Tomorrow Never Dies (James Bond 18)

Scoops Before Production Announcement: March 19, 1996... Pierce Brosnan's Bond returns to confront former Bond George Lazenby (007 from On Her Majesty's Secret Service), who controls an underwater base equipped with nuclear warheads appropriated from the fallen Soviet empire. (Hey, if this isn't the plotline for the movie, it damn well should be!) Premise and movie title submitted anonymously via Scoop Feedback. Awaiting confirmation. [Thanks to...?]

March 23-25, 1996... Others out there in the electronic community have send us their thoughts on this rumored Aquator plotline, and the general sentiment is that it's bogus. If the producers want to generate audience build-up for the show, why go with Lazenby as the villain; why not try for Sean Connery? Doesn't this plot feel like a bad sequel to The Spy Who Loved Me? And another 'stolen' nuclear warhead threat? But someone the Bond producers might be dangling a carrot in front of is Anthony Hopkins - as 007's nemesis. [Scoop feedback submitted anonymously.]

Others have heard various snippets about the next Bond outine, and none have included Lazenby, stolen nuclear weapons, or megamaniacial billionaires with underwater lairs in them. 'Clarke009' heard that the proposed title of Bond #18 might be Dream Weaver - and has read comments from "Cubby" Brocolli that he'd never work with Lazenby again. [Thanks to 'Clarke009' and a slew of anonymous letter-writers out there...]

So, is Aquator the name of the new Bond film, or will it be Dream Weaver? Or is it all just a mess of lies, innuendo, and falsehoods being released by a wealthy reclusive madman with dreams of global domination under his New World Order? Time will tell.

March 26-27, 1996... The next James Bond movie will not be based on any John Gardner novel, or for that matter the novel Colonel Sun, reports the screenwriter. [Scoop info submitted anonymously.]

Late March, 1996... One other has heard that the tentative release date for this film is November 21, 1997. [Scoop reported by 'Clarke009'.]

April 3, 1996... Aquator haters will roll their eyes over this little news item tossed our way: sometime in March Jeffrey Caine, Bruce Feirstein, John Heinsleigh, Ron Friedman and Fred Wilkens (various studio employees responsible for Bond's last outing) reportedly came to the Mall of America for the grand opening of a 007 memoribilia store. In a Q&A session, it was brought out that the next Bond film is presently titled Zameer Aquator, and Lazenby has been cast as the nemesis "Zameer", an ex-CIA agent who teams up with an ex-KGB agent (to be portrayed by Terence Stamp). They steal nuclear missiles from the fallen Soviet Union and hold the world under siege. "Aquator" is the name of the base where the missiles are held. Also mentioned was the casting of the two new "Bond" girls - Natasha Henstridge (Species) and Salma Hayek (From Dusk Till Dawn, Desperado). If this info is true kiddies, then the casting reps for the film work for MI5, because nothing indicating any of the above actors has been reported anywhere. Take it as you like. [Scoop submitted anonymously. There is no Bond store in the Mall of America (Thanks to Sean Barry confirmation).]

April 14, 1996... This just in: someone's informed us that Bruce Feirstein has denied all rumors, innuendo and speculation about the proposed Aquator storyline. Of course, since this submitter was anonymous, we can't confirm this speculation as well. However, once again it should be stressed that nothing concrete, save for Brosnan's involvement with the next Bond film, has been officially announced. [Scoop mailed anonymously.]

April 18, 1996... A rumor comes our way that Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich (creators of Independence Day have expressed interest in the next Bond movie. Brosnan has publically stated that his choice would be Quentin Tarantino. [Scoop sent in by 'Sylvester'.]

April 30, 1996... Well, another possible Bond storyline has made its way to ourselves. This one has James on the run from bounty hunters from across the globe, hoping to net a cool $1 billion dollars; the person who gets the stuffed momento is none other than Blofeld's daughter. As well, a rumored, completely unconfirmed opening for the new film has Bond testing out a new gimmick car through the streets of London, chased by evil-doers - and M is his passenger. At the end of the scene, with the Z3 car in shambles, it launches a missile at a helicopter and breaks in front of a crowd watching the Queen on parade. Bond gets out, bows to Elizabeth II, who asks her assistant who was that. Reply (and duck if you didn't see it coming): "That, my Lady, is Her Majesty's Secret Service." [Scoop submitted anonymously - like you couldn't guess it already.]

