It's Bond Day, if you weren't aware – October 5th now stands as a international festivity focused on all things 007, because of the fact it commemorates the anniversary of the global debut of Dr No, starring Sean Connery, in the year 1962. Consider it as a bit like Star Wars Day, minus the Wookiees and Ewoks and much more sophisticated style.
A Subdued Event Now
But on this occasion, the advent of the 007 celebration seems somewhat like a damp squib. Not long has passed since Denis Villeneuve was confirmed to direct the future installment back in June, and shortly after since writer Steven Knight was hired to pen the screenplay. But there’s been scant evidence since then regarding the next Bond being officially announced, with minimal clarity of where this venerable franchise is going next. All we have are unconfirmed reports from entertainment outlets implying that the film-makers will be looking for a fairly young Brit, possibly from a diverse background although not a female actor, an established star, or anyone slightly known.
Letdown for Bookmakers
This is, of course a setback for the many online bookmakers that have generating substantial revenue for months now out of trying to convince bettors that the competition is among several speculated candidates along with the attractive actor from Saltburn who is actually Australian.
Revisiting Newcomers
Notably, the previous instance the 007 series chose a complete unknown occurred in 1969, with George Lazenby briefly took up the famous firearm. Earlier, the original Bond was not famous: he performed a few minor film roles along with some theater and modeling jobs in addition to working in physique competitions and dairy delivery in his hometown prior to accepting the main character in the first film. The creative heads intentionally rejected an established star; they sought a new face whom audiences would see as Bond himself, rather than as a star in the role.
Employing this strategy again could turn out to be an ingenious move, exactly as it was back in the sixties.
The Villeneuve Factor
But getting Villeneuve on board indicates that there are no excuses whatsoever should the next 007 turns out to be unconvincing. Amplifying the ridiculous devices and innuendo is no longer an option under the guidance of is a solemn auteur of genre film-making most famous for thoughtful science fiction in which the most intense element is the audience’s own existential dread.
An aggressive type in black tie … Craig's debut in Casino Royale.
Updated Vision for 007
Nevertheless, to a large extent, bringing in Villeneuve provides clear signals that are essential about the new post-Craig phase. It's unlikely there will be any invisible cars or double entendres, and we probably won’t be getting the comic sheriff back any time soon. This entire situation is, undoubtedly, absolutely fine for those who prefer your James Bond with a modern twist. But it doesn’t tell us how Villeneuve’s take regarding the stylish official killer will distinguish itself against earlier agents that came before him especially if the upcoming phase doesn’t choose to set the narrative in the original time period.
Redefining Each Era
Craig stood out at once as a fresh version of stylish operative as he appeared on the scene in the 2006 film, a bruiser in a dinner jacket who would never be seen with ridiculous gadgets, or using sexual wordplay with Denise Richards while handling explosives. He made Pierce Brosnan’s gadget-addled smoothie that just a short time before was viewed by many the finest agent since the original, appear as a copycat version badly reheated. This pattern is familiar. Lazenby succeeded Connery temporarily, Then Brosnan took over from the underrated Timothy Dalton, and the silly final Moore films came after the intense early Moore. Every era of 007 alters the prior, however, every version remains in its unique manner James Bond 007, worthy of celebration. It feels odd, while we mark the current 007 Day, that the occasion calls to toast one who doesn’t even exist yet.
