Latest news with #007
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rory Kinnear reveals the extreme lengths of James Bond producers to keep who will play the next 007 top secret
James Bond star Rory Kinnear has revealed the extreme lengths producers are going to to protect the franchise amid feverish speculation over who will play the next 007. The celebrated actor, who has played MI6 Chief of Staff Bill Tanner in four Bond films opposite Daniel Craig, has disclosed that scripts are being delivered by hand rather than emailed - a strict security measure introduced after the 2014 Sony Pictures hack that saw early drafts of Spectre leaked online. 'The script for James Bond is delivered by car,' Rory revealed on Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Dinner's On Me podcast. 'And if there are changes in the script, they are delivered by car.' The unprecedented leak more than a decade ago not only contained major spoilers for Spectre, but also the projected budget of $300 million made the film one of the most expensive to be made at the time. The cyber leak also contained celebrities' details and exchanges between executives slamming the ending, to have it rewritten multiple times. Producers were forced to immediately scrap digital distribution. Since then, the franchise has become infamous for its cloak-and-dagger approach - even among its own cast. Rory, 47, added of the script delivery strategy: 'They got burnt, so I understand why they do it.' The Olivier award winner starred in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die, and is one of the longest-standing actors in the current Bond universe. His comments come at a pivotal moment for Bond, as the franchise undergoes its most radical transformation in decades. Amazon, which bought MGM in an $8.5billion deal, now holds the creative reins, and has appointed Dune director Denis Villeneuve to take charge of Bond 26. The French-Canadian filmmaker, a self-confessed 'die-hard' Bond fan, promised to 'honour the tradition' of 007 while opening up the franchise 'to many new missions to come.' He is joined by powerhouse producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, with Eon's Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson still involved behind the scenes. Casting, however, remains the hottest topic of conversation - and the race to replace Daniel Craig recently took a dramatic turn. While Kick-Ass and 28 Years Later star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, remains the bookies' favourite, a surprise new contender has emerged: 37-year-old Scott Rose-Marsh. The relatively unknown British actor - whose credits include Wolves of War and Code of Silence - has leapt to eighth place on the Oddschecker leaderboard, overtaking heavyweights like Henry Cavill and Jack Lowden. Despite his lack of blockbuster experience, Rose-Marsh's sudden rise has set tongues wagging in industry circles. Sources say Villeneuve is keen to cast an actor who can grow into the role, rather than one already saturated by franchise fame. Tom Holland, Theo James, Aaron Pierre, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elordi and James Norton also remain in the top ten, though insiders claim the director's shortlist has shifted several times since he took the reins earlier this summer. Meanwhile, on the Bond girl front, Euphoria and Anyone But You star Sydney Sweeney is widely tipped for a lead role. A source told The Sun: 'Sydney is the top name on the casting sheet for Bond. Denis believes she is hugely talented, as well as having an alluring appeal to younger generations — vital in modernising the franchise.' Sydney, 27, is reportedly close friends with Villeneuve and is being considered for a central role in the upcoming film - potentially as a high-stakes MI6 agent or a powerful femme fatale to match 007 blow for blow. Amazon is expected to officially unveil the cast later this year, with pre-production already underway and filming expected to begin in 2026. The release date is currently pegged for late 2027, though that may change depending on location availability. Bond purists were reportedly unsettled by news that filming may not take place in London due to a Central London ban next year. According to insiders, Liverpool is now a frontrunner to double for the capital - a choice previously used in major franchises such as The Batman and Captain America. A source said: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes. But Liverpool has become a well-known alternative to London for filmmakers. That doesn't necessarily mean the story is set there — but fans will spot it.'
