Not me. A group of Bond fans that are actually so miffed about the new actor chosen to play James Bond that they started a web site in protest. Oh, and they're going to boycott the upcoming Bond film, Casino Royale. Their reason? They're angry that Pierce Brosnan was fired. Okay. I can understand that, because personally I really, really liked Brosnan as Bond. It bothered me to think he was a victim of ageism. But I'm even more bothered by this avid group of fans second statement.  "To add insult to injury, EON cast a short, blond, odd-looking Daniel Craig in the role of Bond."

Odd-looking. As if that's a horrible thing. Another troubling statement: "Craig, described by The New York Times as having a 'pale, flattened face and large, fleshy ears' is a terrible choice for Bond. If EON Productions and Sony Pictures will not accept they've made a big mistake, then Bond fans promise to boycott Casino Royale!"

Why do I find that troubling? Because they're boycotting an actor and a film based on the actor's looks.  I admit when I first heard that Daniel Craig had been chosen as the new James Bond I didn't get it. But then I saw him in the movie "Layer Cake."  In addition to being a fine actor, the man oozed charisma. Midway into the film, I thought, "Oh, yeah. I can see this man as Bond."  Because to me James Bond is all about charisma. He's witty and charming, and does all that action spy stuff.

I've spouted off here more than a few times about how Hollywood and Wall Street put too much emphasis on age and beauty... but I always focused on women as victims. My apologies to the men, because apparently you're not immune. This time the narrowminded ones aren't producers or directors, but fans. How sad. I won't know how I feel about Craig as Bond until I see the film. Maybe he'll bring something fresh to the role, the way Dalton did when he took over, and later on Brosnan.  The package isn't as vital as the essence.

I'm with you, B. I wish Pierce Brosnan was still the Bond du jour. I loved him in the role. While I'm not familiar with the new actor, I'm willing to give him a fair chance. Recasts are tough when we fans loved the current actor/actress, but it's only fair and appropriate to let the new person show us what he can do with the role.

Hi Beth!
I just love Pierce Brosnan. Oh, how I loved Remington Steele. Now Season 1 & 2 are on DVD.
I'm sorry but I'm shallow....James Bond has dark hair and gorgeous: Sean, Timothy, Pierce etc. Roger Moore was the exception. Blond and just alright is not really going to do it for me but like Mary says we should give him a chance and see how he does as a "younger Bond".

You make a great point Beth (but then again, I'm the person who thought George Lazenby was the best Bond...). Here's hoping that Pierce Brosnan is now freed up to tackle other roles and that Daniel Craig is up to carrying the Bond mantle (or at least his martini glass!).

I don't get why they chose Daniel Craig. He's not my image of Bond at all. And according to a snippet on TV Guide's website, he's not doing too well in the part anyway. This part especially made me laugh: "and was utterly stymied by the manual gearshift of Bond's trademark Aston Martin". ROFL! He can't even drive Bond's car????

Yes, when they cast Dame Judi as M, there were probably lots of people going, "M as a woman, that's ridiculous. I just don't get it."

I totally get Daniel Craig as Bond. He has an edge that a good Bond has to have - it's NOT about looks, it's about delivery. What makes Brosnan so excellent is not, IMO, his gorgeousness, but that edge, that danger, that feeling that this man is only civilised on the surface. Underneath, he's a killer.

And (hoping I'm not ageist here) I thought that Brosnan, excellent and gorgeous as he was, was struggling to make me suspend disbelief over a man in his fifties as an active field agent of that type.

Now I know people are out to get him, I'll take every derrogatory (sp?) media report with a hefty pinch of salt...

Go Daniel!

(PS - George Lazenby was EXCELLENT)

The blond hair threw me too. But like I said, I'm putting more weight on the personality aspect than the physical. Either he'll win me over as 'Bond' or he won't. We'll see.

Anna, you were posting at the same time as me. LOL Good point about Judi Dench as M. Also good point about it not being about looks so much as delivery. You summed it up better than I did. Yes, yes, to the point about Daniel Craig having an 'edge'. That's what I witnessed in Layer Cake. Like I said, it wasn't until I saw him in action in that movie that I 'got' him being cast as Bond.

