Felix Leiter should remain the same actor

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  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 4,043
    Shardlake wrote:
    I'm not saying Wright isn't returning I hope he does but BB recent meeting with Idris Elba makes me think he could be being considered for the new Leiter.

    I guess we'll find out come Bond 24 as I'm sure he'll return.

    I hope that they don't go with Elba for several reasons. First of all I think it's important to keep up continuity in this re-bot era as much as possible so they should stick with Wright for that reason alone. Second, I think Wright did a great job as Lighter and I'd like to see him explore the character further. Also, on a patriotic note, because I'm American I'd like to see the role remain in the hands of a yank, and not turned over to a limey. Finally though, I think Elba would do better as either a villain or as a member of the MI6 staff, perhaps as Robinson?

    I hope he does as well he's my favourite actor in the role, I'd love to see him get some more screen time next time, maybe actually out in the field with Bond instead of just a few fleeting glimpses, a proper part of the story.
  • echoecho 007 in New York
    Posts: 6,287
    "Felix Leiter should remain the same actor."

    Well, that ship sailed in 1964.
  • Obviously the actor for Leiter can't be the same for each Bond release since the franchise started, and there's been a fair number of them over the years (I never was one for Hedison's return) and I didn't mind Wright too much, even though I think Terry did the best job, although we only see him breifly and in one film. (Probably swayed by the pulling power or Dalton), but recently Leiter has had more room to get about, which is good to see. Although if we really wanted to be pendatic about this, what's he doing back in the first place, when his left leg was severed by a shark attack in License to Kill ?

    But we easily overlook that as he's only a peripheral character and not a major screen figure of the Bond series, but there has been some confusion lately as to whether Leiter should be included in 007 or not, I.E. absent from 1989 until a return in 2006. That's a long time to leave out what some may see as an important figure in James Bond
  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 4,043
    Really? Terry?

    I cringe when I hear that line "What are you trying to do 007? Start world war 3?"

    I haven't been much impressed with any of the Leiter's with the exception of Hedison but for LTK not LALD, even Lord, he starts out fine enough but is some Bond lackey by the end of the film, Wright for me is the only actor to feel like an equal. Linder and Burton were a joke in the role and Nutter wasn't much better.
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    Although if we really wanted to be pendatic about this, what's he doing back in the first place, when his left leg was severed by a shark attack in License to Kill ?

    But we easily overlook that as he's only a peripheral character and not a major screen figure of the Bond series,

    It's overlooked because first and foremost Leiter is back as the series has been rebooted. I would have thought that much was glaringly obvious. Secondly, as @shardlake said, Terry was an awful Leiter, easily the worst for me and that line about Bond starting WW3 was just painful. Even the setup of those 2 bimbos Leiter sends out to get Bond was embarrassing.
  • edited December 2012 Posts: 42
    Of course Jeffrey Wright should return as Felix Leiter, hopefully in Bond 24.

    Even though his screen time was sadly limited in both CR and QOS, IMO there was a real chemistry between him and Daniel Craig, and it was apparent that the characters trusted - and indeed genuinely liked - each other.

    That's the point that is often overlooked with the character as he has been portrayed in the films so far - Leiter is not merely Bond's American lackey, but someone that Bond implicitly - and absolutely - trusts.

    Plus, I'm a stickler for continuity, so keeping the same actor in a role makes sense to me.
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,351
    If EoN wasn't taking the reboot seriously, then Felix would have probably been played by someone in QOS. I think they wouldn't make that mistake again by having random Felix's show up in every other Bond flick.
  • echoecho 007 in New York
    Posts: 6,287
    Of course Jeffrey Wright should return as Felix Leiter, hopefully in Bond 24.

    Even though his screen time was sadly limited in both CR and QOS, IMO there was a real chemistry between him and Daniel Craig, and it was apparent that the characters trusted - and indeed genuinely liked - each other.

    That's the point that is often overlooked with the character as he has been portrayed in the films so far - Leiter is not merely Bond's American lackey, but someone that Bond implicitly - and absolutely - trusts.

    Plus, I'm a stickler for continuity, so keeping the same actor in a role makes sense to me.

    Ideally, Leiter is kind of like--dare I say it--Jinx in DAD. He has his own mission and crosses paths with Bond on occasion, but his character is not the focus. Shoehorning him into films (QoS I'm looking at you) doesn't really work.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    echo wrote:
    Of course Jeffrey Wright should return as Felix Leiter, hopefully in Bond 24.

    Even though his screen time was sadly limited in both CR and QOS, IMO there was a real chemistry between him and Daniel Craig, and it was apparent that the characters trusted - and indeed genuinely liked - each other.

    That's the point that is often overlooked with the character as he has been portrayed in the films so far - Leiter is not merely Bond's American lackey, but someone that Bond implicitly - and absolutely - trusts.

