I know you were, and so was I. Did my posts come out the wrong way? Sometimes, I'm not sure people know I'm just kidding around and trying to make a work day go by faster
Clearly you misread my post, frostbitten. I was asking for forgiveness.
I thought Caviezel would have made an interesting Superman. He wanted the part but Bryan Singer said no. Given the Christian imagery and symbolism Singer used in Superman Returns, I'm surprised he didn't cast Caviezel and have Mel Gibson play Lex Luthor. I digress. If an American actor does get the chance to play Bond and he can do it, then I certainly would not object on grounds of nationality. Actually Gibson was courted by Cubby in the 80's and though he's often thought to be Australian, Gibson is actually an American. He would have made a great Bond.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,990Quartermasters
edited September 2007
Gibson may be an American now, but I believe he is an Aussie by birth---or perhaps he was American-born, and merely lived there for decades; I haven't really paid attention---regardless, there was a time when he certainly could have been Bond.
I'd prefer that an American not play Bond, but its a 'suspension of disbelief' issue: Knowing the actor's American would make it tougher for me to accept him as 007 (strictly a personal opinion). If a Yank ever does play him, I'd prefer he be a total unknown. That said, Gavin might have been great...truth be told, even James Brolin's screen test was better than I expected.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Gibson may be an American now, but I believe he is an Aussie by birth---or perhaps he was American-born, and merely lived there for decades; I haven't really paid attention---regardless, there was a time when he certainly could have been Bond.
Gibson was born in New York and left when he was about 12 years old. I'm kind of glad he didn't get the gig as some of his more eccentric behaviour in recent years would have reflected quite badly on the franchise. Imagine the headlines. Ex-Bond star in sugart**s scandal! )
Hmmm. . .I guess I should have said I was praying for forgiveness. . .unless you've been turning water into wine, there, frostbitten. . .
Ah, sorry for misunderstanding. My bad.
No, I haven't had any success with that trick yet. However, the trick that I really want to learn is how to turn back time
All Christian Bale, Carey Elwes, Russell Crowe and others like them play AMERICAN roles that Americans themselves could pull off just as well if not better than.
I used to think that a Yank had no business even testing for the role of 007 but not so much anymore. Good acting is good acting.
But the right American could play him whether one believes that or not.
Fair point Rogue. I still wonder what John Gavin would have made of 007 had he been allowed to do DAF instead of Connery. Gavin looked perfect for Bond.
Yes, J.D. I certainly think that Gavin would've given it a great go but we'll just never know now.
If the James Bond list was running a little skimpy and Eon had to resort to another nationality other than Great Britain and its derivatives, there would be a few American actors with mass appeal that would be acceptable and probably end up being one of the better ones within the franchise.
Of course fans across the pond will forever label him as "that Yank Bond." Astericks included.)
"That Yank Bond"--is exactly what Patrick McGoohan would've been called had he accepted Cubby Broccoli's offer to play 007.McGoohan is and always has been an American citizen--he was born in New York City to Irish immigrant parents--both of whom became naturalised Americans before Pat was born.They moved back to the UK but never gave up their American citizenship.
Just think--two famous British characters:John Drake(Secret Agent/Danger Man) and Number Six of The Prisoner were portrayed by an American who was pretending to be English(he even played Dr.Syn-the legendary "Scarecrow" of Romney Marsh).Of course,it helped that McGoohan had spent a good portion of his life in the UK.But he was always an American, and his British accent was a credible affectation.
At the end of the day, good acting is good acting,isn't it?At it's best, this is an example of an individual's ability to make us believe that he is someone he is not.Ultimately it depends upon the actor's talent.Who knows?There might be a few perfectly fine 007 candidates from the USA who can speak with convincing British accents.
Having said this,I would prefer to see James Bond continue to be played by a Brit--although the Irish-born Pierce Brosnan was never one, nor was Aussie George Lazenby.These gentlemen have their fans in many places--including in the UK and the British Commonwealth countries.Perhaps their nationalities were overlooked in each of their situations due to what was otherwise considered their appropriateness for the role.They only pretended to be British--they acted.:)
I hear a lot of people think James Marsters (Spike in Buffy) is british and Dominic West (McNulty inThe Wire) is american. So a good actor should be able to pull it of. But I still absolutely prefare a subject of the queen to play 007.
