It wasn't long ago that the James Bond producers were <a href="
http://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/bond_23_dec18_wilson_on_craig.php3?id=03036">publicly saying how great it would be if Daniel Craig would break records and make the most 007 movies of any actor</a>, and some years since the trade press reported that he had <a href="
http://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/craig_extends_contract.php3">extended his contract to play James Bond</a> for improved terms on his original (and traditional) "three films and an option for a fourth".
Now, producer Michael G. Wilson has told a culture industry seminar held during the London Olympic Games that Daniel Craig's tenure in the role may end when they deem it to have peaked.
Wilson said he would have no qualms about replacing the franchise’s latest star should "Skyfall" prove to be the rugged actor’s peak. He added, "Pierce [Brosnan] was well-liked and the grosses were going up. But we knew we had to change things before they started to taper off. Bond is the star. He is bigger than any actor that portrays him."
Sir Roger Moore admitted after his seven-film tenure as 007 that he made one film too many.
But what most media covering this tidbit have failed to note is that the producer's decision to shift gears after 2002 was as much to do with the changing cinema landscape for action movies ("Bourne"), the 'creative cul-de-sac' they found themselves in after "Die Another Day", and their acquisition of the rights to adapt Ian Fleming's 'Casino Royale' novel.
Comments
Seems kind of.. uncomfortable imo.
It all depends on the fans anyway...if they express their love for film and star, they will not touch it. Time will tell...
I can't see him getting greedy and putting up a fight over money. Not his way...
It could just be hype again so I'm going to wait and see what happens.
Craig was reported to have had quite some influence on his films so far. Perhaps MGW keeps thinking of Cubby saying, "don´t let them screw it"?
Well, if this was the warning...
But let´s not drift into negativity. Why should they sack Craig, now that they finally have a big chance to get back on track after 20 years?
I get the feeling Craig had a lot of influence on QOS, and the script, and that turned out to be a turkey. Yes, lots of people went to see it, but it won`t be remembered as a great Bond film. Craigs influence seems to have extended to the casting of Skyfall too, which might not be a bad thing, we will see.
I get the feeling Babs would do anything for Craig, where as MGW is more of a realist, and has a lot more years of experience of making Bond films.
The comment itself certainly seems telling of something....it`s a very unguarded statement to make upon the release of an upcoming Bond film....or it could be seen as just very honest, which I am inclined to do.
They were very brave letting Brosnan go when they did, have faith guys. If it is Craigs swan song, so be it. I won`t be crying, there will always be another Bond....
"Pierce [Brosnan] was well-liked and the grosses were going up. But we knew we had to change things before they started to taper off. Bond is the star. He is bigger than any actor that portrays him."
What exactly was the question, and what exactly did he say about Craig bowing out when he peaks?
He could've said 'Sometimes it's better for an actor to go out on a high' which would be a whole different thing to ' We like to replace the actor when they peak'.
They haven't hit an artistic brick wall with Craig yet, which they admit they had with Brosnan.
I think they know SKYFALL is going to be huge and DC's star and salary demands are going to be on the rise. It's just EON talking a bit of sense and a lot of tutty to keep their star's demands in line.
Don't even joke. That is reason enough to disown the current films in the franchise at that point.
This is a good point, you could be right there.
Whatever happens next, Skyfall is looking good.
That didn't stop them replacing Brosnan though.
I doubt SF will be his last one but I can't see Craig doing over 5 films, maybe a 6th. He definetly won't beat Moore's record, he's too old now to do that.
Personally I suspect there is room for a couple more Craig films. It would be neat for another double parter to bookend his time as Bond and finish off Quantum. So..
Bond 24: Finds out more about Quantum, beats the bad guys and discovers the new ultimate villain...
Bond 25: Chases down the head of Quantum and uncovers an epic evil plot of international proportions.
I think by the producers planning ahead and acknowledging that one of these films will be Craig's last, would allow them to really push the boat out and do something unbeatable for the last one in his series of films.
But like everyone I want good films -; there is no sense is predicting 5 or 7 or 8 films, what is the point really? Two more quality Bond films with Craig and I'm happy; three would be surprising. No need to push it and this talk is all so very premature. Not a good thing for people to be jabbering about right before Skyfall's premiere, I think. Distracting and unrealistic to try predictions about that now. I don't want negativity heading right into this film's premiere.
I don't fancy being in EON HQ when Babs hears about this. She's not going to want her little pet project to end just yet.
I think we all have a feeling that skyfall will be terrific and he is certainly young enough to do another two maybe 3 films after skyfall.
DC has made me believe in the character again and if he does go sooner than we all thought he would then I hope it isn't on bad terms :(
Good point, and that's one thing that puzzles me about the comment. Whilst it's easy to judge a 'high' to go out on, it's not so easy to judge a 'peak' until you've passed it and started to go down hill...
Not to speak of the awards! Give him an Oscar while you can ;)
Now seriously, I think people are reading to much into this story, it was taken out of context and it could have been a general comment. In fact it's a wise advice to anyone now that I think about it
As for Fassbender, nah, too famous. I'd like it to be Tom Hardy or Idris Elbra but again, too famous. It'll probably be some unknown actor.