May 4, 1996... The bounty hunter plotline sounds suspiciously like the plotline from the John Gardner novel Nobody Lives Forever. As the Bond producers have said before, they will not be using plotlines from any novels, Gardner or otherwise, for the next Bond film. [Scoop info mailed in by 'vcmr16c'.]

May 8, 1996... Anthony Hopkins and George Lazenby have reportedly turned down any offers for the new Bond show. Joe Don Baker, who portrayed CIA agent Jack Wade, is reported to be considering to return in the next installment. A new development has Sharon Stone portraying Blofeld's daughter as the main villain. [Scoop sent in anonymously.]

May 17, 1996... From the 'Get the Facts Straight' file: one Bond fan would like it pointed out that Lazenby had never been offered or considered for the villain in the new Bond film, and Hopkins hasn't been tendered any offer as yet. [Scoop information pointed out anonymously.]

May 19, 1996... The producers have publically stated that Sharon Stone will not be playing Blofeld's daughter. [Scoop sent in anonymously.]

May 20, 1996... The Blofeld's daughter storyline sounds similar to a John Gardner novel... and as the producers have stated that the next Bond film will not use any Gardner material, the rumor must be bogus. [Scoop handed in anonymously.]

May 14-29, 1996... A number of Bond rumors, rumblings and fan's trains of thought have been sent to CA:

"It seems that this Aquator plot has been used once or twice before and strikes me as being unimaginative. The makers would do better to look at some of the comics that have been produced over the past few years, as the prospects could be a lot more interesting." The commentator also addressed the Tarantino-as-director rumor, asking why the director of GoldenEye, Martin Campbell, has been neglected. After all, didn't he have a hand in the re-invention success of the Bond franchise? [Provided anonymously.]

"I am Peter (formerly Petrov) Huczok. I was born 36 years ago in the Ukraine. I have appeared in 23 Russian films, currently living in England 1 year. My agent has been approached, I am to play KGB villain Zammeer (name not confirmed they say it might change.) I was told A. Hopkins turned down my role...I have signed contract on May 2, 1996. Script was written by Bruce Feirstein. I have met Michael Wilson in London on May 1st, 1996." Unfortunately, the scoop provider did not leave us the means to confirm this little tidbit, and it must remain just a wild - but interesting - rumor. [Scoop provided by 'Peter Huczok'.]

A source indicates tell us that all information on possible storylines and actors for the upcoming Bond flick that have appeared so far is not true - save one. Anthony Hopkins' name is being considered, but without a script, it's pretty difficult to approach the fella. [Scoop provided anonymously.]

A rumor brought to us that is circulating on the "alt.fan.jamesbond" newsgroup has the next Bond movie titled "The Property of a Lady". The plotline would center on the return of Hong Kong to Chinese governship. The title is a reference to a short story by Ian Fleming. [Scoop sent in by 'jjonnzz'.]

Another e-mail informs us that the band Oasis may be in talks for the theme song. Also mentioned is the rumor that Jack Nicholson may be up for the role of Blofeld's brother. [Scoop comes from an anonymous source.]

Another submitter tells us that the 18th Bond film is scheduled to go into production before the end of 1996. MGM/UA wants to follow-up on the huge success of the previous film, and a $100 million budget is expected. Martin Campbell and DoP Phil Meheux are expected to return, plus Remy Julienne in charge of the stunts. Co-producer Michael G. Wilson has a stunt planned which involves Bond and a girl parachuting from an exploding helicopter, falling through a chasm of rock and pursued by the spinning rotor blades from the 'copter. The stunt was originally pencilled in for GoldenEye but deemed too expensive and dangerous. China could be a possible location for filming. [Scoop mailed in by 'Ernst Stavro Blofeld' from Murren, Switzerland.]

