James 'Bond 24' 2015 Release Date: Cast Revealed; Official Title is 'Spectre'
Daniel Craig is back to reprise his role as agent 007 in the upcoming 24th "James Bond" film titled "Spectre."
The news was announced on Thursday morning from the 007 Stage at London's Pinewood Studios, which is the British studio home of the Bond franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Aside from the official title of the film, new cast members were also announced, including Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Andrew Scott, and Monica Bellucci.
Waltz will reportedly play Oberhauser, a character who is possibly connected to Bond's former ski instructor and second father Hannes Oberhauser. Scott, known for his Moriarty role in the BBC series "Sherlock," will play as MI5 employee Denbigh, The Hollywood Reporter noted. Bellucci and Seydoux are the new Bond girls, portraying the roles of Lucia Sciarra and Madeleine Swann, respectively.
WWE star Bautista, on the other hand, will play "a henchman called Mr. Hinx," E! Online reported. Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear, and Ben Whishaw are also included in the cast. Their roles were previously introduced in the most recent 2012 "Bond" film, "Skyfall."
Sam Mendes is directing the film, "with 'Skyfall' writers John Logan, Neil Purvis, and Rob Wade also returning," The Hollywood Reporter noted. Newcomers to the production team include editor Lee Smith (of "Interstellar" and "The Dark Knight" trilogy) and Hoyte Van Hoytema ("Interstellar" and "Her") as the director of photography.
According to E! Online, "Spectre" is an acronym for Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion led by Bond's arch-nemesis and international syndicate Ernst Stavro Blofeld. It is a fictional terrorist organization featured in "James Bond" novels and was first introduced on the big screen in 1962's "Dr. No," The Hollywood Reporter added.
The latest Bond car was also unveiled during the event in Pinewood Studios. The 46-year-old actor's iconic character will drive an Aston Martin DB10. Craig first played 007 in 2006's "Casino Royale," then in 2008's "Quantum of Solace," and lastly, in 2012's "Skyfall," E! Online added.
According to the news outlet, "Spectre" is set to film in various locations across the world including the Austrian Alps, London, Mexico City and Morocco. Principal photography will begin on Monday. The film is slated to be released in U.K. theaters on October 23 and on November 6 in the U.S. next year.
The last "Bond" film, "Skyfall", proved to be a surprise blockbuster hit, earning $1.1 billion in theaters. It was also the seventh biggest movie of all time and the highest grossing film in the U.K. It won two Oscars, two BAFTAs, and two Grammys, The Hollywood Reporter noted.