Latest news with #BulletTrain
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Who is the next James Bond? It's anyone's guess. But a luxury watchmaker just shifted the odds
The rumour mill is both shaken and stirred at the prospect of the next James Bond star being inadvertently — maybe — leaked. Speculation has been swirling online in recent days that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the star of films like 2024's Kraven the Hunter and the 2022 hit Bullet Train, is poised to take on the role of the world's most beloved and admired spy after Swiss watchmaker Omega announced the 34-year-old is its new global brand ambassador. Both Taylor-Johnson and Omega shared images over the past week of him sporting its watches and touring its factory. Why is that a big deal you ask? The luxury brand has adorned Agent 007 for 30 years, worn in films and ads by recent Bond actors Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, which is why fans and oddsmakers — yes, you can place your bets on the next Bond — took note of the Taylor-Johnson/Omega marriage. While Taylor-Johnson has been on several lists of potential actors who could portray the suave and sexy super spy in the franchise's 26th instalment, Bond is a fixture in popular culture like few others and predicting who and what's next for him is somewhat of a sport in its own right. And because it's the "off season" for fans right now, it's the perfect time to watch for any indication of a big announcement, says Lisa Funnell, a Hamilton-based scholar and author who has been researching Bond books, film and culture for more than 20 years. It's been nearly four years since the last film of the Craig era, No Time to Die, was released — which was delayed more than a year due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The longest period between Bond films was six years, after Roger Moore's last turn in 1989's Licence to Kill and Brosnan taking the torch in 1995's GoldenEye. "I think until we get a full announcement coming at us, we're not going to know. We're only going to be speculating, which is kind of fun," she said. Taylor-Johnson has a lot going for him, says British writer and and Bond aficionado Mark O'Connell, adding that he has met the actor and is cheering for him. "He's definitely in my top three or five Bond contenders," he said. "He looks great on screen. The camera loves him. Maybe the box office doesn't yet, Kraven didn't do so well, but the box office and the magazine covers... really love him." But O'Connell isn't taking the Omega partnership as a sign of anything, pointing to the fact another contender, Academy Award-nominated Irish actor Barry Keoghan, is also affiliated with the brand. LISTEN | Bond's legacy, from the page to the screen: It may also be worth noting that Taylor-Johnson was sporting an Omega Speedmaster watch in the photos the company posted on social media, while Keoghan was sporting one of its Seamaster series, which is the line that Bond wore in the last nine films. But, moving on. O'Connell thinks Taylor-Johnson stands a solid chance not just because of his looks and acting chops but because he's not too big of a star yet. He says the franchise has typically casts actors who aren't household names. Both he and Funnell agree that a superstar like Superman franchise heartthrob Henry Cavill, whose name has been tossed around and who certainly has the look, is just too big for Bond. That's something that could also count out someone like Jonathan Bailey, whose star is soaring with the blockbuster Wicked and the upcoming Jurassic World: Rebirth. One thing O'Connell believes is a sure bet is that the next Bond will be British (sorry Canadian, American and Australian actors). The Hollywood Reporterpredicted in December that the next Bond would be Josh O'Connor, known for last year's Challengers and his Emmy-winning turn as Prince Charles in the Netflix series The Crown, suggesting longtime series producer Barbara Broccoli "has always led from the gut, not caved to popular opinion." But here's the thing: She's no longer has creative control of the franchise her family has helmed since its inception in the 1960s. Amazon and MGM Studios are now in charge (MGM owns the rights to the film franchise, Amazon now owns MGM), after striking a deal earlier this year and has already tapped Amy Pascal and David Heyman to produce the film known, for the moment, as Bond 26. That shift left a lot up in the air, says Funnell. "We're entering into brand-new territory," she said. The new producers, she says, could go in a new direction that might not necessarily "fall in step with all the rules that the Bond franchise has had up to this point." LISTEN | What happens when 007 goes to Amazon: Funnell suggests Amazon has an advantage by having so much streaming data and information about what's being watched by which demographics, and that could help inform its decisions of both what kind of star it wants — possibly someone who will attract younger audiences — and the style of Bond movie it makes. She says Amazon also has to take into account the success of other Bond-esque films that have filled the void since the last feature, including two Mission: Impossible movies. She's personally keen to see a return to a more classic style; movies more about the missions and lots more of the gadgets. "I want things that explode, exploding pens, whatever," she said — rather than the more style-driven and and "deeply personal" storylines of the Craig era. O'Connell doesn't think Amazon will shake things up too much because it's "really keen to get it right." As for a big star reveal, he says it likely won't happen until the next writer and director are announced, noting many eyes have been on Oscar-winning Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón (Roma, Gravity). But that, too, is speculation. WATCH | Bond creator Ian Fleming speaks with CBC in 1964:
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Did Omega Just Confirm Aaron Taylor-Johnson As Next James Bond?
