The Playlist

Nora Ephron Directing Sam Mendes-Produced Time Travel TV Adaptation 'Lost In Austen'

By Oliver Lyttelton
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October 11, 2011 1:14 AM
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1 Comment

Yes, It's Another Version Of 'Pride & Prejudice'It's easy to dump on Nora Ephron. And in many ways, justified, certainly to anyone who's had to sit through "Mixed Nuts," or "Michael," or "Lucky Numbers" or "Bewitched." But she did, of course, write the stone-cold classic "When Harry Met Sally," and, maybe it only feels that way because so many of those who've been influenced by her have botched the rom-com genre so badly, but when she gets it even half-right, as in "Sleepless in Seattle," "You've Got Mail" or "Julie and Julia," there are few who can do what she does as well as she does it.

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Is 'Skyfall' The Name Of Sam Mendes' James Bond Film?

By Oliver Lyttelton
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October 6, 2011 1:03 AM
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7 Comments

Considering it's had an unusually tortured journey to the screen for a big franchise picture, thanks to the financial problems of MGM, it's not entirely surprising that details are relatively thin for the twenty-third James Bond film, the third to star Daniel Craig as the suave secret agent. Oscar-winner Sam Mendes has been attached to direct for close to two years now, we've known that for certain. Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who've penned the first draft of every Bond script since "The World Is Not Enough," again did the groundwork, before Peter Morgan, John Logan and most recently "Notes on a Scandal" scribe Patrick Marber, came on for a polish. And it's a given that the plot will continue, or possibly cap off, Bond's pursuit of Quantum, the secret organization behind the events of "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace."

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Naomie Harris Will Play Moneypenny In 'Bond 23,' Javier Bardem & Ralph Fiennes Locked In

By Oliver Lyttelton
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July 8, 2011 11:34 AM
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3 Comments

For the most part, the Daniel Craig-era of Bond has left behind many of the franchise's most familiar tropes; aside from Judi Dench as MI6 head honcho M, and the CIA agent Felix Leiter played by Jeffrey Wright, it's a been a fresh start: no Q, no Blofeld, no SPECTRE, no gadgets. It worked out nicely in "Casino Royale," not so well in "Quantum of Solace," and now it appears that at least one classic Ian Fleming-created character is going to appear in the latest, Sam Mendes-directed entry in the series, currently known only as "Bond 23."

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Sony Close To Bringing 'Bond 23' Back Into The Fold; MGM Get A Piece Of 'Dragon Tattoo' In Return

By Oliver Lyttelton
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February 8, 2011 1:56 AM
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1 Comment

Freida Pinto Bond Girl Rumors Persist We were as pleasantly surprised as anyone when 2006's "Casino Royale" turned out to not only be a thoroughly successful reboot of the James Bond franchise for the modern era, but also the best Bond movie since the Connery era. By the same token, we were as disappointed as anyone when quickie follow-up "Quantum of Solace" proved to be as bad as the worst Brosnan entries, let down by a writer's strike-afflicted script and poor direction from Marc Forster.

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Ralph Fiennes In Talks For 'James Bond 23'

By Kevin Jagernauth
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February 4, 2011 4:56 AM
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4 Comments

It looks like director Sam Mendes' plans for the next installment of the James Bond franchise is attracting some major interest from heavyweight thesps. Javier Bardem has spoken enthusiastically about the villain role he's being offered (he's just waiting to read a completed script before he makes a decision) and now another major talent is showing interest.

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Javier Bardem Says If He Takes The Role, He'll Play The Villain In 'James Bond 23'

By Kevin Jagernauth
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February 1, 2011 10:01 AM
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0 Comments

Over the weekend it was revealed that an offer was sent to Javier Bardem for a juicy starring role opposite Daniel Craig in the gestating and still untitled "James Bond 23." While details were scarce, most presumed that the role was likely for the villain -- and they were right. The actor himself talked about the offer and his interest in the "dynamic" of the forthcoming Bond flick.

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Sam Mendes Producing TV Thriller 'Grand Hotel'; Oliver Hirschbiegel Directs 4 Episodes Of 'Borgia'

By Kevin Jagernauth
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January 31, 2011 3:01 AM
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3 Comments

Call it "Prison Break" set inside a swanky hotel, but we have to admit we're curious about this one thanks to the talent aboard. Variety reports that director Sam Mendes is set to produce "Grand Hotel" (not to worry, classic film buffs, it's not a remake of the John Barrymore/Greta Garbo pic) along with Canal Plus and BBC Worldwide.

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Javier Bardem Offered Role In 'James Bond 23'

By Kevin Jagernauth
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January 30, 2011 10:09 AM
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1 Comment

Geez, more news on Sunday than there was all day Friday. Good thing we're by the computer this afternoon. Deadline reports that Javier Bardem has been offered a starring role opposite Daniel Craig in the forthcoming and still untitled and under wraps "James Bond 23." No word yet on what the part will be but generally speaking, the second male lead in most of the Bond films have been villains.

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No Brainer: Judi Dench Confirms She'll Be Back For 'James Bond 23'

By Kevin Jagernauth
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January 27, 2011 9:02 AM
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0 Comments

With Daniel Craig back, Sam Mendes confirmed to direct, an official release date set and production moving forward, we'll soon be hearing lots more about casting. But for now, a familiar face from the last six James Bond films will be back.

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