Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, MGM and Sony Pictures Ent. have made it official Daniel Craig has been cast in the role of the legendary British secret agent, James Bond, in the highly anticipated 007 adventure thriller CASINO ROYALE.
Martin Campbell, who helped rejuvenate the Bond franchise by helming GOLDENEYE, will direct. CASINO ROYALE will be the 21st James Bond film produced by the franchise holders, EON Prods. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on Nov. 17, 2006. It will be filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the U.K.
Neal Purvis and Robert Wade wrote the screenplay based on Ian Fleming's first Bond novel. The script is being polished by Academy Award-nominated writer Paul Haggis (MILLION DOLLAR BABY, CRASH).
Craig is currently filming a thriller alongside Nicole Kidman, THE VISITING, and has two films in post-production Steven Spielberg's MUNICH and Douglas McGrath's EVERY WORD IS TRUE, co-starring Sandra Bullock and Gwyneth Paltrow. Recent film credits include Sam Mendes' THE ROAD TO PERDITION, THE MOTHER, SYLVIA and last year he received much critical acclaim for Matthew Vaughn's LAYER CAKE as well as Roger Michell's ENDURING LOVE.
Wilson and Broccoli said, "It has been a long time ambition for us to film the first book in the series, CASINO ROYALE, which defined the complex character of James Bond. We are thrilled Daniel Craig will play the character of 007. Daniel is a superb actor who has all the qualities needed to bring a contemporary edge to the role. CASINO ROYALE will have all the action, suspense and espionage that our audiences have come to expect from us but nevertheless takes the franchise in a new and exciting direction."
"James Bond is a character without peer in motion picture history," said Pascal. "He is a household name recognized in virtually every corner of the globe and because of this renown, the casting of the new 007 takes on a special importance. We believe that in Daniel Craig we have found the ideal 21st century Bond and we couldn't be more privileged to be working with Barbara and Michael, who are tireless champions and guardians of the James Bond legacy."
Campbell said, "The thing about James Bond is that each actor who has filled the role has brought his own style and imprint. With Daniel as our new Bond, I am thrilled to be returning to shepherd the new 007 in the new Bond adventure."
Dan Taylor, president of MGM, said, "All of us here at MGM are delighted that Daniel Craig, an actor of such high-calibre, has been chosen to be the next Bond. We are also very excited to be working closely with Barbara and Michael again and with Columbia Pictures on CASINO ROYALE, which we predict to be the biggest, best Bond ever."
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
