Bond 23 Is ‘SkyFall’

In a start-of-production media conference held by EON this morning, just after 11.45am London time (Thursday, November 3), and broadcast live from central London, key members of the cast, together with Daniel Craig and Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, sat on a panel and answered various questions about the new 007 movie. And James Bond fans were finally given some of the details they have been eagerly waiting for.

The title for Bond 23 has been confirmed as ‘SkyFall’, which Michael G. Wilson at one point joked was ‘the worst kept secret in London’.

Lined up on the panel were Berenice Marlohe, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Dame Judi Dench, Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Sam Mendes confirmed that Ralph Fiennes, Ben Wishaw and Albert Finney will also be part of the distinguished cast, but he would not give any more details about their precise roles.

Before taking questions from the audience, each member of the panel was invited to make some brief comments about the new experience now facing them. The director Sam Mendes, looking very happy, commented that he had always been ‘a huge fan’ of the Bond movies. He said he had ‘loved’ Daniel Craig’s first 007 movie ‘Casino Royale’ and was excited about his friend Daniel’s work. He also explained that he ‘wanted a huge challenge’. Barbara Broccoli, in her contribution, said ‘working with Sam is a dream come true’ and she emphasised that Sam Mendes has brought ‘enthusiasm and commitment’ to the project.

French actress Berenice Marlohe, commenting on the fantastic opportunity the Bond movie role now presented for her, said that, after her audition and selection, it had taken her ‘a few days’ for it to actually sink in and to realise that she had the role. Naomie Harris added that she was ‘looking forward to the rollercoaster’, while Javier Bardem offered some reflections on his enjoyment of the Bond movies when he was young.

The James Bond star himself, Daniel Craig, reflecting on his contribution to the franchise and his development of the character, said: ‘In doing a third one... it was my intention to make the best Bond movie that we possibly could and Bond with a capital ‘B’ – and I am just incredibly proud to be part of this group of people’. Daniel said he believed they had got ‘a great script’ for the new movie.

All in all, there was a great atmosphere at the media launch event. The JBIFC will give more details in due course. Welcome back, 007!

Written at 2.00pm, November 3.