Yet another contributor lets us know that the storyline will go back to Bond's early years, sort of a prequel of sorts, and showcase how he got the double-O moniker (a.k.a. his licence to kill.) [Scoop info submitted anonymously.]

"Quentin Tarantino has reportedly signed to direct the next Bond film for $3.2 million. The producers are eager to see how Tarantino handles the assignment and may be looking for a multipicture deal if they like the project." [Scoop provided - of course - anonymously.]

This contributor also claims that all the Aquator and Blofeld's daughter rumors are utterly false, and then goes on to mention that Cubbi Broccoli has chosen a bacterial weapons plot device for the new flick pitched by freelance writer David Sommes. Initial reports have Broccoli favoring locations in Canada, Thailand and Italy. [Scoop sent in by M.S.]

"Sean Connery is rumored to be offered the role of the villain in the next Bond film. Those around him say that he is thrilled with the idea...however [his] agent has denied the rumors..." [Scoop submitted by 'Lord Fnord'.]

As well, two others mention the Connery rumor, one from a New York radio station - both anonymous.

So, you sort through the information and see what settles at the bottom and top. Personally, I think we need the resources of MI5 to keep up with the Bond dis-information and speculation.

June 2-5, 1996... A new development has arisen in the swirling fog surrounding the speculation on the next Bond film. As rumors of a possible title surface ('Zero WindChill'), discussion on the 'alt.fan.james-bond' Internet group may have attracted the attention of Bond screenwriter Bruce Feirstein. The user who claims that he is the writer for the film subsequently discredits all rumors that have been floating around...specifically citing some of the ones that have appeared on this web page. If this is correct, we'd love to confirm this with Bruce Feirstein...which incidentally corrobulates the next-to-nothing confirmed info on what, who and where the next Bond adventure takes place. [Info submitted by 'RVerbit', 'Lord Fnord', 'yt22', 'm2nal', 'GKA' and 'Feirstein1'.]

June 6, 1996... A 'Sarah' who says she works at EON Productions in London informs us Tarantino and the Aquator information is definately wrong. The working title is 'Property of a Lady' and the official release information should be coming out October '96. Oasis is not presently planned for the song, but Celine Dion and Janet Jackson are being considered. 'She' also mentions that a Ukrainian actor has signed a two picture deal with MGM, the second role to be a major Bond part. Would love to confirm this 'Sarah'...you know how to reach us. [Info supplied by Sarah.]

June 12-19, 1996... Various snippets of info are heard that point to an annoucement of the next Bond movie this coming fall (which matches the 'Sarah' scoop above). However, various papers, television shows and magazines clash with the film's supposed title: Aquator, Shatterhand or The Property of a Lady. [Scoops sent in by Ziad Malik.]

June 26, 1996... A 'friend of Bruce Fierstein' tells us that the new Bond film will be called "Shatterhand". Hopkins is being considered for the role of Dr. Eamon Shatterhand, with plot locales being Hong Kong and Australia. The story has a renegade former British officer turned megalomaniac planning to deploy a toxic nerve gas explosion in downtown Hong Kong to disrupt the change over of the old British empire to the Chinese government in 1997. Rumors also have Madeline Stowe being considered for the character of 'Gala Brand' and a cryptic henchman known only as 'Horror', and who isn't seen until the film's climax. All very interesting of course - and completely unconfirmable, catchy title name and all. [Scoop sent in by 'S.L. Boldman', New York City. We'll deny everything if it's true, Bruce.]

July 6, 1996... This scoop reporter would like the facts to be known that there actually have been 19 produced James Bond shows - if you include Casino Royale and Never Say Never Again. These two films did have different producers and crew than the previous Bond outings, and are often not treated as 'canon' to the Bond series (Casino Royale obviously because it is a comedy, and Never Say Never Again because it's a semi-remake of Thunderball, and having a Bond film with Connery sandwiched between Roger Moore's run of Bond flicks makes people squirmish.) [Information presented for the record by 'Sylvester'.]

