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The Spectacle Blog
The Daily Mail reports that “studio bosses have confirmed a 24th James Bond movie will hit cinemas within the next three years.”
Three years. That means 007 actor Daniel Craig will be 48. Not that 48 is old — not by a long shot, (Sean Connery was more than 50 when he starred in Never Say Never Again), but Craig isn’t aging well. Skyfall was one of the most successful installments of the Bond series, but, at risk of offending Ben Stein, I think it’s time for a new face to play Ian Fleming’s iconic figure.
I for one never warmed up to Craig. His eyes are striking, but otherwise he sort of resembles a slightly less creepy Vladimir Putin. Ian Fleming’s character in the spy novels is “cold and ruthless,” qualities which Craig exudes in leaps and bounds, but Fleming’s Bond is also described as “handsome” and as possessing “black hair.”
Physical appearances are important, but Craig’s portrayal of Bond is the more offensive matter. After watching Sir Sean in Dr. No, Fleming gave Bond a half-Swiss, half-Scottish heritage. He also began to depict the super-suave spy with a sense of humor not present in previous stories.
Craig’s character is missing that essential devil-may-care charm that makes a Connery Bond the best Bond. Saving the world from the wickedest villains is hard work, but Bond (the original) makes it look easy and even fun. Bond is meant to cheer us up, but Craig’s Bond wears the weight of the world on his face. Far too serious. How can you race around in the world’s hottest cars with the world’s hottest women and look so down-trodden? Drink more martinis, man. We see the sullen attitude enough in our long-suffering superheroes.
Who to replace Craig, then? He must look dashing yet natural in a tux, and radiate a devilish joie de vivre in his smile. Actor Henry Cavill (to play Superman this summer) is an obvious choice, and would keep the British trend going. He was also supposedly a final contender for the role in Casino Royale.
Other ideas?
View all comments (11) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Teresa Mull
http://spectator.org/blog/2013/03/23/beyond-bond
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Bob Grant| 3.23.13 @ 11:49AM
On the other hand, Teresa, we don't want some half-wit pretty boy confusing 'Bond humor' with the Ironic Humor that plagues the zeitgeist of those who currently deem what is funny.
What is needed is someone who appears to have been around the block a few times but still possess that Bond Vigor, yet, still can throw out a clever one-liner when needed.
I would suggest The Most Interesting Man in the World but I'm sure the role would bore him.
C. Vernon Crisler | 3.23.13 @ 11:51AM
Well, we could start by deep-sixing the Bond movies. They have become ludicrous in recent years. Over-the-top seriousness has also destroyed Batman. It's as if the directors of these movies is embarrassed about the subject matter, unless presented as dark and nihilistic.
C. Vernon Crisler | 3.23.13 @ 11:53AM
are
Occam's Tool| 3.23.13 @ 3:28PM
Jason Statham. He, too, will be 48, but he's a Brit with a sense of humor.
Frog in Uniform | 3.23.13 @ 4:06PM
Have a talk with this guy: http://www.galloimages.co.za/i.....r/578262/1
He was very convincing in "District 9" and should perfectly fit if you provide him with a tuxedo.
He looks like a buddy I know from marksmanship school and who has a Seanesque sense of humor.
Bob K| 3.23.13 @ 4:33PM
Cavill is too dorky.
Cobalt| 3.24.13 @ 5:21PM
Perhaps they will pick Jeremy Renner to replace Daniel Craig as Bond, so Renner can sing and play the piano in the film.
Cpm| 3.25.13 @ 2:08PM
In his lifty heels.
Frog in Uniform | 3.25.13 @ 7:22AM
Isn't it about time for hope and change in the Bond franchise? How about a black, muslim, gay Bond? Jamaal Ibn BondLaden for instance? Or a Hispanic endorsing Theology of Liberation and embracing the UN agenda? Jaime Bondozo in Operation Fast & Furious, featuring Eric Holder and Dominique Strauss-Kahn (former chairman of IMF and favorite candidate to Frogland presidency)
LarryK| 3.25.13 @ 8:44AM
Mr. Craig is my favorite Bond replacing Mr. Connery and I believe it is due to the writing.
Bandido| 3.25.13 @ 12:53PM
Clive Owen.