Latest news with #NoTimeToDie
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Spoiler Space: Tom Cruise and Ethan Hunt refuse to die
Spoiler Space offers thoughts on, and a place to discuss, the plot points we can't disclose in our official review. Fair warning: This article features plot details of Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning, as well as details about No Time To Die and John Wick: Chapter 4. In No Time To Die, the delayed swan song for Daniel Craig's iteration of the beloved superspy James Bond, 007 does something he had never done in his near-60-year movie history: He died. After defeating the evil villain du jour (Rami Malek) on his secret island of killer nanobots, Bond faces incoming missiles to make sure that his love Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) and their daughter (Lisa-Dorah Sonnet) survive. He's been infected with a virus that would kill his family should he ever come into contact with them, so Bond more readily accepts the prospect of dying than he had in the 24 prior films. Even though Craig's films had already been updated for modern sensibilities, meaning that his Bond was far less smarmy and far more wearied than previous iterations, the choice to kill off the unkillable agent felt bold in 2021—so much so that No Time To Die is only really notable as 'the one where they kill Bond.' John Wick had only been around nine years when Chapter 4 gave its badass master assassin a noble death: taking a bullet in an archaic duel so he could take out the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård). But like his J-name action peer, John Wick's (alleged; disproven) death was given the same official, noble air as James Bond's. They went out on their own terms, achieving something important to them, conscious of their legacies as highly skilled and effectively invincible action heroes. No doubt these films and these deaths were on Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie's minds when creating Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning, which closes the eight-film odyssey of Ethan Hunt getting out of escalating geopolitical jams by superhumanly defying death. Ethan does not die taking out the evil, hungry AI 'The Entity;' in fact, he emerges unscathed from a biplane battle with Entity acolyte Gabriel (Esai Morales), despite plummeting to the ground without a working parachute. The reveal of a second parachute (a pure white one, the color of grace) billowing from the ground where Ethan has safely landed off-screen is, like the reveal of his cliffhanger survival in Fallout, pointedly delayed by a moment to convince audiences that he hadn't defied death this time—here, it's the one thing viewers are expecting most. But while it's significant that a modern action franchise comes to an end with its protagonist in one piece, there is more than defying expectations that motivated Ethan living to impossibly mission another day. Because of the extreme, often practical stunts that Cruise and select co-stars have committed to film (and then heavily marketed) since Ghost Protocol, the series has a different relationship to death than the cool, slick spectacle of Bond or Wick. Because M:I wants us to feel, first and foremost, like what's happening on screen is real, was done by real people and therefore suggests a real risk of death, Hunt lacks the steely-faced composure of his action peers—any post-III entry in the series involves Tom Cruise being battered, tossed, and slammed by bigger guys or hefty machinery, like a world-saving ragdoll with endless stamina. If he were to die during the course of this, it's difficult to imagine it happening in as dignified and romantic a way as Bond or Wick experienced a couple years before. Because Cruise and McQuarrie have worked to make Ethan's adventures confront the likelihood of death in every action set piece for four straight films, it will always be more dramatically exciting for Ethan to live than die; because Bond and Wick belong to myth-like, genre-infused legacies bolstered by their franchise's explicit visual and tonal styles, it's more interesting for them to expire than Hunt. But Ethan's ultimate fate in the field of duty is ultimately decided by one person: producer and star Tom Cruise. After nearly 30 years playing Ethan Hunt, Cruise authorizes every decision made regarding the franchise, and therefore is hyper-aware of how these films reflect on his legacy. The stronger a presence that Cruise's movie-making machine has taken in the series (he is arguably more of an author than director and co-writer McQuarrie), the more these films feed into that dubious 'last movie star' moniker, which is a more active influence on how Cruise decides Ethan's fate than in similar franchises. Bond and Wick died because their deaths are more meaningless. Audiences knew they'd never see Craig as Bond again, and that soon he'd join the other actors who retired the role. After only four films and a largely hinted-at backstory, Wick's existence was more mythic and ghost-like than the flesh-and-blood Ethan Hunt. Cruise's classic movie-star credentials are still valid but, in today's fragile Hollywood climate, could cash out at any time, and the narrative that Cruise and McQuarrie have built around the series—that Ethan is the only person standing in the way of global obliteration, and Tom Cruise is, similarly, the only person standing in the way of the theatrical experience's collapse—has a double meaning of 'this won't survive without him.' By tying his vitality as a movie star to his character, Cruise needs Ethan to appear vital, triumphant, and able to overcome the odds. He may not be such a