July 7-10, 1996... Of course, there are people out there who actually work for MI-5, and they pointed out a certain 'error' in the July 6th scoop entry. Besides mentioning these two 'non-Bond' films do not feature the trademark Bondian elements (that they're EON Productions, the gunbarrel opening credits sequence, etc.), there was apparently an earlier version of Casino Royale done for CBS and aired on October 21, 1954 for the anthology series Climax. Barry Nelson starred as an American Bond with Peter Lorre as Le Chiffre. Felix Leiter became Clarence Leiter of the British secret service for this adaptation. [Praise be endowned upon K.C. Dolfan, who we'd like to see wager a 'daily double' on Jeopardy in the catagory of "Shaken Not Stirred".]

Now that we've corrected the problem, can we expect the dissapearance of all these ominous black vans with tinted windows that've been following me around for the past three days, please? [Thanks to 'bedsheets', Alden, 'ss1', Tim, 'Lord Fnord', K.C. Doltan, John Sullivan and the anonymous senders.]

July 11, 1996... We've heard that a possible title and storyline for the new Bond film is "Postmaster". Supposedly, this features a mad letter bomber mailing out hundreds of parcels with bombs. Of course, he demands a ransom and isn't paid. The bomber is supposed to be working for a new SPECTRE organization. Steven Weber (from Wings) and Harvey Keitel have been mentioned to play the character.

Of course, I'd like to know what the hell this has to do with James Bond, and for that reason I'm going to not place money on this one, folks. [Scoops sent in twice by anonymous writers and 'csp111'.]

July 25-27, 1996... We've been told by a lot of informed Bond fans that EON does not own the rights to SPECTRE or the Blofeld character. So it's highly unlikely, unless things have rapidly changed quietly that SPECTRE will be the bad guys in the next film. These properties were lost in a court decision to Kevin McClory over the authorship of Thunderball. McClory then became partners with Jack Scwartzmann and the result was Never Say Never Again, which is why this Bond film is not accepted as Bond canon by those who remain true to the Brocolli franchise. Broccolli had all references to SPECTRE removed from the first draft of The Spy Who Loved Me because he wanted no more court headaches. [Scoop reported by legions of 007 fans. No, really... legions.]

July 26, 1996... A reader sends us a release on the Pathfinder search engine site in regards to the development of the new Bond movie. Although such stars as Salma Hayek, Terence Stamp, Izabella Scorupco and Natasha Henstridge have been rumored, no casting decisions (repeat: nothing) has been announced. However, it's interesting to note the absence of Anthony Hopkins from the cadre of actors bandied about. [Scoop forwarded by 'm2nal'; originally appeared in the Pathfinder News World Entertainment News Network on July 23, 1996.]

July 27, 1996... An interesting side-note to the July 26 entry: as some of us here at CA guessed at, this scoop reporter also thinks that the only place where the above casting rumors have been sounded at has been this site. What this may mean is that, somehow, the rumors surrounding Stamp, Hayek and Henstridge are making their way from here, assumed as fact, and reaching the print media. (Insert sigh here...)

Now, we've heard from a reliable source some bare-bones info on the Bond 18 casting as it shapes up. Anthony Hopkins is still a possibility for the main villain, but not guaranteed. Again, it should be pointed out that the script is still in development, and if the people in charge of tossing around ideas for which stars may be suitable for upcoming parts are good at their jobs (and it certainly seems that way), nothing is confirmed and everything is up in the air. Accomplished actors want to see a completed script before signing onto a project - yes, even a Bond project. And there is no title for the script as it stands presently. "Aquator", "Shatterhand", "Property of a Lady", as much as you may like them, they're not on the title page. Anything else you hear is rumor and innuendo that's been covered months ago on here. [Scoop submitted by an anonymous source.]

