As huge as the James Bond franchise is (and the latest entries have been some of the most successful in its history), The Hobbit was always the priority when it came to getting MGM’s bankruptcy-stalled projects jump-started. That’s done though, and it’s time to get Bond out there and defending Crown and country once again. November of 2012 is the month that has been set for the twenty-third James Bond film to finally emerge, and now an interview from The Daily Mail (which seems pretty legitimate) has actress (and Mendes’ former partner) Kate Winslet still under the impression he’ll be directing. In fact, she’s making plans to be in London with the kids for the shoot!
“Sam is doing the next Bond film, all being well, and we’ll all be in England if that happens. It’s such a massive commitment for him and it’s not fair for him to commute backwards and Âforwards to New York from ÂLondon. It would be impossible. The children will be there with me.”
So obviously things could change, but it sounds like the pair of them are still entertaining the possibility that Mendes will be behind the camera on 007’s next outing. Considering the last reports were that Mendes was “in talks” to direct, I assume if there is family planning involved then he’s spiritually on board, signed papers or no. Besides, there was never any specific reason to think the previously announced arrangement would be different, as long as the schedule still worked out (Mendes has some theater gigs he’s still involved with), and I would imagine they’re still rolling with the script by Peter Morgan (who, Other Boleyn Girl aside, is a pretty stellar writer). Mendes wasn’t a choice that lit my interest on fire when announced, but I’m a fan of the director’s work, overwrought as it can be sometimes. Bond needs a more measured, steady hand after the frenetic madness of the cut-to-ribbons Quantum of Solace though.
There’s also a gossipy aspect to the interview (from Daily Mail? Ya don’t say.) as they asked Winslet if she would ever appear in another Mendes film.
“I can see us working together again — that’s the way it is. We’re really good friends and have very good respect for each other. I can see it, but you’d have to ask Sam what he thinks.”
I can’t even imagine what it would be like to direct the superstar actress that you’ve sired children with in a movie after you’ve split up. Perhaps I’m just an immature gentleman, but that seems like a recipe for bad news for everyone, and frankly I’d just focus on casting Bond girls…