naked narcissist as to contractually ensure that he never loses an onscreen fight, but one clear benefit of constantly raising the physical stakes in the M:I series is that Ethan's survival increasingly makes Cruise appear, if not necessarily strong, then undeniably alive. This benevolence extends to the supporting cast. After Ethan's oldest friend Luther (Ving Rhames, the only actor to appear in as many M:I films as Cruise) dies to save London from a bomb early in The Final Reckoning, Ethan adopts an unofficial but rigid 'no more sacrifices' policy. The deaths of Ethan's teammates have textually haunted him in many series entries: There's the murder of his entire Prague team at the start of Mission: Impossible, the jarring and upsetting brain explosive that takes out Keri Russell's briefly seen character in III, and the lamented demise of Ethan's only human equal Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) on a Venetian bridge in Dead Reckoning. Ethan takes these deaths incredibly personally. His mission is to save as many people as he's capable of, and despite the clear, sincere loyalty that his disciples feel towards him, he feels responsible for getting them into danger in the first place. Ethan would die a million times to save his friends, and the finale of The Final Reckoning makes it seem like death is certain for one of his team. Tech guru Benji (Simon Pegg) is bleeding out while he gives hacking instructions to pickpocket Grace (Hayley Atwell). Meanwhile, returning face William Donloe (Rolf Saxon) only has 10 seconds to get his wife Tapeesa (Lucy Tulugarjuk) and special forces turncoat Degas (Greg Tarzan Davis) away from a bomb he's deactivating before one of its detonators goes off. But if Ethan and Cruise really do depend on each other, then the fate of these colleagues/co-stars also stems from Cruise's need for Ethan to live; whatever happens to Ethan's friends reflects back onto him, and whatever reflects onto Ethan reflects onto Cruise. The blanket survival of our heroes in The Final Reckoning is rousing and satisfying, but it is also calculated; when a recorded message from the late Luther insists to Hunt (seconds after the Entity has been defeated) that we are, in fact, masters of our own fate, he should have specified that Ethan is the master of everyone else's as well. The Final Reckoning is a unique response to the question of 'how to kill an action hero,' as more than James Bond or John Wick, the film admits that the action hero is just an extension of the action star, and their fates remain fused. More from A.V. Club Primer: The immediately identifiable comedies of Wes Anderson Before drug intervention, Nick Kroll was "deeply scared" that John Mulaney would die Trump pardons beloved reality TV fraudsters, the Chrisleys
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Man denies breaching restraining order against ex-James Bond producer
Daniel Wilson was handed a restraining order in 2017 but then allegedly contacted former 007 producer Barbara Broccoli 11 times from April 2022 to April last year A man has denied breaching a restraining order by contacting former James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. Daniel Wilson, 36, was handed a restraining order in 2017 but then allegedly contacted her 11 times from April 2022 to April last year. Wilson, of Brixton, South London, appeared via video link on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to 11 charges at Southwark Crown Court. Broccoli, 64, and Michael G Wilson, 83, produced the Bond franchise after the death of Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, aged 87, in 1997. It was bought out by Amazon MGM Studios - owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, who obtained the franchise rights for £770million. It is alleged that Wilson acted in breach of the restraining order by attempting to contact Broccoli "without reasonable excuse" on 11 dates between April 2022 and April last year. The court heard Wilson, who wore glasses and a patterned jacket during the hearing, is currently staying in hospital. Bail conditions had been put in place at an earlier hearing and Judge Sally-Ann Hales KC ordered that they will continue. She told Wilson he cannot "be in possession of any device that can access the internet" or contact Broccoli directly or indirectly. He must also live and sleep each night in a location directed by the NHS, she said. His trial was set for July 19 2027 and Judge Hales added: "I'm afraid that is the earliest date that the court can accommodate." She granted that Broccoli can give evidence behind screens "given the nature of the allegations". Wilson is charged with acting in breach of the restraining order on April 1, April 19, May 19, May 25, June 30 and July 6 2022. He is also accused of doing so on March 10, April 12, April 17, April 20 and April 22 2024. The 007 franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962. Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre and No Time To Die. They have been honoured with CBEs, and won the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012's Skyfall along with director Sir Sam Mendes. Amazon gained creative control of the British spy franchise following a deal which saw Eon Productions, run by Wilson and Broccoli, become co-owners with Amazon MGM Studios. Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli bought the rights to Ian Fleming's novels featuring the British MI6 agent in 1961. The following year he produced Dr No starring Sean Connery as 007. The most recent Bond film - No Time To Die which starred Daniel Craig - was released in 2021 and ended with the spy being killed in a missile strike.
