RUMOR: Could Ralph Fiennes Become The New M?

When Ralph Fiennes originally was linked to Bond23 now titled Skyfall, it was assumed he'd be playing a villain. Previously there had been rumors Ralph could be playing the legendary Bond villain Blofeld. The villain had appeared in seven Bond films and was last seen in Never Say Never Again (1983). A new report from MovieWeb (via BadassDigest) could see Fiennes perhaps replacing Judi Dench as M. Judi is still confirmed for Skyfall so there could be a changing of the guard during the film. Instead of just changing actors between films showing a transition could be interesting.

It seems to be similar to Ben Whishaw reprising the role of Q. There had also been rumors of Moneypenny returning but that hasn't been made official. MovieWeb isn't the greatest source as a lot of their "stories" end up being second hand gossip or just made-up. I feel Fiennes is one of the greatest actors to portray a villain so I wouldn't count him out as a baddie.

Ben Whisaw Will Play Q In Skyfall

It was mentioned around the time that Quantum of Solace came out that Daniel Craig was interested in bringing back the character Q, who had been a staple of the franchise. Q was responsible for a majority of Bond's gadgets which would save his skin more than once. HollywoodReporter says that Ben Whisaw (Perfume, Layer Cake) who was confirmed for the new film will play Q in Skyfall. The Q scenes were mostly for comedic effect but considering the tone of the new Bond films it's unlikely there will be too many jokes cracked.

Skyfall Official Title Of Bond 23, Cast Confirmed

Bond 23's official title will be Skyfall. The title had been rumored for a couple of weeks but is now confirmed. The official cast lineup has also been announced which includes Daniel Craig, Judy Dench, Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men), Naomie Harris (28 Days Later), Bérénice Marlohe, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney (Miller's Crossing) and Ben Whishaw (Layer Cake, Perfume). While most of the new cast hasn't been given character names it was revealed that Naomie will play field agent Eve (not Miss Moneypenny) and Bérénice will play a Bond girl named Severin. The film will still have large action pieces and it was confirmed that it will be it's own story not being connected to the previous two installments. Skyfall will hit North American theaters on November 9th 2012.


"In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost."

Albert Finney Joins Bond 23

Legendary actor Albert Finney (Miller's Crossing) has joined Sam Mendes' (Road To Perdition) Bond 23 (Skyfall?) according to ThePlaylist . He joins newcomers Ralph Fiennes, Javier Bardem, Ben Whishaw (Layer Cake, Purfume), Naomie Harris (Miami Vice, Pirates 2-3), Helen McCrory (Deathly Hallows 1-2) and Berenice Marlohe. Returners include Daniel Craig and Judi Dench along with Rory Kinnear who played M's assistant in Quantum.

Finney's role is unknown but there has been talk of bringing back the iconic role of Q. Who is the supplier and inventor of Bond's useful gadgets. Since Naomie Harris is playing Miss Moneypenny it might not be out of the question. There has been talk of the action scenes being scaled down in favor for Oscar contentions and to make it more thrilling/grounded.

Ben Whishaw In Talks For Role In Bond23, Titled Carte Blanche?

There is talk that Ben Whishaw (Layer Cake, Perfume, Cloud Atlas) could be up for a role in Bond 23 but nothing was official. Playlist was able to confirm from the actor's reps that he has talked with producers, yet nothing more than that. Currently the only confirmed actors include Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Ralph Finnes, Javier Bardem and Naomie Harris with Sam Mendes directing. Also, the rumor is that the title of the film will be Carte Blanche. Based on the title of the 37th Bond book written by Jeffery Deaver. The film is expected to have a November 9th 2012 release date.

Naomie Harris In Talks For Bond 23 Role?

