Top 10 James Bond news stories of 2017
By David Pegram
2018 is here, and so it’s time to look back on 2017. While the year didn’t offer a new Bond film (at least, not in the traditional sense), there was plenty of news this year. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 news stories in the world of James Bond.
10. Debate of the year: a female James Bond?
An ongoing discussion for much of 2017 was the possibility (or desirability) of casting a woman to play James Bond. The discussion intensified after Charlize Theron’s scorching portrayal of MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton in Atomic Blonde. Theron herself even fielded questions on the matter while publicizing the film.
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9. Dynamite releases Felix Leiter and Moneypenny spinoff comics
This was a first. As Dynamite Entertainment looks to expand its James Bond universe, the comics publisher presented a one-shot titled Moneypenny and new series: Felix Leiter. Dynamite also published new James Bond titles: Black Box, Solstice, and Kill Chain.
8. MGM is sued over James Bond collector’s set
Under most circumstances, the news of a law suit by a disgruntled fan would not register with major media outlets. But in this case, Mary Johnson’s suit against MGM, regarding its recent DVD/Blue-Ray box set, had some teeth. Johnson took issue with the marketing of the set: “All the Bond films gathered together for the first time.” Turned out, this was not exactly true, as the set did not include the original 1967 comedic version of Casino Royale or the Thunderball remake Never Say never Again. While many, including MGM, dismissed the suit as “frivolous,” it renewed an ongoing debate about what is or is not a “real” Bond film.
7. Funko POP! releases James Bond figurines
Funko’s POP! figurines have become collectors’ gems, and now James Bond characters have been added to the mix. The first set, released in december, included figures based on the Sean Connery and Roger Moore portrayals of Bond, as well as Blofeld, Jaws, OddJob, and “Golden Girl” (Jill Masterson.)
6. Syncopy is (accidentally?) attached to Bond 25
In early May, one movie super sleuth noticed something of interest on Internet Movie Database (Pro edition): Syncopy was attached as producers of Bond 25. This was noteworthy because Syncopy was Christopher Nolan’s production company, and this bit of news caused significant speculation about Nolan’s role as director of Bond 25. Alas, the site quickly removed the reference–mysteriously, without explanation.
5. Five studios compete for the rights to distribute Bond 25 and beyond
With Sony Pictures’ contract with EON and MGM expiring after the release of Spectre, several studios began to pitch themselves to take on Bond 25 and possibly more. Sony was back ion the running, along with Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, Universal, and upstart Annapurna.
4. Becoming Bond is released on Hulu
George Lazenby’s “rags to James Bond” story was picked up by Hulu and made available to stream in early summer. The documentary was part one-man show, part dramatization of Lazenby’s life and experience as 007. Credit goes to Lazenby, who manages to create intrigue though his humorous and charming recollections.
3. Chris Cornell passes away at age 52
Following a performance in Detroit, Cornell was found dead in his hotel room, having taken his own life. While Cornell was mostly known for his work with Seattle-based Soundgarden, Bond fans will also remember him as the writer and performer of “You Know My name,” the rockin’ theme song to Casino Royale.
2. Daniel Craig announces his return for Bond 25
Rumors had been swirling for much of the summer that Craig would return as 007, but on the morning of August 15, he was coy about it and would not confirm or deny such remors, as he conducted interviews for his new film Logan Lucky. But on that evening’s The Late Show, with Stephen Colbert, Craig indeed confirmed that yes, he would be back.
1. Sir Roger Moore passes away, at age 89
There is no disputing the #1 Bond story in 2017. Moore’s passing on May 23rd saddened Bond fans (and movie fans) worldwide. As a tribute, two of his Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only screened as a double feature in AMC theaters around the U.S., with proceeds going to UNICEF. Moore had starred as 007 in seven Bond films, starting with Live and Let Die in 1973, and ending with A View to a Kill in 1985.
Were there major James Bond stories that we missed? Let us know.