Theres little sign of a new James Bond film yet, and Spectre has left lots of questions behind.
So what now, 007?
This article comes fromDen of Geek UK.
But something wasnt quite right.
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Bond Rises (Again)
Lets go back a few years first.
Even his swansong, the much-malignedDie Another Day, would gross just shy of half a billion dollars worldwide.
A formula had been found, personnel were switched around, the films came along regularly.
But this time, there was a snag.
Its clear thatQuantum of Solacegave all concerned something of a jolt.
He was very much more than an actor for hire.
Furthermore, in incoming director Sam Mendes, Craig had found someone very much on the same proverbial page.
Furthermore, the focus was on a much smaller story, bringing Judi Denchs M to the fore.
Thats a good $200m more than any James Bond film has made before or since.
So the pressure was on.
The budget shackles ofSkyfallwere lifted, and a hugely ambitious production was planned.
Even then, though,Spectrewas made in a hurry.
One hell of a hurry, as it happens.
And that too has had repercussions.
A year before its release date, principal photography hadnt actually begun on the film.
And this was hardly a small movie confined to soundstages.
And a lot had to be crammed into a truncated production period.
Marvel, meanwhile, is coming to the end of filmingSpider-Man: Homecoming, for release next July.
Filming finished in July, the film premiered three months later.
Where Now?
Its interesting to see howSpectreis perceived, a near year after its release.
That said, it has lots of fans.
And there were further considerations.
Its those theatrical rights that are one of the reasons why the Bond franchise finds itself in temporary limbo.
Certainly, core cast members, such as Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris, are expected back, too.
The big question, of course, centers on the return or otherwise of Daniel Craig.
Its certainly been set up.
He needs to have a break and do another role and see how he feels about that.
Which is pretty much what hes doing.
Hes shooting the TV showPuritynext.
The telling moment with regards to an announcement over Craigs future may be just under a week away.
Its highly likely that his future will be discussed, and potentially revealed at that point.
The title of the event does at the least offer a clue.
The rumor mill will continue anyway, of course.
Hiddleston seems keen, though.
That, and the small matter of him committing to a 20-episode TV drama.
In short, this is an opportune moment, should Eon desire, to do another soft reboot.
A new director, a new Bond, and maybe even another company footing a chunk of the bill.
So where, going back to the question at the start, does this leave Bond?
In a surprising temporary limbo, although one it might just be leaving.
Certainly, theres chatter now that James Bond 25 is entering a pre-production phase.
Whats more, theres a tentative release date.
Back in the summer, Barbara Broccoli suggested that James Bond 25 was being targeted for a 2018 release.
Given that Bond films are autumnal and winter treats, somewhere around November 2018, then.
That feels about right, and would leave a three-year gap between films once again.
Quite a bit has to happen first, though, or at least has to be announced.
Because this is yet another pivotal moment in the James Bond saga.
Does it, if you like, shake, or does it stir?
The first clues may be just a week away.
As it stands,Spectrehas left 007 at an interesting crossroads.
James Bond will, of course, return.
But who hell be and what hell be doing?