    Plus, I'm a stickler for continuity, so keeping the same actor in a role makes sense to me.

    Ideally, Leiter is kind of like--dare I say it--Jinx in DAD. He has his own mission and crosses paths with Bond on occasion, but his character is not the focus. Shoehorning him into films (QoS I'm looking at you) doesn't really work.

    Felix wasn't the focus of QoS either. I loved how it was handled. We got to see two sides that were dealing with Greene. Bond and his methods and then Beam and Felix who were feeling him out. And I find it fantastic that Felix and Bond's loyalty is really explored. When Felix is asked who the man in the picture is (Bond), he says he doesn't know. He tells Bond in Bolivia that a tail is on him and saves his life, leading him to stop Greene. At the end of it all Felix realizes how bad Greene is and makes his own call, leaving Beam out of the job after Greene is exposed as the rat we all knew he was and Felix gets a promotion. As M says, the right people kept their jobs. Just more brilliant content that QoS has to offer when one looks hard enough.
  • echoecho 007 in New York
    Posts: 6,287
    echo wrote:
    Of course Jeffrey Wright should return as Felix Leiter, hopefully in Bond 24.

    Even though his screen time was sadly limited in both CR and QOS, IMO there was a real chemistry between him and Daniel Craig, and it was apparent that the characters trusted - and indeed genuinely liked - each other.

    That's the point that is often overlooked with the character as he has been portrayed in the films so far - Leiter is not merely Bond's American lackey, but someone that Bond implicitly - and absolutely - trusts.

    Plus, I'm a stickler for continuity, so keeping the same actor in a role makes sense to me.

    Ideally, Leiter is kind of like--dare I say it--Jinx in DAD. He has his own mission and crosses paths with Bond on occasion, but his character is not the focus. Shoehorning him into films (QoS I'm looking at you) doesn't really work.

    Felix wasn't the focus of QoS either. I loved how it was handled. We got to see two sides that were dealing with Greene. Bond and his methods and then Beam and Felix who were feeling him out. And I find it fantastic that Felix and Bond's loyalty is really explored. When Felix is asked who the man in the picture is (Bond), he says he doesn't know. He tells Bond in Bolivia that a tail is on him and saves his life, leading him to stop Greene. At the end of it all Felix realizes how bad Greene is and makes his own call, leaving Beam out of the job after Greene is exposed as the rat we all knew he was and Felix gets a promotion. As M says, the right people kept their jobs. Just more brilliant content that QoS has to offer when one looks hard enough.

    I understand his storyline but for Leiter to be in Bolivia so soon after the events of CR stretched credulity for me. Leiter is best used more sparingly.
  • Posts: 5,745
    echo wrote:
    "Felix Leiter should remain the same actor."

    Well, that ship sailed in 1964.

    And sadly it was called "Titanic II"
  • 002002
    Posts: 581
    DB5 wrote:
    I count six actors who played FL in seven films (DN, GF, TB, DAF, LALD=LTK, CR). Am I missing any?

    Bernie Casedy in NSNA
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    Posts: 13,355
    002 wrote:
    DB5 wrote:
    I count six actors who played FL in seven films (DN, GF, TB, DAF, LALD=LTK, CR). Am I missing any?

    Bernie Casedy in NSNA

    And John Terry in The Living Daylights. Seven actors in nine films so far. Or eight in ten films.
  • Aziz_FekkeshAziz_Fekkesh Royale-les-Eaux
    edited December 2012 Posts: 403
    Perfect idea with Mathis. And I don't like this consistency that the series is suddenly developing. Every actor has to change in every film (except maybe Bond) and there has to be a new gun barrel design in every film. :)
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Perfect idea with Mathis. And I don't like this consistency that the series is suddenly developing. Every actor has to change in every film (except maybe Bond) and there has to be a new gun barrel design in every film. :)

    Bond is the most developed character!
  • Posts: 122
    whats wrong with consistency
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    oorogers wrote:
    whats wrong with consistency

    You mean consistently being an unchanging, dull, emotionless character? If you want no change just rewatch the Moore era. I want a Bond with depth to continue on.
  • StrelikStrelik Spectre Island
    Posts: 108
    I agree that Felix should be played by the same actor if the character returns, but I am unsure if the character should return for Bond 24. In contrast to the now-deceased Mathis, Eve Moneypenny, the new boyish Q or even Ralph Fiennes' M, I am disinterested in Felix as a character. The producers/writers haven't really fleshed him out much.
  • brinkeguthriebrinkeguthrie Piz Gloria
    Posts: 1,400
    Always thought Matthew McConnaughey would be a good choice. Tall, lanky, Texas drawl.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Strelik wrote:
    I agree that Felix should be played by the same actor if the character returns, but I am unsure if the character should return for Bond 24. In contrast to the now-deceased Mathis, Eve Moneypenny, the new boyish Q or even Ralph Fiennes' M, I am disinterested in Felix as a character. The producers/writers haven't really fleshed him out much.