Euronews
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Has watchmaker Omega leaked the identity of the new James Bond?
It's one of the most closely guarded secrets in the industry: the identity of the next 007. It has been four years since the release of Daniel Craig's dramatic swansong as Bond in No Time To Die, and since then the rumour mill has been working overtime. We reported last year that one candidate may have the edge over countless others and now, an unlikely source may have confirmed it and let the vodka martini-swigging cat out of the bag. Luxury watchmaker Omega has announced Bond-favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the brand's latest global ambassador. So what, you may ask? Well, it's not just any gig, considering the watch brand has been Bond's marker of choice ever since Pierce Brosnan got his Omega in GoldenEye. Add the fact that both Brosnan and Daniel Craig were Omega ambassadors before they headed to MI6, and it doesn't seem to be much of a (perfectly timed) coincidence... Une publication partagée par OMEGA (@omega) In an Instagram post, Omega praised Taylor-Johnson's visit: '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.' The post features the 34-year-old looking smooth as a veal cutlet in a brown suede jacket, flaunting a stunning Omega piece – a Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space - on his left wrist. The actor stated: 'I have always had an appreciation for timepieces but especially for Omega. Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.' Une publication partagée par OMEGA (@omega) There is still no official announcement confirming the Kick-Ass, Nosferatu and 28 Years Later actor to be the next Bond. But considering the franchise is getting a massive overhaul courtesy of Amazon, who are keen to speed up to process, this is looking mighty promising and maybe more than a rumour. Still, only time will tell. Iran has summoned France's representative in protest after the French foreign minister praised the Cannes-winning Iranian film as 'a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression.' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had praised It Was Just An Accident after it won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film by famed dissident Iranian director Jafar Panahi centres on a man, Vahid, who abducts his suspected captor after being tortured in prison. To satisfy pangs of doubt, he decides to confirm his suspicion by bringing the man, locked in his van, to other former prisoners for identification. Panahi, who was back in Cannes for the first time in 15 years due to a travel ban in Iran, drew on the experiences from his own imprisonment as well as the stories of detainees around him. Stay tuned to Euronews Culture for our review of It Was Just An Accident and our full debrief of Panahi's win in this week's Culture Catch-Up. Iran's Foreign Ministry said the French minister was summoned over his 'interventionist, irresponsible and instigative allegations,' the state-run IRNA news agency reported. 'Spare us Iranians the lectures. You have no moral authority whatsoever,' Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X, citing France's approach to Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. Last week, France threatened 'concrete action' against Israel if the country didn't halt the offensive in Gaza and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. However, the statement was mostly dismissed as empty threats. Immediately following the award's announcement, the Iranian state news agency had announced a more muted celebration of the award, crediting the country's film industry for winning a second Palme d'Or after Abbas Kiarostami's 1997 drama, Taste of Cherry. In Iran, film productions need to receive script approval from the government to shoot in public. Panahi refuses to do that, knowing they won't allow him to make the films he wants to, and It Was Just an Accident was filmed without cooperation. Iranian state TV called the film a mixture of 'lie and smearing' as well as an 'underground' film produced without the required permits in Iran. State TV also chastised Panahi for not mentioning the plight of the Palestinians in his acceptance speech. The Mizan news agency, an arm of the country's judiciary, reported on the win as part of the 'Political Cannes Film Festival,' suggesting that the prize was given to Panahi because of his political leanings. However, pro-reform media outlets and activists praised Panahi. 'This victory is no accident — it is the result of a tireless dedication to exploring humanistic values and human rights,' said Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, who was also previously imprisoned at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. Panahi was banned from travelling out of Iran in 2009 for attending the funeral of a student killed in anti-government protests, a judgment later extended to two decades. But even when placed under house arrest, Panahi kept making movies, many of which are among the most lauded of the century. He made 2011's This Is Not a Film on an iPhone in his living room. Taxi (2015) was clandestinely shot almost entirely within a car - and ended up winning that year's Golden Bear at the Berlinale. Panahi was arrested in 2022 when he went to the Tehran prosecutor's office to inquire about the arrests of two other Iranian filmmakers. A judge later ruled that he must serve six years for an earlier sentence on charges of propagandising against the government from 2011 that had never been enforced. In early 2023, Panahi went on a hunger strike and was released from Evin Prison. Panahi said he would not seek asylum in another country, despite the risks of additional imprisonment. 'It's simple. I'm unable to live here,' he said last week in Cannes. 'I have no ability to adapt to a new country, a new culture. Some people have this ability, this strength. I don't.' On Monday, Panahi touched down in Tehran's international airport to cheers. One person was heard shouting "woman, life, freedom" as Panahi passed through the airport - a phrase that became the slogan for protests that broke out across Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. In his acceptance speech at Cannes, Panahi said, "What's most important now is our country and the freedom of our country," and called for Iranians to "join forces". He added: "No one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do."