July 27, 1996... John C. Cox, a screenwriter, tells us that he saw a list of open writing assignments back in April '95, and that the feature 'SHAKEN NOT STIRRED aka JAMES BOND 18' was one of the projects being worked on. A little digging uncovers a Variety article from May 26, 1993 detailing how Michael France penned the first draft of GoldenEye, and writers Richard Smith and John Cork were hired by Danjaq Inc. to pen a subsequent Bond adventure in hopes the France film took off. Of course, Fierstein came in and did the second draft of GoldenEye - which is different than the France draft, Cox adds. Cox also adds that although this info is remote and not a solid scoop, it's interesting to point out that the Smith/Cork story hasn't been heard from since. Is Fierstein working on a completely new storyline, or incorporating elements from this 'Shaken Not Stirred' script? Just another cryptic piece of the puzzle, kiddies. [Scoop info submitted by John C. Cox.]

August 3, 1996... We receive a message from John Cork informing us that the Fierstein story for Bond 18 will not be based on any previous outlines, treatments or proposals by Cork and Richard Smith. No script was written from the work Cork did for Danjaq. As well, Cork also agrees that no casting will occur until the script is approved by the producers (Barbara Broccoli & Michael G. Wilson) and the studio. [Scoop supplied by John Cork, Editor of "Goldeneye Magazine" for the Ian Fleming Foundation - for further information on this organization, email 'trueblood@aol.com'.]

August 3, 1996... This scooper tells us he's heard that former James Bond star Sean Connery would gladly play a villain in an 007 movie, but only if the producers agreed to pay him an 'enormous' fee. The scooper goes on to tell that Connery approves of Pierce Brosnan as a replacement for Timothy Dalton. However, Connery was reportedly said to say that he felt Dalton was far too serious and "Shakespearean" for the role. Of course, Sean wasn't avaliable for confirmation of that, so take it as you will. [Scoop handed in by 'ruben2'.]

However, a second scooper also relates hearing a similar news story on the Capital Radio station in London, on Tuesday July 30th. He claims to have heard that Sean Connery had been offered, and was considering, the role of the villain in the next Bond movie. It was claimed that he would only take the part for a salary of $8 million, and only if the part was "really evil". [Scoop submitted by the sharp-eared 'a.diggle'.]

September 16, 1996... Roger Spottiswoode is in final negotiations to helm the next Bond film. Spottiswoode's most notable effort was HBO's And the Band Played On. An official annoucement is expected shortly. [Scoop submitted by Christian, Kurt Martin and anonymously.]

September 22, 1996... All that remains is for MGM/UA to officially annouce Spottiswoode as the director...it's a done deal claim these two fellows. [Scoops handed in by 'B.Feirstein' and by an anonymous source.]

September 30, 1996... The next Bond film can't shoot in Leavesden Studios; George Lucas has secured the facility up until the turn of the century for development on his next trilogy of Star Wars films. [Scoop furnished anonymously.]

October 31-November 4, 1996... A report that the new Bond film is titled 'Avatar' surfaces. The rumor started in London's Daily Mail tabloid. The paper claims that the plot deals with a British rogue agent who steals a nuclear weapon and hides it in the Australia Outback (hmm...didn't Goldeneye concern a British rogue agent with access to another superweapon?) The paper goes on to say that filming starts in February in Australia and then moves to Hong Kong, the Arctic Circle, and then Britain. If the Daily Mail is accurate, the rumors are true that Brosnan wants Izabella Scorupco to return, possibly in the role of Moneypenny (which we very much doubt would happen.) The Natasha Henstridge rumor surfaces again, but the rumor that has Sean Connery as the main Bond baddie is denied. Instead, it's mentioned that negotiations are in full swing to cast Terence Stamp in the role of the villain. The title 'Avatar' had been previously annouced some months ago as a new James Cameron project. In the Bond film it refers to a nuclear explosion and the world's reaction to it. [Scoop sent in by 'HAL 2001', 'troberts', 'orthornt' and 'wsasser'.]

And a 'Sarah' at EON Productions writes to tell us that Anthony Hopkins is out of consideration while a unknown foreign actor has signed for a major part. This actor apparently met Brosnan in his Malibu home and the two got along well. 'Sarah' says that confirmation will appear shortly. [Scoop provided by 'Sarah'.]