    Actually they have. QoS's theme of trust/distrust is seen in parts of the film with Felix quite expertly, and I love how much screen time they give him. You really connect with him and his position (of smug) around Beam and his ties to Greene.
  • QBranchQBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.
    edited January 2013 Posts: 14,566
    =bg= wrote:
    Always thought Matthew McConnaughey would be a good choice. Tall, lanky, Texas drawl.

    :-? As long he remains shirtless for the entire movie! :))

    According to wikipedia: 'early script drafts for Quantum of Solace gave Wright a larger role, but his screen time was restricted by on-set rewrites.'

    It would be interesting to know what Felix got up to in this 'larger role'. Has this been revealed? As excellent as Jeffrey Wright's version is, I do believe he got adequate screen time in QoS. If Felix returns in another Craig film, then it's a must that Wright be the actor to play him. He should remain as Felix for as long as his age let's him, and if the equally excellent David Hedison's version in LTK is anything to go by (aged 61 at the time)- then Wright could probably still be believable in a decade or so. Let's see what Felix can bring to the story, now that he's the section chief of South America.
  • Posts: 825
    I was just to do a new post on that. Yes I agree, Felix Leiter Should done by only Jeffrey Wrights. I was titling it as For Jeffrey Wright only: Felix Lieter But I don't have to. @oorogers, this is great post. No matter From Daniel Craig the next Jeffrey Wright should Felix Lieter in future Bond movies. I remember a few years ago he said he'll like to reprise his role as the CIA agent & Bond friend for a third time when doors are open.
  • Posts: 311
    1
    Agent7F wrote:
    I was just to do a new post on that. Yes I agree, Felix Leiter Should done by only Jeffrey Wrights. I was titling it as For Jeffrey Wright only: Felix Lieter But I don't have to. @oorogers, this is great post. No matter From Daniel Craig the next Jeffrey Wright should Felix Lieter in future Bond movies. I remember a few years ago he said he'll like to reprise his role as the CIA agent & Bond friend for a third time when doors are open.

    100%. Felix should be played by Jeffrey Wright. Also I want Bill Tanner to return in Bond 24 played by Rory Kinnear.

  • Posts: 15,110
    I think Jeffrey Wright should remain Leiter, as long as Craig's tenure at least. And since he is now chief of the South American section of CIA, maybe elements of TMWTGG could be used.
  • He's not my favourite Felix and it wouldn't break my heart if they recast him but it would be nice if they stuck with the same actor for a change.
    doubleoego wrote:
    When ever we talk about allies, I weep at the thought of knowing they killed off Mathis!! Damn you!

    I think Mathis should've become a recurring ally like Felix. He was one of the best things about Craig's first two flicks.
  • edited January 2013 Posts: 3,494
    oorogers wrote:
    RogueAgent i agree the other two Casino Royales do not count and that spoof in 1967 what a seeming pile of buffalo dung it does not even have place in the dvd collection

    I would add NSNA to that, none of these films in my opinion belong in the regular Bond canon.

    Wright has done a good job thus far as Leiter, I would be fine with him returning.
  • Posts: 135
    Isn't Felix now section chief of South America? I feel like its unlikely we'll see him again.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Quantum07 wrote:
    Isn't Felix now section chief of South America? I feel like its unlikely we'll see him again.

    Yeah, I wish they wouldn't have done that. The only way that he could be brought back is if Bond made his way to South America (again!) or Felix got moved to another area, requested replacement himself, or got some other honor in the agency that moved him elsewhere.
  • Posts: 135
    Quantum07 wrote:
    Isn't Felix now section chief of South America? I feel like its unlikely we'll see him again.

    Yeah, I wish they wouldn't have done that. The only way that he could be brought back is if Bond made his way to South America (again!) or Felix got moved to another area, requested replacement himself, or got some other honor in the agency that moved him elsewhere.

    Well its been a long time since his promotion, so maybe there's a glimmer of a chance he'll have been promoted before Bond 24. Is there a section chief of the western hemisphere that still does field work? lol

    Side note: I'm really glad that they didn't try to fit Felix into Skyfall. The plot was perfect without him. I hope that EON continues this new tradition of putting the story and plot first.
  • Intelligence assignments can and do change, I would not be overly worried about a return of a character who has always been the special agent type like Bond that can move from place to place depending on the assignment. Leiter's always been like that so I wouldn't put too much stock into this premise. It's more of a question if Wright will return more than the character in my opinion.
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