Entertainment

Coming live from James Bond creator, Ian Fleming’s “Goldeneye” estate in Jamaica, the creators behind the 25th official James Bond film launched a promotional video announcing the film’s start of production recently, giving fans some insight into the highly anticipated sequel. Although the title of the film is still under wraps, details of the cast and the official release date of 8 April 2020 have been revealed.

Here’s everything we gathered about the highly anticipated addition to the 007 franchise so far:

1. Bond takes a (short-lived) break.

Little has been revealed about the plot, but the film’s producer, Barbara Broccoli said it involves 007 going on a little holiday. “Bond is not on active service, he’s enjoying himself in Jamaica,” said Broccoli during the event.

More details of the storyline were revealed in the press release, describing 007’s holiday is cut short when Bond’s old American CIA chum Felix Leiter turns up asking for help. In true 007 fashion, the plot thickens as Bond is expected to rescue a kidnapped scientist, which, “Turns out to be far more treacherous than expected.” The plot also briefly describes Bond’s nemesis to be “a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.”

2. Rami Malek plays the bad guy.

The Oscar-winning actor has been confirmed to play the Bond villain. The Bohemian Rhapsody star couldn’t be on-site in Jamaica for the event as he was working in New York.

The actor said via a video recording on how he’s looking forward to the role, “I will be making sure that Mr Bond does not have an easy ride of it in this, his 25th outing.” Meanwhile, a handful of familiar faces are confirmed to make a return including Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Léa Seydoux Rory Kinnear and Ben Whishaw as well as a few new faces including rising star Ana de Armas, Dali Benssalah and Billy Magnussen.

3. A more “polished” script.

British actress, writer and director Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been called to polish up the Bond 25 script. According to The Observer, it was Daniel Craig who requested Waller-Bridge’s expertise as he felt the script needed a polish by injecting a bit of humour into the storyline.

The BAFTA-nominated writer who’s behind shows such as Killing Eve and Fleabag is known for her distinctive offbeat humour, which would lend a different take to Daniel Craig’s 007.

Waller-Bridge’s involvement makes her the second woman to have worked on a James Bond script after Johanna Howard, (who was also Bond co-producer Harry Saltzman’s secretary) who worked on Dr No and From Russia with Love in the 1960s. The script will also get the help of Bond regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade as well American screenwriter Scott Z. Burns.

4. James Bond and #MeToo.

Bond definitely has a way with women but as times change, it’s a welcome to see 007 adapting to the times. Broccoli made a brief nod to this notion at the launch, “The Me Too movement has had a huge impact – rightfully, thankfully – on society, and these films should reflect that, as everything we do should.” Daniel Craig, who will be playing the secret agent for the fifth and final time added, “Bond has always adapted to the times.”

5. More exotic locations.

As expected, London’s Pinewood Studios and London will be the main filming location. Meanwhile, filming has already commenced in Norway, while Italy is expected to be another filming location over the summer. Jamaica also seems to be a big focus in the upcoming film, as we already know is the location where Bond will spend his off-duty break

The Carribean island nation is a pivotal location in the world of James Bond, which was once home to Ian Fleming who wrote the 007 novels there. Bond 25 will also be the third Bond film set in Jamaica after Dr No and Live and Let Die.

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