The Latest James Bond Headlines 
...Now Brosnan's Out?
Posted on July 10, 2004 5:51 PM
Well respected British newspaper The Daily Telegraph is now reporting that Pierce Brosnan has been shunned from his Bond 21 role. Among the reasons for his removal, the paper says that the Bond producers and writers have decided to go the route of an "old-style Bond flick," and producer Barbara Broccoli was less than pleased with Brosnan's "Tom-Cruise-level" paycheck request.
Aside from the Brosnan saga, it looks like Bond's 21st adventure will be released in 2005. The unnamed source says, "The script's ready and they're going out to LA in two weeks time to hammer out the details. It should reach screens next year."
Who knows whether the article has truth to it though, as it is under the Opinion section of the newspaper website. And who knows how many times the producers and Brosnan have played tug-of-war with his role. Is it just a rumor? Or are Brosnan's days as Bond over?
The saga continues...
Here is the full text of the article by Charlie Methven - you be the judge:
Bad news for Pierce Brosnan. Following my report of disagreements between the scriptwriters and the production company of the next James Bond film, Spy hears that the spat has been resolved - leaving the 50-year-old Irish actor out in the cold.
Writers Andrew Neal and Robert Wade have convinced producer Barbara Broccoli (above) of the merits of an old-style Bond flick, despite her preference for an effects-driven blockbuster.
"Without all the special effects, the film will work best with a young, fresh actor," explains a well-placed industry insider. "Andrew and Robert have at last persuaded everyone at the production company, Eon, that a traditional Bond is the way forward. So now it looks like Brosnan's services won't be required."
Not, adds my source, that Brosnan was especially popular with the producer anyway.
"Barbara was annoyed when Brosnan complained to the press about being snubbed. Apparently he was also demanding a Tom-Cruise-level paycheck, but I don't think he's quite in that league. Of course, the moment it seemed as if they might look elsewhere, he changed his tune. But now he may have missed his chance."
Meanwhile, for others involved in the project, things are finally progressing smoothly. "The script's ready and they're going out to LA in two weeks' time to hammer out the details," adds my source. "It should reach screens by next year."
Eon Productions refused to return my calls on the matter.