December 24, 1996... While attending a Grace Jones performance, the announcer (as well as the promotional material for the show) stated that Grace would be leaving the States immediately to start filming in the next Bond movie. Of course, every Bond fan knows that Jones' character May Day blew up in A View To A Kill, so the question this scooper would like to ask is, what's up? [Question proposed by 'TBOPgo4th'.]

December 26, 1996... An anonymous scooper tells us that the new Bond picture will be called 'Shamelady'. This was Ian Fleming's first choice of names for Ian Fleming's Jamacian retreat (but he later settled on calling it 'GoldenEye'.) The scooper also writes that the producers are currently looking for a stunt double for Pierce Brosnan. "Connery is reportedly still interested and the plot involves the interference of the transition of Hong Kong from Britain to China." This plot rumor has been running around for the last few weeks now. [Scoop sent in anonymously.]

January 2, 1997... Nicholas Meyer, the director of Star Trek II and VI as well as Time After Time is now re-writing Fierstein's script. [Scoops sent in by 'gkniffen' and anonymously.]

'gkniffen' feels that it's highly unlikely that the film will be named 'Shamelady'. Apparently this was the title of a parody book of Bond in the late sixties. Also, the scooper has seen an article in the New York Daily News that places actor Jonathan Pryce, of Evita and the Lexus commercials, in final negotioations to play the villain in the film. [Scoops relayed by 'gkniffen'; some material originally appeared in the New York Daily News.]

An anonymous fellow read in the Herald newspaper a interview with Sir Anthony Hopkins. According to the scooper, it read something like this:

Hopkins: "I was offered the part in the new James Bond film, which has a very good script, but I had already played a *newspaper baron* in Pravda..."

If accurate, Hopkins could have just given away the new James Bond film's bad guy type: a newspaper baron. [Scoop sent in anonymously.]

And two Entertainment Tonight viewers heard E.T. annouce that Sean Connery will be the villain in the film. Sigh. [Scoops sent in anonymously.]

And then this email arrives:

"Anthony Hopkins turned down the role of the arch enemy to appear in Zorro, and Connery wants too much. Roger Moore has accepted the role of a maniacal army general who despises the Chinese and is furious with the British government because of their plans to hand over Hong Kong. He hatches a plan to attack China and Britain with weapons purchased from a Georgian renegade, and make himself President of Hong Kong. Moore has accepted the role to help pay for his ex-wife's cancer treatment and his daughter's treatment for alchohol abuse." This makes it just about every actor who's every played James up for the main bad guy's role (except for Woody Allen, that is.) Pass the Tylenol; we're getting a headache from the buzz. [Scoop sent in anonymously.]

Another scooper reports that Brosnan will get at least $5.92 million for this film. According to the actor, shooting will start on March 5. The producers have said that shooting will start in February. As a replacement for Leavesden Studios, the producers, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, have found St. Albans, located 10 minutes from Leavesden. And what's very interesting to us is that this scooper says the storyline is about a British media mogul who wants to blow up Hong Kong so that it won't be returned to China. The title? Shamelady.

As well, the scooper mentions that in early December, 7 screenwriters traveled to Hetfordshire, England to brainstorm modifications for the script. It's not mentioned if one of these writers was Nicholas Meyer.

The scooper closes by adding that Dame Judi Dench will reprise her role as 'M' and Samantha Bond will reprise her role as Miss Moneypenny. Sean Connery is still interested but wants $12 million for the part.

[Scoop sent in by 'Thorn'.]

If we were betting men, we'd place money that the Shamelady title and storyline is accurate.

January 18, 1997... Drew Babcock writes to inform us of a rumored meeting between the Bond developers. While we can't vouch for the authenticity of the message, we present it to help dirty the already-murky waters surrounding the project's name (and besides, it's fun too)...