Buzz Feed
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Actors Who Lost Massive Paychecks By Turning Down Iconic Movie Roles
Hollywood is an unpredictable place; even with the right script and the perfect director, it can be hard to tell which movies will smash the box office and which will be total flops. And so, here are a bunch of actors who, if they could, would probably go back in time and say yes to some very lucrative movie roles they wound up turning down. Sean Connery - The Lord of the Rings If James Bond wasn't enough, Sean Connery nearly found himself at the center of another beloved movie franchise — this time, playing Gandalf in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Studio executive Mark Ordesky said in 2021 that Sean was offered the part of Gandalf (which eventually went to Ian McKellen) but "said no," because "he read the material and just didn't get it." To make matters more painful, a previous report claimed that the late 007 actor was offered 15% of the franchise's box office gross, too... which would've turned out to be a paycheck for an estimated $450 million. Eeeek. Will Smith - The Matrix In 1998, following the release of huge box office hits like Bad Boys, Independence Day, and Men in Black, Will Smith was offered the lead role in The Matrix. As we now know, he turned it down, and the part of Neo went to Keanu Reeves. Years later, Will explained that he passed on the movie because he was unsure about the Wachowskis' pitch for the he made a movie called Wild Wild West, which remains one of the biggest flops of his career, while The Matrix made over $460 million worldwide and sparked a lucrative franchise. Given how big of a movie star Will was in the '90s, it's also possible that the film would've made even more if he'd been in it... Talk about a missed opportunity. Brad Pitt — The Matrix Since we're talking about The Matrix, it's worth mentioning that Brad Pitt turned down the opportunity to play Neo as well. 'I did pass on The Matrix. I took the red pill. That's the only one I'm naming,' he said in 2020 at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. 'I wasn't offered two or three. Only the first one, just to clarify that.'Notably, Brad wasn't willing to divulge any more info about what he may have lost out on, saying: "If I didn't get it, then it wasn't mine." "I really believe [the role] was never mine. It's not mine. It was someone else's, and they go and make it. I really do believe in that," he said. "If we were doing a show on the great movies I've passed on, we would need two nights." Matt Damon - Avatar If there's a man who can own his mistakes, it's Matt Damon. The Good Will Hunting star has made no secret of his regret over turning down an offer to star in James Cameron's Avatar in 2009. "I'm sure it's the most money an actor ever turned down," he told Chris Wallace in 2023, explaining that he couldn't do it because he was "in the middle of shooting the Bourne movie." To add insult to injury, he was offered 10% of the box office, and, considering that Avatar remains the highest-grossing movie of all time, it's fair to say he missed out on quite the payday ($250 million, to be exact). Dougray Scott - X-Men Today, Wolverine is synonymous with Hugh Jackman; however, the Aussie actor wasn't originally who they had in mind to play the iconic role. Filmmaker Bryan Singer initially wanted Russell Crowe to play Wolverine in the 2000 X-Men movie, and when Russell turned it down, he went to Scottish actor Dougray Scott. Dougray actually accepted the offer, but unfortunately, wasn't able to go ahead with the movie due to filming delays on Mission: Impossible. 'Tom Cruise didn't let me do it," Dougray told the Daily Telegraph in 2020. 'We were doing Mission: Impossible, and he was like, 'You've got to stay and finish the film,' and I said, 'I will, but I'll go and do that as well. ' For whatever reason, he said I couldn't." Now, I'm not necessarily one to hold a grudge, but considering Hugh Jackman is now worth a reported $120 million, I could understand being a little pissed. Toshiro Mifune - Star Wars When it comes to lucrative movie franchises, it doesn't really get much bigger than Star Wars. So, just imagine you missed out on an opportunity to be a part of it from the very start. In 2015, the daughter of Toshiro Mifune previously revealed that he father — who starred in iconic movies like Seven Samurai and Rashomon — was approached by George Lucas to appear in the original 1977 Star Wars movie, the one we now know as A New Hope. "He was offered the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but he was concerned about how the film would look and that it would cheapen the image of samurai, on which George Lucas had based a lot of the character and fighting style,' his daughter, Mika, said. 'At the time, sci-fi movies still looked quite cheap as the effects were not advanced and he had a lot of samurai pride. There was talk about him taking the Darth Vader role as his face would be covered, but in the end he turned that down too.' Tom Selleck - Indiana Jones From one Harrison Ford film franchise to another, it sounds like the Indiana Jones movies very nearly had a different leading man. While promoting his memoir in 2024, Tom Selleck revealed that he was initially approached to play Indy in Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981; however, he'd already started working on Magnum, P.I., which made the negotiations a bit complicated. "Steven Spielberg and George Lucas kept the offer out to me," he revealed on Today. 'They said, 'We'll work it out and you can do both.' And the more they wanted me, the more CBS said, 'No, we don't want to let him do it.'' So, Tom had no choice but to turn it down, and Harrison later said he was very "grateful" for the way things played out — I would be, too, if I were worth a reported $300 million thanks (mostly) to the massive movie franchises I started in. Jared Leto - Titanic It's hard to imagine a world in which anyone other than our beloved Leonardo DiCaprio played Jack Dawson in Titanic, but it turns out James Cameron had his eyes on some other stars before Leo landed the part. According to reports, Jared Leto was one of the top contenders to play Jack before Leo entered the picture; however, he apparently refused to audition, potentially missing out on a role in a movie that would go on to gross over $2 billion worldwide. Talk about a Sliding Doors moment! Rachel McAdams - Iron Man In a 2023 profile with Bustle, Rachel McAdams talked about her break from acting in the 2000s, during which time she turned down five pretty major roles in movies that went on to be very successful: The Devil Wears Prada, Casino Royale, Mission: Impossible III, Iron Man, and Get Smart. Notably, she was apparently Jon Favreau's first choice to play Pepper Potts in Iron Man, which would have made her a part of the MCU from the very beginning. But, despite losing out on a whole lot of money, it sounds like Rachel has no regrets, knowing that turning down the roles was the right choice for her at that time. 'There's certainly things like 'I wish I'd done that.' I step back and go, 'That was the right person for that," she told Bustle. 'I felt guilty for not capitalizing on the opportunity that I was being given, because I knew I was in such a lucky spot. But I also knew it wasn't quite jiving with my personality and what I needed to stay sane.' There you have it! It's wild to think how different some of these movies and franchises could've been...