I hear a lot of people think James Marsters (Spike in Buffy) is british and Dominic West (McNulty inThe Wire) is american. So a good actor should be able to pull it of. But I still absolutely prefare a subject of the queen to play 007.
James Marsters is an American(so is Alexis Denisof of Angel).Dominic West is British.In all fairness,if Brits can play Americans--and they do,with varying degrees of success--then surely turnabout is fair play.It's only acting,after all.:)
If Eon finds an actor who's absolutely perfect for 007 in every possible way except for his nationality,I don't think that should be a deciding factor.It certainly wasn't for Brosnan--who has never been a subject of the Crown(coming from the Irish Republic which is not part of the United Kingdom).It wouldn't have been for McGoohan either.
James Marsters is an American(so is Alexis Denisof of Angel).
I saw Marsters in a horror film (Shadow something or other, Puppets maybe?), and found it odd hearing him use his own American accent. Denisof's English accent is superb. I was really surprised to hear he was American. If Eon hired an American who could were as good as those two then I really wouldn't complain.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
"That Yank Bond"--is exactly what Patrick McGoohan would've been called had he accepted Cubby Broccoli's offer to play 007.McGoohan is an American citizen--he was born in New York City to Irish immigrant parents--both of whom became naturalised Americans before Pat was born.They moved back to the UK but never gave up their American citizenship.
Just think--two famous British characters:John Drake(Secret Agent/Danger Man) and Number Six of The Prisoner were portrayed by an American who was pretending to be English.Of course,it helped that McGoohan had spent a good portion of his life in the UK.
At the end of the day good acting is good acting,isn't it?At it's best this is an example of an individual's ability to make us believe they are people they are not.Ultimately it depends upon the actor's talent.Who knows?There might be few perfectly fine 007 candidates from the USA who can speak with convincing British accents.
Yes, you are correct, W.G. Number 6 was considered to be Bond and if my history serves me well, McGoohan turned the role down for various reasons...one being he didn't like a certain producer or director involved with the Bond films or something like that. But yes, he is originally a New York guy that grew up in Britain to develop a very acceptale accent.
I believe he was the one to tell Cubby to give Connery a look instead. B-)
Anyway if Eon casts another Brit in the future, fine with me but I wouldn't rule out nor be surprised if an American is chosen for the role in the future for however long his ride might be. Babs has already shown that she can shake things up...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Like most of you I don't think an American should ever play James Bond. If an American actor had to then George Clooney is one of the few who could get away with it.
I remember reading that both Burt Reynolds and Robert Wagner were under serious consideration when Connery left.
Saw John Gavin in a cheesy foreign low budget Bond imitation made in the late 60's I think. Called something like Secret Agent OSS17. He was dire. Only watched it to see what he was like. After the film was over I remember thinking thank god we got Roger Moore. Shows how bad he was. Mind you the script was terrible so maybe he would have been better in the real thing.
Saw John Gavin in a cheesy foreign low budget Bond imitation made in the late 60's I think. Called something like Secret Agent OSS17. He was dire. Only watched it to see what he was like. After the film was over I remember thinking thank god we got Roger Moore. Shows how bad he was. Mind you the script was terrible so maybe he would have been better in the real thing.
{[] Thanks for that. I didn't know that Gavin had played OSS 117. I will have to track that film down. I've gone on about last year's OSS 117: Cairo Nest of Spies before, but forgive me if I take the opportunity to recommend it again. I must see the originals though.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
"That Yank Bond"--is exactly what Patrick McGoohan would've been called had he accepted Cubby Broccoli's offer to play 007.McGoohan is an American citizen--he was born in New York City to Irish immigrant parents--both of whom became naturalised Americans before Pat was born.They moved back to the UK but never gave up their American citizenship.
Just think--two famous British characters:John Drake(Secret Agent/Danger Man) and Number Six of The Prisoner were portrayed by an American who was pretending to be English.Of course,it helped that McGoohan had spent a good portion of his life in the UK.
At the end of the day good acting is good acting,isn't it?At it's best this is an example of an individual's ability to make us believe they are people they are not.Ultimately it depends upon the actor's talent.Who knows?There might be few perfectly fine 007 candidates from the USA who can speak with convincing British accents.
