Bond film producer Michael G. Wilson has worked as a producer on the James Bond franchise since 1979’s Moonraker, although he’s been involved with Bond since 1964’s Goldfinger as an uncredited extra, so he’s seen it all. He’s gone on record saying that his favorite Bond films are Goldfinger and From Russia With Love, so the man certainly has good taste. But in an interview with UK tabloid The People it appears that Wilson might have a new favorite — current Bond Daniel Craig.
First of all, Wilson recognizes that Craig is a popular choice for 007, saying, “Daniel’s been a terrific Bond, a superb actor and a terrific man. The fans love him and I don’t think there’s a better actor to play the part.” In fact, the article claims Wilson has been offered a deal for FIVE more Bond films after the upcoming Skyfall, which would bring Craig to a total of eight (passing the longest tenured Bond, Roger Moore, by one movie). I like the sound of that as long as the forty-three year old Craig packs the films in long before he looks too old — as 57 year-old Moore did in A View to a Kill. Wilson adds, “Filming has gone very well so far and I’d love Daniel to surpass Roger’s record and do eight pictures. Daniel’s been an absolute pleasure to be around because he takes the role so seriously. There’s really no one more passionate about making these films work than him – he’s a film maker’s dream. A lot of people have said Daniel’s been their favourite Bond since Sean Connery and I can’t argue with them. He’s doing a great job.”
That’s some high praise, isn’t it? I think every Bond fan loved Craig in Casino Royale, and while Quantum of Solace was generally considered a disappointment, an announcement that Craig would appear in five more Bond films in 2012 to celebrate the series’ 50th anniversary would probably drive the fanbase wild. Wilson also says that he hopes that he’ll be able to get all six Bond actors — Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Craig — together next year to celebrate the occasion.
As for Skyfall, Wilson has nothing but praise, saying, “The director Sam Mendes and Daniel are taking it back to a 60s feel – more Sean. I think that’s what the fans wanted. There’s a magical Goldfinger feel surrounding it all. It’s all very exciting. I can’t wait for people to see the movie because I think we’re making a very special Bond.” Again, that all sounds great — everyone loves the Sean Connery Bond films, and even movies like X-Men: First Class prove that people love the cooler 60s vibe.
Of course we’ll have to wait and see if Skyfall can live up to the hype, but as a Bond fan I’m happy to hear anything positive. Skyfall is set for a worldwide release on November 9, 2012. As usual, the UK and Ireland will be getting the movie two weeks earlier on October 26.
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