Last Updated: After Aaron Taylor-Johnson recently became the face of Omega, many believe it could be the clearest hint that he is the new James Bond. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's appointment as a brand ambassador for Omega has caught the attention of James Bond fans. The British actor, linked to play the next 007, visited watchmakers' headquarters in Biel, Switzerland. The trip made fans curious. Omega has a long history with the Bond films, with both Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig representing the brand in the franchise since 1995. With Taylor-Johnson becoming a face for them, many believe it to be the clearest hint that he is the new British spy. The timing of all this seems too perfect to be a coincidence. The Bullet Train star was first linked to the role back in 2022. At the time, it was mostly just talk and fan guesses. But in early 2023, Puck shared that he met with producer Barbara Broccoli to talk about playing Bond. Even then, no official announcement was made, and everything stayed quiet. Making the announcement on Instagram, Omega wrote, 'OMEGA welcomes Aaron Taylor-Johnson to our watchmaking home in Bienne. The actor and Golden Globe winner stepped into our watchmaking home for an exclusive tour, meeting the watchmakers behind our timepieces." View this post on Instagram A post shared by OMEGA (@omega) As soon as pictures of Aaron Taylor-Johnson visiting the Omega headquarters started circulating online, people started guessing about his future. Many rushed to the comment sections and wondered if this was a sign they were waiting for. Reacting to the collaboration, a user wrote, 'Hello Mr. Bond, we have been expecting you," another shared, 'Do I hear the 007 theme?" An individual asked, 'Is this a hint?" 'This has to be the new James Bond at this point," One more added. Since the new James Bond movie was officially announced after Daniel Craig's announcement, fans are eager to know who will play the famous spy next. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is seen as a strong choice by many, but he's not the only one in the race. Other actors include Theo James, Henry Cavill, James Norton, and Jack Lowden, among others. First Published:
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Brad Pitt speaks for first time about bitter divorce from Angelina Jolie being finalised
The Bullet Train and Tomb Raider stars ended the dispute with an agreement earlier this year. Brad Pitt had spoken out for the first time on bitter divorce from Angelina Jolie. The Bullet Train and Tomb Raider stars ended the dispute with an agreement earlier this year Pitt, 61, tied the knot with Jolie, now 49, in 2014 after a whirlwind romance that began on the set of the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith back in 2005. The pair finally parted ways in 2016. The high-profile split led Jolie to file for divorce in the same year. A series of bitter disputes over custody and their business interests followed. Discussing the closure of his divorce proceedings, Pitt said: "No, I don't think it was that major of a thing. Just something coming to fruition. Legally." The legal wrangles between the pair have included battles over their six children and the division of their shared assets, such as the Château Miraval winery located in France. They share six children: Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, both 16. Currently, Brad is living in Los Angeles with his partner, 32-year-old jewellery executive Ines de Ramon, Pitt previously discussed the relentless media attention he's faced in an interview with GQ, when he said: "It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way." When quizzed about whether their glamorous appearance at the 2024 British Grand Prix was a strategic move to promote his latest film F1, he dismissed the suggestion of any promotional intent. He remarked: "No, dude, it's not that calculated. If you're living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you're living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve." Reflecting on his personal life, Pitt shared: "Mostly I feel pretty... my life is fairly contained. "It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit." The actor, who was once married to Jennifer Aniston until their split in 2005, seems to have found a sense of peace amidst the chaos of fame. When the divorce was finalised, Jolie's lawyer released a statement saying: "Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.' Lawyer James Simon added to the Associated Press: "More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. 'This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brad Pitt Claims Finalizing Years-Long Angelina Jolie Divorce Was Not That 'Major Of A Thing'