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
"James Bond" Fans Spot Hint Of The Next 007
Fans of James Bond reckon there's been a key update in the race to cast the next 007. And it's all to do with watches. Over a year ago, it was widely reported in the tabloid press that Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been offered the part of Bond, though it was later claimed this deal was less certain than it first appeared. Since then, Aaron has continued to be linked with the role, but has remained consistently tight-lipped, sidestepping questions about it in numerous interviews. Earlier this week, it was revealed that the former Marvel star had become a global ambassador for the watch brand Omega. While this isn't the sort of news that would make international headlines (no offence, Omega, we're sure you do a lovely watch), this was notable as the Swiss brand has been associated with the James Bond franchise since Pierce Brosnan began wearing its timepieces in GoldenEye. Every Bond film since has featured an Omega watch – including all five of Daniel Craig 's – and this fact was not lost on Bond devotees when the news began circulating on social media… Looking more and more like we might have our next Bond… — Walker Wright (@WalkerWright86) May 23, 2025 Walker Wright / Via Subtle 👀 — Clem Fandango 🏴 🎗️🍀™ (@PapaCobo) May 22, 2025 Clem Fandango / Via — Colin Best (@ColinBest1978) May 22, 2025 Colin Best / Via GOOD EVENING MR BOND. — Andrew McPyntos (@mcpyntos) May 23, 2025 Andrew McPyntos / Via Prepping for new bond — Justin Vickery (@JjrdvJustin) May 22, 2025 Justin Vickery / Via Suppose that means he got *that* job — Michael Clarke (@mchlbrnclrk) May 22, 2025 Michael Clarke / Via The next Bond confirmed then! — ARR. (@15characters_ha) May 22, 2025 ARR. / Via So he's the next James Bond? — 老猪肥 (@laozhufei) May 22, 2025 Laozhufei / Via Just announce him as Bond and make some movies already. — Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) May 22, 2025 Evan Rawal / Via Earlier this year, it was revealed there'd been a big behind-the-scenes shake-up at the James Bond franchise, with producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli stepping down from their creative duties after 30 years. Amazon MGM Studios have now taken over creative control of the blockbuster movie series, the last offering of which, No Time To Die, hit cinemas in 2021 after a series of delays. While Aaron still remains a firm favourite to succeed Daniel Craig as 007, there have been a host of other names who've been reported to be in the frame for some time.
Extra.ie
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
James Bond hopeful drops major clue he could be the next 007
The actor potentially set to become the next 007 may have already blown their cover and revealed they have secured the top gig as the secret agent. Bond last hit screens in 2021's No Time To Die, a film which saw Daniel Craig play the role of the super agent for the fifth and final time on the silver screen. With Craig bowing out on top in the role, much of the post-movie discussion centred around who may play Bond in future films. Daniel Craig as James Bond in No Time To Die. Pic: MGM/Eon/Danjaq/UPI/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock And now Godzilla star Aaron Taylor-Johnson could be the chosen one for the role, with a new development catching well-trained eyes. Pic: MGM/Eon/Danjaq/UPI/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock Rumours persisted prior to Amazon's purchase of the Bond film franchise that 34-year-old Johnson was the preferred choice of ex-Bond producer Barbara Broccoli. And while the actor himself has previously been coy on speculation, his latest career move could be an indication of a good sign on the Bond end of things. Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Pic:Johnson this week joined the family of global ambassadors of Omega – the luxury watch brand which has appeared on the wrists of 007 actors for decades. 'I have always had an appreciation for timepieces but especially for Omega,' Johnson said via Instagram. 'Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by OMEGA (@omega) While Johnson has the lead-in with the Bond timepiece manufacturer, perhaps the bookmakers are worth more of a glance to weigh up who else remains in the frame. Theo James, star of The Divergent, currently heads the betting at 6/4. Second favourite is Superman star Henry Cavill, with the 42-year-old priced at just 3/1 having been heavily linked with the role for the last number of years. Johnson then comes in at third in the betting at 7/2.
