Details emerge as production begins on the new Bond adventure.
Production on the 23rd 007 adventure kicks off today with Sam Mendes in the director’s chair, and this morning, at the London press conference, it was confirmed that the official title of the film will be ‘Skyfall.’
In attendance were key members of the cast; Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris and French actress Bérénice Marlohe.
Bardem was confirmed as the “villain of the piece,” with the actor adding, “Who told you a villain is a bad person?” ’28 Days Later’ actress Harris, who was rumoured to be playing Miss Moneypenny back in July, revealed that she’ll be playing “a field agent called Eve”. Marlohe’s character, Severin, was described as “glamorous” and “enigmatic.”
While not present, other confirmed cast members include Albert Finney, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw. Mendes teased that their character names are being kept under wraps for now as some fans may recognise them.
Little in the way of plot details were revealed at the event, but the press release reveals that “Bond’s loyalty to M is tested to the full as her past comes back to haunt her. As M16 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.”
Mendes also revealed that the film will be “its own story, it doesn’t connect with the other films. Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan have written a fantastic script. I’m incredibly excited to be doing it, and I think has all the elements of a classic Bond movie, including – to quell any rumours – a lot of action.”
Producer Michael G Wilson shot down rumours that the budget for the film had been slashed by $100 million. “We’re in the same budget range as the last film. We haven’t had to change anything in the script. In fact, we keep adding things – everything is going to be just as it was,”
In addition to shooting at Pinewood Studios, ‘Skyfall’ will be filming in China, Istanbul, Scotland and Whitehall, London.
UPDATE – Digital Spy has provided a video of the press conference in full.