"A special meeting of screenplay writers and other personnel met for a weekend in London recently to discuss the next Bond movie and what the title may turn out to be. The writers were told that there were certain titles that could not be used since Glidrose Publications would ask for addition royalties to a new Bond title. One writer suggested that EON productions try to use the chapter headings of Ian Fleming novels. Or use other Fleming names and titles from the books that were 'buried' inside the stories. Such as 'Shatterhand' from You Only Live Twice. Many of the writers thought this was a good title to pursue. Other titles were as follows: 'The Undertaker's Wind' from Live and Let Die, 'The World is Not Enough' from On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 'Risico' from For Your Eyes Only and 'The Pandora Box' from Dr. No. The title 'The Property of a Lady' was discussed but felt that it was used in Octopussy and decided against it. As for 'Avatar', this is a bogus title and was never once a title in the EON circle. On another note, the Kevin McClory Bond film has been rumored that Timothy Dalton is to play 007, but this is not true since Dalton feels very fond of the Broccoli family. However, McClory has met with Sean Bean for the part since Bean did audition for Bond with EON. Now, for the actors in the Bond 18 film. Anthony Hopkins is out unless he finishes his Zorro film before March 1997. Otherwise, Terence Stamp may inherit the part of a renegade naval admiral who threatens the Hong Kong exchange in 1997. Bond girlfriend Natalia played by Izabella Scarupco will lend more than a helping hand as she becomes the first Bond girl to play the same part in two consecutive films. Also, a robot like henchman will be Bond's nemesis in a rival fight scene reminiscent of Oddjob in Goldfinger. As for this writer's choice in a title for the next Bond film - I have to agree that 'Shatterhand' is a great title and pure Fleming. - Drew Babcock, Freelance Film Critic" [Scoop sent in by Drew Babcock.]

January 26, 1997... You want to know if the Bond rumors are true, you've come to the right place. Culling together various scoopers news reports, we've been able to piece together a pretty complete picture of what kind of activity is currently taking place in the Pyrenees mountain range, in the southwest corner of France. Here, close to the border to Spain, the opening action sequence for the new Bond picture is being filmed in the two ski resort towns of Peyragudes and Luchon. Filming commenced on January 21, 1997, and the film's director Roger Spottiswoode and producer Michael Wilson have been spotted in the area. Apparently quite a bit of publicity has been focused on the production, with various French television crews and newspaper reporters staking out the slopes, hoping to snap a picture of the action. Pierce Brosnan isn't on set; a stunt double is filling in for Brosnan for the various action sequences. While watching French television, 'Simba' caught a piece about the production: military-looking vehicles and sophisticated weaponry were filmed by a low-flying helicopter, but nothing exceptional was photographed. [Thanks to 'Simba' and Loic Chartier.]

The story was first brought to our attention by 'Regis', who let us know about a small ad that was quietly taken out in the papers of southern France right after New Year's Day. The ad called for extras to play the parts of "...french farmer-types and russian looking people...". The scene revolves around a secret Russian base nestled in the side of a mountain deep inside Afghanistan. [Thanks to 'transcontinental' Regis!]

And the first actor starring in the new Bond film has been revealed to the press. It's Michelle Yeoh (who also sometimes uses the surname 'Khan' in her features.) She'll portray Lin Pao, a Hong Kong-based detective\possibly covert Chinese agent who's as suave and stylish as Brosnan's 007. Numerous unofficial reports were printed throughout this week connecting Yeoh to the unnamed Bond film, but a few scoopers helped confirm that she has indeed accepted the role. 'dave mcc' found the character's named leaked in The Daily Record, while James Hudnall heard the news from a Hong Kong screenwriter who's friends with Yeoh. (By the way, Hudnall is friends with Bruce Feirstein...and Bruce isn't tellin' anyone anything about his script.) Scooper William Propp writes, "Yeoh/Khan has formal ballet training, is a former Miss Malaysia, and has done numerous Hong Kong martial arts movies including Supercop opposite Jackie Chan, Yes Madam opposite Cynthia Rothrock, Royal Warriors and Wing Chun as the sole lead." [Scoops regarding Yeoh were sent in by 'dave mcc', Joe Hanna, William Propp, 'jstevens', James Hudnall, 'gka001', 'M2NAL', Christian, 'tregaskis', 'mjoe', 'soneja', Jeff, Thorn, 'orthornt', 'a.paul', and anonymously.]