Yes, you are correct, W.G. Number 6 was considered to be Bond and if my history serves me well, McGoohan turned the role down for various reasons...one being he didn't like a certain producer or director involved with the Bond films or something like that. But yes, he is originally a New York guy that grew up in Britain to develop a very acceptale accent.
I believe he was the one to tell Cubby to give Connery a look instead. B-)
Anyway if Eon casts another Brit in the future, fine with me but I wouldn't rule out nor be surprised if an American is chosen for the role in the future for however long his ride might be. Babs has already shown that she can shake things up...
Didn't John Drake start out American? I was watching the first few episodes the other day, and not only is his accent NOT British, but he is introduced by a police officer to a lady as coming all the way from America.
Didn't John Drake start out American? I was watching the first few episodes the other day, and not only is his accent NOT British, but he is introduced by a police officer to a lady as coming all the way from America.
He did I think. I've only seen the 1 hour shows, but I have the 1960 episodes on order from Amazon. I'm told Drake did start out using a mid-Atlantic twang, but later dropped it. I'm looking forward to seeing the episodes for myself when they arrive.
Depp is a good actor, but I think he'd go out of his way to turn Bond into something no one would recognize, just to make the character his own. He's given us a Keith Richardsesque pirate and a germophobic, child-hating Willy Wonka. . .he might transform Bond into a stuttering foot fetishist or something like that.
Vox clamantis in deserto
Asp9mmOver the Hills and Far Away.Posts: 7,485MI6 Agent
I hear a lot of people think James Marsters (Spike in Buffy) is british
James Marsters sounds about as British as Dick Van Dyke, his accent is just awful. I do agree though that an American actor could pull it off. Angelina Jolie managed it with Lara Croft very well. I loved her accent, even though it wasn't quite perfect.
IMO Viggo Mortensen could probably pull it off. My guess is he can probably do a spot on British accent with some preparation and the physical stuff would be no problem.
IMO Viggo Mortensen could probably pull it off. My guess is he can probably do a spot on British accent with some preparation and the physical stuff would be no problem.
isn't he part danish? I also think he's getting a bit old to play the part of Bond now at 49, a coule of years ago possibly.
isn't he part danish? I also think he's getting a bit old to play the part of Bond now at 49, a coule of years ago possibly.[/quote]
I agree with your point regarding Mortenson's age. He could get away with it now as a one shot deal, but for multiple pics, ten years ago would have been much better. Also, I'm pretty sure Mortensen was born in the USA, but may have lived in Europe (Spain?)as a youngster. Anyway here's another Yank as Bond (except this one maybe more of a stretch)...I think that if he could have pulled off a spot on British accent, a young, thin, Alec Baldwin (think "Hunt For Red October" or "The Shadow") may have made been able to pull off a good Connery style Bond.
isn't he part danish? I also think he's getting a bit old to play the part of Bond now at 49, a coule of years ago possibly.
I agree with your point regarding Mortenson's age. He could get away with it now as a one shot deal, but for multiple pics, ten years ago would have been much better. Also, I'm pretty sure Mortensen was born in the USA, but may have lived in Europe (Spain?)as a youngster. Anyway here's another Yank as Bond (except this one maybe more of a stretch)...I think that if he could have pulled off a spot on British accent, a young, thin, Alec Baldwin (think "Hunt For Red October" or "The Shadow") may have made been able to pull off a good Connery style Bond.[/quote]
He is part Danish yes, his father is from Denmark, he was born in Manhatten but spent a few years in Denmark. I would say he is American.
I agree he would be too old for a multiple picture deal but may pull off a 'one off' film.
I can't think of any current american actors who could currently play James Bond well at the moment. I'm sure I'll think of someone.
1- On Her Majesty's Secret Service 2- Casino Royale 3- Licence To Kill 4- Goldeneye 5- From Russia With Love
James Marsters is an American(so is Alexis Denisof of Angel).
I saw Marsters in a horror film (Shadow something or other, Puppets maybe?), and found it odd hearing him use his own American accent. Denisof's English accent is superb. I was really surprised to hear he was American. If Eon hired an American who could were as good as those two then I really wouldn't complain.
I saw James Marsters play Braniac on Smallville... I had the same reaction. In fact, it almost sounds like he's faking an Americn accent! He prrronounces his RRR's very strongly almost like he's faking it. I wonder if being on Buffy for so many years actually forced him to adopt a British accent naturally?
And yeah, Denisof was perfect too. I was surprised when I found out neither of those actors were Brits.