I thought Pierce was a milksop - never could understand the appeal. Bland as oatmeal. Give me a guy with charisma, more bite, and quirky charm.
See - to each his own.
I can't wait to see Craig as James Bond.

Not only have I never seen Brosnan in the Bond role, I just plain haven't seen a Bond movie in years. Please don't throw rotten vegetables at me.

Why do Hollywood-types think an actor has to be gorgeous in order to be believed in a leading role? If an actor has enough charm and charisma (plus what Anna referred to as "edge"), he'll *become* drop-dead gorgeous. The opposite is true as well -- a drop-dead gorgeous actor with all the personality of Saran Wrap quickly loses his appeal.

I don't know if I'll take the time to see the new Bond movie, but because of the controversy over the actor, I am more likely to take a peek. When it shows up on HBO. :)

Beth, I too felt at first like these Bond fans. Being as one of the generation that grew up with Brosnan as Bond (The originals say "The only Bond is Connery." Today's generation, like me, say "The only Bond is Brosnan.") I feel very heated about this debate. I too thought "A BLONDE Bond?!" and chose to disregard it. At times I stay strong with my opinion that Clive Owen should be the new Bond (If Brosnan must be replaced) but then at other times, I give Craig a second chance. I try and put my prejudice aside and see Craig as the next Bond (I guess I must). And when I do this, I DO see a good Bond. A new Bond. An interesting Bond. He's a rugged looking man. I wouldn't say handsome, but he strongly shows mystery and intrigue to himself. And at the heart of it: Isn't that what Bond is about?!

P.S.-Just so you know, "GoldenEye" is in my Top 10 overall fave films ever. It's more than a Bond film. It's amazing.

Woo-eee. Didn't realize here were so mnay Bond fans here. Well, except for, ahem, LYNN! You've never seen recent Bond films?? Oh, dear. You don't know what you're missing! Or maybe you do. Not your cup of tea maybe. If you do see the newest one, you must let us know what you think!

Jenny, how do you really feel about Brosana. Don't hold back. Heh-heh. Here's to 'edge'!

Oh, Taylor, Taylor. You make me feel so old, my man. MY generation has seen Connery, Moore, Dalton, and Brosnan... um and now, Craig. LOL Funny you should mention Clive Owen, who I love. He's not what I would call classically handsome either, but all the same very sexy and charismatic. I read somewhere that they didn't want to pay big bucks for someone like Mr. Owen, whereas Mr. Craig is an up and comer.

Now, I'm sorry if I annoy people *bites lip* but I firmly believe Owen would have ruined the Bond franchise in the same way he destroyed Arthur (which Ioan made a valiant effort to save, but even his leather trousers couldn't rescue the dodgy dialogue and Owen's execrable pseudo-acting). The only time I've ever seen him act was in Bourne Identity! And he was only on screen for about five minutes, tops!

I've nothing against the way he looks. But I know some really attractive pieces of wood I wouldn't want to play Bond, either... ;-)

Hey, this is fun! :P

I have been an avid Bond fan for almost my entire life. Love the movies and the unique way each new actor brings something to the part. But I have to admit even I arched an eyebrow at the idea of a blond Bond.
Not all 'Bonds' last for multiple movies though. George Lazenby was between Connery and Moore. He only lasted one.
As for this anti-bond website. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't set up by the film studio themselves. There is no bad publicity and for anyone who hadn't realized that Brosnan had been replaced. They do now.

Beth - It's not that I dislike Bond films -- I've seen all the Roger Moore and Sean Connery -- I just don't have enough hours in the day.

Hi Lynn! I was just teasing you. Believe me, I know all about the too short days! Oh, and I failed to mention I loved your statement: "If an actor has enough charm and charisma (plus what Anna referred to as "edge"), he'll *become* drop-dead gorgeous." How many times have we met someone and not thought them exactly 'attractive', but after getting to know them, find them very attractive.

FeyRhi, good point about the old 'there is no bad publicity' angle. You never know.

Anna, I doubt you're annoying anyone. Different actors appeal to different people. Also I don't always like an actor in every role. For instance I didn't buy Kevin Costner in 'Robin Hood' or 'Wyatt Earp', but thought he nailed his roles in 'Upside of Anger' and 'Open Range.' Did you see Clive in 'Closer'? (Not a film for the faint of heart, BTW)

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