t distract from the fact Moore (and Michael Cain) both turned down Bond thinking it was Conney’s gig before Lazenby signed on.

    The reason why YOLT wasn’t adapted faithfully was due to Maibium and Dahl claiming the novel had a very thin plot and needed a complete overhaul. Also the lack of a Japanese fortress by the sea gave rise to the volcano idea. Maybe they could have built a fortress on location, but I don’t think that the producers felt it was worth the expense and hassle when they could build a much better set at Pinewood and control the shooting schedule as they wished. I don’t disagree with your idea, I’m just giving the reasons why it wasn’t deemed possible at the time.
  • LudovicoLudovico
    Posts: 15,099
    Besides I don't think anybody but Sean Connery could have sold DAF.

    Thinking of A Clockwork Orange recently, it struck me that David Prowse would have made one hell of a henchman.
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    Ludovico wrote: »
    Besides I don't think anybody but Sean Connery could have sold DAF.

    Thinking of A Clockwork Orange recently, it struck me that David Prowse would have made one hell of a henchman.

    He was one of the candidates for the part of Jaws.
  • LudovicoLudovico
    Posts: 15,099
    Thunderfinger wrote: »
    Ludovico wrote: »
    Besides I don't think anybody but Sean Connery could have sold DAF.

    Thinking of A Clockwork Orange recently, it struck me that David Prowse would have made one hell of a henchman.

    He was one of the candidates for the part of Jaws.

    I wish he had been.
  • ToTheRightToTheRight
    edited March 2019 Posts: 16,147
    Count me in as a big David Prowse fan. He did get to play the Frankenstein Monster in the '67 CR. Rather crude looking make up job, but at least was the correct Jack Pierce "sky gray" color as opposed to the more cliched vibrant green.
  • MaxCasinoMaxCasino United States
    Posts: 4,593
    Not using Severine's deleted scenes was the biggest wasted opportunity since not using Elliot Carver's backstory deleted scenes in Tomorrow Never Dies. It would have helped give us better characters.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,155
    I wish the deleted scenes from LTK had been included in the final edit. They add tension to Bond's personal mission.
  • RemingtonRemington I'll do anything for a woman with a knife.
    Posts: 1,534
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    I wish the deleted scenes from LTK had been included in the final edit. They add tension to Bond's personal mission.

    Agreed. Especially the scene in Bond's hotel.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,155
    Remington wrote: »
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    I wish the deleted scenes from LTK had been included in the final edit. They add tension to Bond's personal mission.

    Agreed. Especially the scene in Bond's hotel.

    @Remington
    I nearly cried when I saw that scene as a special feature on the BR disc. I love it to death, no pun intended. Dalton conveys so much in his non-verbal performance as a vengeful Bond in that scene.
  • RemingtonRemington I'll do anything for a woman with a knife.
    Posts: 1,534
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    Remington wrote: »
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    I wish the deleted scenes from LTK had been included in the final edit. They add tension to Bond's personal mission.

    Agreed. Especially the scene in Bond's hotel.

    @Remington
    I nearly cried when I saw that scene as a special feature on the BR disc. I love it to death, no pun intended. Dalton conveys so much in his non-verbal performance as a vengeful Bond in that scene.

    Same. Ironic that my favorite scene in LTK isn't even in the film.
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