Bond Fans threaten to boycott Casino Royale

There are a few Bond fans that are not only stirred, but deeply shaken about the new movie. ‘Casino Royale’, a movie based on Ian Flemings first novel is slated to open world wide in November of this year… and is filming as we speak with a new lead actor playing celebrated Agent 007. Sites are starting to pop up on the internet, calling for a boycott of this movie based on the fact that a lot of people do not approve of the actor chosen for the new James Bond… saying he’s a horrible followup to Pierce Brosnan. Now I’m willing to concede that Brosnan made a great 007, but if I was him, I’d be happy to be moving on cause the last two of his Bond films completely blew. Golden Eye was all that, but it was downhill ever since for Pierce and he needed to move on so it was in his best interests to not come back. Many fans are upset that the reason why Brosnan was dumped was over his high asking price to return. Hell, if I was Brosnan… I would expect that since he’s been the highest money making Bond in the franchise’s history. The execs disagreed and went with a new Bond who wouldn’t be as expensive or ask for a percent of the grosses.

So enter the new James Bond… English actor Daniel Craig.

I guess one thing that really pisses off die hard fans is that the studio running the franchise didn’t go out of their way to try to land a massive superstar to replace Brosnan, especially since there is a wealth of amazing accented actors out there capable of donning the Tuxedo and sipping the martini. Fans were hoping that actors like Hugh Jackman, Colin Farrell, Ewan McGreggor and especially Clive Owen were the names that might land the big role and move 007 into the 21st Century. So when Craig was named the new face of Bond, they were less than impressed. I guess one reason for the anger would be the fact that not a lot of mainstream movie fans know who

What these superficial fans fail to realize, is that going with a superstar to play the big role isn’t always the best way to go. Doesn’t anyone remember what a horrible choice it was to have George Clooney star in ‘Batman & Robin’? A list actors isn’t always the best way to go, and Spiderman as well as Harry Potter proved that going with a proven actor over a well known name is always the best way to go. Batman Begins proved that point again when they went with cult favorite Christian Bale over the rumored A list actors, and look how well that film turned out. What these movies have proven to producers is that when you have characters like Batman, Superman, Spiderman and yes… James Bond… the character sells the film, not the guy playing the role. With this in mind, the producers wanted a guy who could hold a candle acting wise… not someone who only generates interest by name power alone. This is why Daniel Craig was picked to play the next 007.

Anyone who doesn’t think Craig can handle the role of 007 haven’t seen his best movies. He was really good in ‘Road To Perdition’ opposite Tom Hanks. Craig played Paul Newman’s psychotic son who tried to kill Hank’s kid to cover up his crimes. Then there was his role in what I considered to be one of the best films to come out in 2005 titled ‘Layer Cake’. In this movie, Craig plays the middle man of a very successful drug cartel. A smooth operator who knows his limits and plays things safe to avoid getting caught or killed. It’s a fantastic movie, and those who have seen it will know why he picked to play Bond.

While I’m sure there are many who are not impressed with this selection, I on the other hand applaud the producers attempt to pick their next leading man based on his acting ability, not his star power. There’s nothing wrong with the acting of the last five men who played 007, but they were not mainstream when cast to play the role as well. Movie stars don’t make characters like 007 and other superheros who they are, it’s the other way around… actors are made big by the role. I can’t wait to see what the next film is like… but Die Another Day was a complete stinker, so I don’t think it can get any worse. I’m hoping for a better written script and a good director over a good actor for the lead role. But from what I am reading, the producers went three for three here… so I’m excited. If you watch movies like Layer Cake, Road To Perdition or Munich… that might change your mind about the kind of actor Daniel Craig is. I think many should reserve judgement for the final product, and at least give this new Bond at least a chance before hacking the crap out of him and his abilities.

With the film already filming, the decision is pretty much final. So instead of whinning about it, give the film a chance and just try to enjoy the show. If it bombs, you can at least say “I told ya so” and then next time you’ll get your way. But if it doesn’t bomb and Craig clicks with audiences… then you’re screwed cause with these execs, the green is what dictates casting, not fans.

Peter