ThePlaylist has found some tidbits that Naomie Harris (Pirates 2-3, 28 Days Later, Miami Vice) could be in talks for role in Sam Mendes' Bond 23. They don't name the role but in interviews Harris herself confirmed the talks. I can't see her in a Bond girl role as she seems a bit too talented for the part. However if they decide to introduce Money Penny, Naomie would be a great choice.

Bond 23 Release Dates Confirmed

Sony and MGM have announced the official release dates for the untitled Bond 23. The domestic release date will be November 9th 2012 while the UK will get to see it on October 26th 2012. Sam Mendes (Road To Perdition, American Beauty) will direct the film with the only confirmed actors being Daniel Craig and Judi Dench.

Javier Bardem Confirms Bond Villain Offer

LATimes was able to get confirmation from Javier Bardem that if he joins Sam Mendes' Bond 23 he'll play the villain. Bardem would be an excellent addition to the world of Bond and could help damage control from the underwhelming Quantum of Solace. I just hope they keep the title simple this time around. The 23rd film of the franchise will hit theaters November 9th 2012.

Javier also mentions they're changing the dynamic. I'm not sure what he means but it could have something to do with previous rumors of the plot. It had been rumored that the Afghanistan heroin trade and a female villain would be plot points for the film. It seems both elements might have been scrapped.

They could also be bringing back Q and the gadgets as previously mentioned by Daniel Craig. I would also expect that the next Bond girl could more than just a damsel in distress. I'd love to see a female MI6 agent with 00 status giving Bond a run for his money. Hopefully played by Felicity Jones or Rebecca Hall.


“They’re changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic..I’d be playing Bond’s nemesis, yes, but it’s not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It’s very intriguing.”

Javier Bardem Offered Villain Role In Bond 23?

Deadline reports that Spanish Oscar winning actor Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men) has been offered a role in Sam Mendes' untitled Bond 23. Bardem has also been linked for Ron Howard's Dark Tower. While the role is unknown it's expected he could play the villain as it's the best secondary part in Bond films.

Bond 23 Coming November 2012

Bloomberg reports that MGM while working through their debt problems are still focusing on the Bond franchise. The studio will aim for a November 2012 release date for the untitled Bond 23. Daniel Craig is expected to return yet it's uncertain if Sam Mendes will be still directing as planned. I would assume production could start sometime in during the summer or fall.

Bond 23 Could Shoot Summer/Fall 2011

Deadline reports that Sam Mendes (Road To Perdition) dropped out of the running to direct Hunger Games to leave his schedule open for Bond 23. The site believes the next Bond installment starring Daniel Craig (Cowboys & Aliens, Dragon Tattoo) could start production either late summer or fall of 2011. Hopefully this means MGM has got their shit together and are moving forward with productions.

NEWS/RUMORS (Jan 14th)

Up and coming British actor Joseph Gatt who will have a role in Thor has confirmed he'll be giving the lead character "a lot of grief". Since his invovlment people have assumed he could be playing the villains Executioner or Absorbing Man.


Hitflix believes that Dr. Hector Hammond won't be the only villain in Green Lantern. They are reporting that Sinestro more than likely will be in the film to set him up as the sequel's bad guy. Jackie Earl Haley (Watchmen) is still a contender for the role.


We haven't heard much news on the Marcus Nispel directed Conan reboot. Now there is talk that a couple of actors could be inline for the lead role. The actors include Kellan Lutz (A Nightmare On Elm Street) and Jason Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis). I think Momoa would make an excellent Conan he's somewhat unknown and has a very unique look.


Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle) has joined John Carter of Mars.


The 3D effect is starting impact serious blockbusters after the massive success of Avatar. There is talk that Star Trek 2, Bryan Singer's Jack The Giant Killer remake and Bond23 could be shot in 3D.

Daniel Craig In Cowboys & Aliens?

According to Collider Daniel Craig is in talks to replace Robert Downey Jr. in Cowboys & Aliens. The Jon Favreau directed film will start shooting in July. This could put those rumors of Bond 23 starting it's production in the summer in question.