CommanderBond.Net reports that while it's yet to be officially announced, they've learned that Martin Campbell has agreed to return to the series to direct Bond 21. "It's a done deal," says a source familiar with the negotiations. Campbell's 1995 "GoldenEye" is what many consider the best Bond film of the Brosnan era, and one that is credited with "reviving" the James Bond franchise after its late 80's/early 90's stalling with Timothy Dalton.
Campbell is currently in post-production on "The Legend of Zorro" and will then likely move onto Bond 21 as his next project which would set things for a January '06 production start. It's still unclear is whether Pierce Brosnan will return (there is a hot rumour that Brosnan is back in talks) or if Eon and Campbell will go ahead with plans to introduce a "younger" 007.
Whilst the likes of Clive Owen, Colin Farrell, Eric Bana and Julian McMahon who've all been mentioned for the role have stated in interviews they wouldn't do the part, one of the oft mentioned candidates (and my personal second fave choice for the role after Owen) revealed this weekend he'd be keen on the idea.
In a recent Sunday Telegraph article, 35-year-old Scottish actor Gerard Butler ("Timeline", "Reign of Fire", "Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life") who can currently be seen playing the title character in the film version of "The Phantom of the Opera", said he "would not object if offered the role" and went on almost happily about it - "I think I would accept...If I do say so myself, I think I would make a great James Bond...and it's a hard one to ignor because we - all of the potential actors for James Bond - are in the same situation as me".
Thanks to 'C'.
