'I thought that Daniel [Craig] playing Bond opened up all sorts of fantastic opportunities for the character,' director Sam Mendes said.
- Nov 3, 2011
AceShowbiz - At a press conference held for the 23rd Bond movie, actor Daniel Craig confirmed that he would be back as the titular character. At the same time, it was announced that the title is indeed "Skyfall" as suggested last month by newly registered domains related to Sony.
Shooting for the movie will start on Monday, November 7 around Whitehall, London, Scotland, Istanbul and China with the same budget as the last film. Producer Michael G. Wilson denied that Sony has subtracted $100 million from its budget, saying "We're in the same budget range as the last film. We haven't had to change anything in the script. In fact, we keep adding things - everything is going to be just as it was."
Sam Mendes will direct the movie including the action sequences. "There will be plenty of surprises," Mendes said. "The action needs to be balanced with the drama." The director, however, refused to confirm whether Javier Bardem would play the villain named Blofeld, but did share a bit of the plot. Per Deadline, Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her; MI6 comes under attack, and Bond must track down and destroy the threat.
The filmmakers then revealed that French beauty Berenice Marlohe would be the new Bond girl named Severine. The movie is supported as well by Albert Finney, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris. "Skyfall" hits cinemas in U.K. first on October 26, 2012 and then in U.S. on November 9.