I don't see the problem with an American actor playing Bond so long as he's got the acting chops to make us believe he's British. Hell, look at Brad Pitt's role as a Pikey in Snatch - fantastic!
From Hell With Love
Finding NeverSayNeverAgainland
and of course playing the title role in
Scissorhand
Obviously Tim Burton is directing ....
Well, I'd prefer him to Tarantino anyway! It'll never happen, for much the same reasons that Spielberg won't be doing one: some directors are simply too big to be tempted by EON (cf actors: Hugh Jackman unfortunately being able to make more money elsewhere).
But, seriously, I'm another no-vote for Americans, even though I am one. And, Lord no, not Clooney. I have to admit, he's worn out his welcome with me. A few years ago I thought he'd be the kind of guy I'd love to have a drink with, but he's so full of himself now, so stuffed with his self-righteous poltics, that I'd like to pop that always-bobbing head of his!
I agree 100%. I could not stand the thought of George Clooney playing 007. No. Bond needs to be a Brit. Daniel Craig is just fine in the role. And if it ain't broke don't fix it. Craig's the man right now and I want to see him in 22. And 23. And 24.:007)
Comments
Clearly you misread my post, frostbitten. I was asking for forgiveness.
Now you're making me afraid to crack any joke from now on ;%
There's nothing to forgive, HB. You've always been a model of civility, and I've never been offended by anything that you've posted.
I'd prefer that an American not play Bond, but its a 'suspension of disbelief' issue: Knowing the actor's American would make it tougher for me to accept him as 007 (strictly a personal opinion). If a Yank ever does play him, I'd prefer he be a total unknown. That said, Gavin might have been great...truth be told, even James Brolin's screen test was better than I expected.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Hmmm. . .I guess I should have said I was praying for forgiveness. . .unless you've been turning water into wine, there, frostbitten. . .
Gibson was born in New York and left when he was about 12 years old. I'm kind of glad he didn't get the gig as some of his more eccentric behaviour in recent years would have reflected quite badly on the franchise. Imagine the headlines. Ex-Bond star in sugart**s scandal!
Ah, sorry for misunderstanding. My bad.
No, I haven't had any success with that trick yet. However, the trick that I really want to learn is how to turn back time
"That Yank Bond"--is exactly what Patrick McGoohan would've been called had he accepted Cubby Broccoli's offer to play 007.McGoohan is and always has been an American citizen--he was born in New York City to Irish immigrant parents--both of whom became naturalised Americans before Pat was born.They moved back to the UK but never gave up their American citizenship.
Just think--two famous British characters:John Drake(Secret Agent/Danger Man) and Number Six of The Prisoner were portrayed by an American who was pretending to be English(he even played Dr.Syn-the legendary "Scarecrow" of Romney Marsh).Of course,it helped that McGoohan had spent a good portion of his life in the UK.But he was always an American, and his British accent was a credible affectation.
At the end of the day, good acting is good acting,isn't it?At it's best, this is an example of an individual's ability to make us believe that he is someone he is not.Ultimately it depends upon the actor's talent.Who knows?There might be a few perfectly fine 007 candidates from the USA who can speak with convincing British accents.
Having said this,I would prefer to see James Bond continue to be played by a Brit--although the Irish-born Pierce Brosnan was never one, nor was Aussie George Lazenby.These gentlemen have their fans in many places--including in the UK and the British Commonwealth countries.Perhaps their nationalities were overlooked in each of their situations due to what was otherwise considered their appropriateness for the role.They only pretended to be British--they acted.:)
James Marsters is an American(so is Alexis Denisof of Angel).Dominic West is British.In all fairness,if Brits can play Americans--and they do,with varying degrees of success--then surely turnabout is fair play.It's only acting,after all.:)
If Eon finds an actor who's absolutely perfect for 007 in every possible way except for his nationality,I don't think that should be a deciding factor.It certainly wasn't for Brosnan--who has never been a subject of the Crown(coming from the Irish Republic which is not part of the United Kingdom).It wouldn't have been for McGoohan either.
I saw Marsters in a horror film (Shadow something or other, Puppets maybe?), and found it odd hearing him use his own American accent. Denisof's English accent is superb. I was really surprised to hear he was American. If Eon hired an American who could were as good as those two then I really wouldn't complain.
