It’s official, Bond 24 has been announced with a major event in London and it will be called Spectre. Of course that’s the name of the evil organisation headed by Blofeld in early Bond movies (It stands for (SPecial Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion), and the name of the film signals its return.
Both Blofeld and SPECTRE disappeared from Bond after a protracted legal battle decided Thunderball screenplay co-creator Kevin McClory owned them. However a few years ago Eon Productions purchased the rights and brought them back into the official Bond fold. Every film since Casino Royale has had rumours of a SPECTRE appearance, but it’s only now it will actually happen.
The announcement also confirms that alongside returnees Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Rory Kinnear, newbies Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci and Andrew Scott will star. Although there’s no confirmation, the presumption is that Waltz will be Blofeld.
Here’s the official press release: ‘007 Soundstage, Pinewood Studios, London. James Bond Producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today released the title of the 24th James Bond adventure, SPECTRE. The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his fourth film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007. SPECTRE begins principal photography on Monday, December 8, and is set for global release on November 6, 2015.
‘Along with Daniel Craig, Mendes presented the returning cast, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Rory Kinnear as well as introducing Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci and Andrew Scott. Mendes also revealed Bond’s sleek new Aston Martin, the DB10, created exclusively for SPECTRE.
‘A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.
‘The 007 production will be based at Pinewood Studios, and on location in London, Mexico City, Rome and Tangier and Erfoud, in Morocco. Bond will return to the snow once again, this time in Sölden, along with other Austrian locations, Obertilliach, and Lake Altaussee.
‘Commenting on the announcement, Wilson and Broccoli said, “We’re excited to announce Daniel’s fourth installment in the series and thrilled that Sam has taken on the challenge of following on the success of SKYFALL with SPECTRE..
‘Written by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, Director of Photography is Hoyte van Hoytema and Editor is Lee Smith. Production Designer, Dennis Gassner returns along with Costume Designer, Jany Temime and Composer, Thomas Newman. Action Specialist, Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Stunt Coordinator is Gary Powell, SFX Supervisor is Chris Corbould, and Visual Effects Supervisor is Steve Begg.
‘Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, was a worldwide box office phenomenon, opening #1 in 70 territories around the world, taking over $1.1 billion worldwide and setting a new all-time box office record in the UK by becoming the first film to take over £100 million.
‘The launch of SPECTRE was streamed live on 007.com and Facebook.com/JamesBond007, and the video is now available on demand at both sites.’