Brad Pitt has opened up about reaching the end of his protracted divorce from Angelina Jolie. The actor admitted he felt "relief" over the decision, but still doesn't consider it a "major" thing. Before finalizing the divorce in December, Pitt and Jolie had been in a nearly decade-long battle after they announced their separation in 2016. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's disputes included the separation of assets and custody issues, with the duo still currently feuding over their French vineyard, Château Miraval. After nearly a decade of court battles, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finalized their divorce in December. The former Hollywood power couple had been locked in disputes over assets and custody, which took quite a toll on both sides and led to several media back-and-forths. Now, Pitt has revealed that he feels "relieved" that part of his life is over and he can officially move on. The actor made the revelation in his interview with GQ Magazine, which covered the creation of his new "F1" movie. However, despite how long the battle dragged on and the legal costs he likely incurred, Pitt said the finalization wasn't a huge deal to him, just something that was bound to happen eventually. "No, I don't think it was that major of a thing," the actor told the outlet. "Just something coming to fruition. Legally." Elsewhere in his conversation with the publication, Pitt reflected on how his "personal life is always in the news" and admitted that it has been a constant "annoyance" to deal with over the years. "It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way," the "Bullet Train" star said. "It's been an annoyance I've had to always deal with in different degrees, large and small, as I do the things I really want to do." "So, it's always been this kind of nagging time suck or waste of time, if you let it be that, I don't know. I don't know," Pitt added. Despite all of this attention, the actor thinks his life is "fairly contained," as he is surrounded by the best possible people. "It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit." In the meantime, Brad Pitt has found new love with jewelry executive Ines de Ramon, who was previously married to actor Paul Wesley. The pair began dating in 2022, three years after Pitt's legal separation from Angelina Jolie. After keeping their relationship private for several months, the couple began making public appearances together, including at premieres and other high-profile events. They also showed up together at the 2024 British Grand Prix, which Pitt explained in his GQ interview wasn't planned. "It's not that calculated," Pitt shared. "If you're living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If you're living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve." Early last year, the lovebirds finally moved in together, a move that further solidified their relationship. As they now approach their third anniversary, they are reportedly still going strong despite the rumors that Pitt's busy work schedule strained their relationship. "They're genuinely happy and very much in love," a source revealed, per the Daily Mail. They added, "Brad appreciates being with someone outside of Hollywood—it keeps things balanced, with no sense of rivalry or jealousy." Despite Pitt and de Ramon's blossoming romance, the possibility of marriage or kids seems unlikely for now, as the actor is yet to get over the emotional baggage from his previous marriage. "Brad is totally in love with Ines, but he doesn't want to go down the road of marriage and kids," an insider told the Daily Mail. They continued, "He's been burned badly by the divorce from Angelina and his kids wanting little if nothing to do with him. He's 61 and loving his life just the way it is."
Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 top new movies to stream this week on HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu and more (May 27-June 2)
This week sees plenty of new movies arriving across the best streaming services. The major players like Netflix and Prime Video are sitting out the next seven days, but their rivals are picking up the slack with HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu and Peacock offering new flicks for subscribers to enjoy. There's no contest when it comes to picking my personal highlight this week: HBO Max's 'Mountainhead' has all my attention. This sharp comedy-drama comes from 'Succession' creator Jesse Armstrong, and the trailer presents a similar tone to his award-winning black comedy series. Other noteworthy newcomers include the Disney Plus debut of 'Captain America: Brave New World' and family flick 'Dog Man' on Peacock. Here's a guide to the most noteworthy new additions across streaming platforms this week, and if you want to watch some TV instead, we have a rundown of the top new TV shows you can stream this week as well. Josh Hartnett stars in this sky-high action comedy that appears to take pretty clear cues from 'Bullet Train.' That's not a bad source of inspiration and Tom's Guide's own Martin Shore labeled it 'the wildest movie I've seen in 2025' and also called it 'an absolute riot.' This glowing write-up has definitely convinced me to add it to my watchlist this week. In 'Fight or Flight,' Hartnett plays a skilled mercenary who boards an international flight bound for San Francisco. But he's not on this plane to watch movies and eat questionable food, he's been tasked with identifying an elusive hacker known as 'The Ghost.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The job gets even trickier when it becomes clear the plane is filled with assassins, and these contract killers have both 'The Ghost' and Hartnett's Lucas Reyes in their crosshairs, forcing an uneasy alliance. Buy or rent on Amazon from May 27 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig' is one of the best movies of last year you (probably) didn't see. It's a gripping political thriller that competed for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Special Jury Prize. The work of writer/director Mohammed Rasoulof, the twisting narrative unfolds with almost unbearable tension, and the performances are electric. The movie centers on Iman (Missagh Zareh), a judge in the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, who struggles with increasing paranoia as the Iranian city falls into a state of political unrest following the death of a young woman. As the outside situation deteriorates, things within Iman's home also take a turn when a handgun given to him for protection by the government goes missing. He suspects that his wife and daughter may have taken it, and things only go south from there. Watch on Hulu from May 27 The fourth Captain America solo movie sees the superhero mantle passed over to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) following the events of the Disney Plus series 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.' So long, Steve Rogers. While 'Captain America: Brave New World' is far from a truly vintage entry in the long-running Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's a step up from some of the franchise's recent duds. It's a mostly enjoyable blockbuster, even if it feels extremely routine after 30+ MCU movies. In this new world full of sinister threats originating from Earth and beyond, Sam is still finding his footing now that he's taken up the Captain America role. But he's forced to learn on the job as he's drawn into a major international incident when freshly elected U.S. president Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) is targeted in a mysterious assassination attempt. Watch on Disney Plus from May 28 The whimsical 'Dog Man' series by Dav Pilkey is a childhood staple for millions, so it's no surprise the canine police officer's first big-screen outing has been warmly embraced by viewers of all ages. Packing a charming but very silly story and vibrant animation courtesy of Dreamworks, it's got all the ingredients to be a firm family favorite, and this week it arrives on Peacock. Based on a graphic novel series, it sees a police officer and his faithful pooch fused together after an explosive injury (don't worry, it's less grisly than it sounds). Reborn as Dog Man, the human-dog hybrid must embrace his new identity while also stopping a feline supervillain, Petey the Cat, from unleashing chaos on Ohkay City. The movie includes the voice talents of Peter Hastings, Pete Davidson, Isla Fisher, Lil Rel Howery and Ricky Gervais. Watch on Peacock from May 30 I'm a 'Succession' superfan, so it's probably no surprise that 'Mountainhead' on HBO Max is my most anticipated new movie of the week. This satirical comedy-drama comes from Jesse Armstrong, the creator of the award-winning HBO show, and the man behind the excellent British comedy 'Peep Show.' Armstrong knows how to write biting dialogue and craft memorable and compelling characters, even if they're also often unlikable. 'Mountainhead' is a confined movie that sees a group of wealthy tech billionaires (Steven Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith and Ramy Youssef) meet in a plush mountainside lodge where an international crisis unfolds around them. Based on the trailer, it looks packed with snappy exchanges that scream vintage Jesse Armstrong. In many ways, it appears to be something of a spiritual sequel to 'Succession.' Consider me fully sold. Watch on HBO Max from May 31