Yes, you are correct, W.G. Number 6 was considered to be Bond and if my history serves me well, McGoohan turned the role down for various reasons...one being he didn't like a certain producer or director involved with the Bond films or something like that. But yes, he is originally a New York guy that grew up in Britain to develop a very acceptale accent.
I believe he was the one to tell Cubby to give Connery a look instead. B-)
Anyway if Eon casts another Brit in the future, fine with me but I wouldn't rule out nor be surprised if an American is chosen for the role in the future for however long his ride might be. Babs has already shown that she can shake things up...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I remember reading that both Burt Reynolds and Robert Wagner were under serious consideration when Connery left.
Saw John Gavin in a cheesy foreign low budget Bond imitation made in the late 60's I think. Called something like Secret Agent OSS17. He was dire. Only watched it to see what he was like. After the film was over I remember thinking thank god we got Roger Moore. Shows how bad he was. Mind you the script was terrible so maybe he would have been better in the real thing.
{[] Thanks for that. I didn't know that Gavin had played OSS 117. I will have to track that film down. I've gone on about last year's OSS 117: Cairo Nest of Spies before, but forgive me if I take the opportunity to recommend it again. I must see the originals though.
Didn't John Drake start out American? I was watching the first few episodes the other day, and not only is his accent NOT British, but he is introduced by a police officer to a lady as coming all the way from America.
He did I think. I've only seen the 1 hour shows, but I have the 1960 episodes on order from Amazon. I'm told Drake did start out using a mid-Atlantic twang, but later dropped it. I'm looking forward to seeing the episodes for myself when they arrive.
The titles do spring to mind...
From Hell With Love
Finding NeverSayNeverAgainland
and of course playing the title role in
Scissorhand
James Marsters sounds about as British as Dick Van Dyke, his accent is just awful. I do agree though that an American actor could pull it off. Angelina Jolie managed it with Lara Croft very well. I loved her accent, even though it wasn't quite perfect.
isn't he part danish? I also think he's getting a bit old to play the part of Bond now at 49, a coule of years ago possibly.
I agree with your point regarding Mortenson's age. He could get away with it now as a one shot deal, but for multiple pics, ten years ago would have been much better. Also, I'm pretty sure Mortensen was born in the USA, but may have lived in Europe (Spain?)as a youngster. Anyway here's another Yank as Bond (except this one maybe more of a stretch)...I think that if he could have pulled off a spot on British accent, a young, thin, Alec Baldwin (think "Hunt For Red October" or "The Shadow") may have made been able to pull off a good Connery style Bond.
I agree with your point regarding Mortenson's age. He could get away with it now as a one shot deal, but for multiple pics, ten years ago would have been much better. Also, I'm pretty sure Mortensen was born in the USA, but may have lived in Europe (Spain?)as a youngster. Anyway here's another Yank as Bond (except this one maybe more of a stretch)...I think that if he could have pulled off a spot on British accent, a young, thin, Alec Baldwin (think "Hunt For Red October" or "The Shadow") may have made been able to pull off a good Connery style Bond.[/quote]
He is part Danish yes, his father is from Denmark, he was born in Manhatten but spent a few years in Denmark. I would say he is American.
I agree he would be too old for a multiple picture deal but may pull off a 'one off' film.
I can't think of any current american actors who could currently play James Bond well at the moment. I'm sure I'll think of someone.
Obviously Tim Burton is directing ....
As for an American actor as Bond, one of the few I think could do it is Matt Damon .... KIDDING
I'll have to think about this.There are no current actors that immediately spring to mind.
I saw James Marsters play Braniac on Smallville... I had the same reaction. In fact, it almost sounds like he's faking an Americn accent! He prrronounces his RRR's very strongly almost like he's faking it. I wonder if being on Buffy for so many years actually forced him to adopt a British accent naturally?
And yeah, Denisof was perfect too. I was surprised when I found out neither of those actors were Brits.
I don't see the problem with an American actor playing Bond so long as he's got the acting chops to make us believe he's British. Hell, look at Brad Pitt's role as a Pikey in Snatch - fantastic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUx3vj3lmT8
Well, I'd prefer him to Tarantino anyway! It'll never happen, for much the same reasons that Spielberg won't be doing one: some directors are simply too big to be tempted by EON (cf actors: Hugh Jackman unfortunately being able to make more money elsewhere).