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is the next James Bond? Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson in top wishlist
According to Variety, the studio and the producers seem interested in bringing onboard a British actor under 30. The names of Hollywood A-listers Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson are said to be on the top of the list. With filmmaker Denis Villeneuve onboard for the 26th James Bond film, eyes are now set for who will be the new 007. While fans have strong opinions about who should continue the legacy after Daniel Craig 's successful five-film streak, a new report has shed light on Amazon's wishlist. According to Variety, the studio and the producers seem interested in bringing onboard a British actor under 30. The names of Hollywood A-listers Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland , and Harris Dickinson are said to be on the top of the list. It further added that while Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, Henry Cavill, 42, and Idris Elba , 52, were considered as possible heirs to Craig, their ages are unlikely to fit the requirement. With Villeneuve tapped to direct the upcoming James Bond film, the search for the titular star has heated up. Speaking about the project, the director earlier said, "Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since 'Dr. No' with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour," as quoted by Variety. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins asserted that the film has landed in the hands of one of "today's greatest filmmakers." With Villeneuve currently busy with 'Dune: Messiah,' it is unlikely that the film will go into production anytime soon. The next James Bond film will be produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman. Not much details about the film's plot or cast has been unveiled yet. Earlier in 2022, Amazon acquired MGM along with its wide catalog of over 4,000 films and 17,000 shows. In 2025, Amazon MGM Studios closed a deal with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, further gaining creative control of the James Bond rights.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Callum Turner 'tipped to become next James Bond' as bosses reportedly narrow down shortlist to three names
Dua Lipa 's fiance Callum Turner is reportedly leading the candidates to take on the role of the next James Bond. The actor, 35, may be from a very humble background - being raised on an estate in London - but it seems he could be about to make his big break as the next 007. According to new odds from Heart Bingo, it's thought that Callum is being lined up as the public's favourite. And the star seems to be receiving huge praise for being the next in line. Sarah Caskie, Head Of Brand for the online website, said: 'With the rumour mill surrounding the next continuing to turn following the announcement Amazon will be taking the reins with the franchise, we've turned to public opinion to find the best fit for the 007 role. 'The masses have spoken on X and we've collated the data to find that Callum Turner is the people's choice to replace Daniel Craig, with 63 per cent of posts concerning his potential role in the next film being positive, while zero per cent were negative.' It comes after James Bond bosses have reportedly narrowed down their shortlist to just three names after a flurry of speculation. It is believed that Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man's Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson are at the top of Amazon's wish list, according to Variety. Inside sources reportedly told the publication that the studio and producers are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30. And while Jacob, 28, is Australian, he is still believed to be in the running as fellow Aussie actor George Lazenby has previously played Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969. has contacted representatives for Amazon, Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson for comment. Amazon declined to comment when contacted by Variety.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Amazon's 'James Bond' Reboot Gets Massive New Update
Amazon's 'James Bond' Reboot Gets Massive New Update originally appeared on Parade. It's been just under four years since audiences have last seen the debonair gentleman secret agent James Bond in action. With 2021's No Time to Die officially wrapping up Daniel Craig's tenure in the series, many viewers have wondered what the future holds for the United Kingdom's most famous espionage operative. Fortunately, after years of avid speculation regarding the James Bond franchise and its recent acquisition by Amazon Prime, the long-awaited 007 reboot has just received a promising new development. This past Wednesday, Amazon MGM Studios announced that Dune's celebrated filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve, has officially joined the James Bond franchise to direct the series' next installment. The announcement comes as Villeneuve continues to remain hard at work on the third and fourth entries in his blockbuster Dune franchise, which has earned considerable acclaim following the first Dune film's release in 2021. 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007," Villeneuve said in a statement coinciding with the announcement. "I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come." "This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor," the Blade Runner 2049 director continued on. "[Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman] and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.' Mike Hopkins, the head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, echoed the filmmaker's sentiments, stating, 'We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival to the Dune films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and—most importantly—the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters." "James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007's next adventure," Hopkins concluded. Amazon's 'James Bond' Reboot Gets Massive New Update first appeared on Parade on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