There are also reports of actress Monica Bellucci being the other Bond girl. People have spotted the actress in France for the filming of the opening sequence. [Scoop reported by 'gka001' and 'orthornt'; originally appeared on Kimberly Last's Bond page.]

Also, a new rumor has surfaced: the film may be titled 'Hot on Ice' (we hope not, though.) [Scoop reported anonymously.]

And, from one of our favorite scoopers, comes this piece of Bond trivia. "I know you're probably sick to death of us Bond know-it-alls mailing you about your Bond 18 updates; nevertheless, the sheer nerdliness of my fandom compells me to point out that the part of your Jan. 18 update where it is stated that Natalya will be the first Bond girl to play the same role in consecutive Bond films is incorrect.

"The first Bond girl to play the same role in consecutive Bond films was Eunice Gayson, who played the character of Sylvia Trench in both the first two Bond films -- Dr. No and Fom Russia With Love. The character was a minor character in both, but originally intended to be Bond's recurring love interest on the home front. The plan was for Bond to eventually marry her, but the plan was dropped, and by the third film, Goldfinger, Miss Trench was nowhere to be heard from." [Miscellaneous information provided by 'ss1'.]

February 4, 1997... It looks like thespian Jonathan Pryce (Evita, Brazil) will be the one writing all those cheques for technicians working in the villain's secret headquarters. Pryce practically gave away the secret on a recent Tonight Show with Jay Leno interview, even though the cat's not officially out of the bag just yet; EON Productions hasn't formally annouced who the actor will be. [Scoops sent in by secret agents 'Sefster', Joe Hanna, 'rosencrantz', 'Compukiller', Christian, Scott Travis, 'Josh the Sandman', Nick Corporon, 'bubblehead', 'adamb', 'Thorn', 'Gur', 'The Ogmeister', 'Lord Fnord' and anonymously.]

And 'Shamelady' might not be the title for the film after all. It's also the title of the first chapter of Bond novelist Raymond Benson's first Bond book, Zero Minus Ten. As this scooper points out to us, ironically, the book's plot is similar to the film's rumored plotline. [Scoop by 'Thorn'.]

February 11, 1997... Brosnan was overheard telling late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien shooting will take place in Spain and Vietnam in April. The information was carried by some radio stations as well. [Scoops sent in by 'OOGUr', 'Mysterio' and anonymously.]

February 16, 1997... Someone in the electronic ether whispers to us that the Salma Hayek rumor is true; however, she's to play the mistress of the main villain who helps save his life. [Scoop relayed anonymously.]

February 21, 1997... An anonymous letter is sent our way by someone who claims to have read the Feirstein working draft script. We'll present the message as it arrived in our mailbox, but also like to remind you that this is a rumor section. Most of the information contained in the message has been mentioned already..except for one interesting section that stands out in particular. However, the scooper also incorrectly spelled the writer's name (noted so our rears are covered when/if Bruce Feirstein decides to drop by.) Read on:

"I recently read Bruce Fierstein's draft of 'Bond 18.' The script had the bloated structure usually found in first drafts, but it contained great elements for further writers to work on. The pre-title sequence, the villain, the action, and the one-liners were Bondish at their best.

"The pre-title sequence is a terrific nail-biter. Bond must escape from an Afghan base in a MIG seconds before a British Tomahawk missile hits the base's stolen nuclear stockpile. [Ed.: It's now generally aware by most Bond fans that the opening sequence is being filmed in Afghanistan, and a 'base' has been created on the set.]

"The villain is Bond's most formidable nemesis since Stromberg ruled in The Spy Who Loved Me. A media mogul who could be Rupert Murdoch's evil twin brother (if he had one), Bond's nemesis runs newspapers, radio stations, cable channels, satellites and yes, theme parks, throughout the world. He is the ultimate megalomaniac of the Information Age, manipulating governments and public opinion." [Ed.: But not once is this villain's name ever mentioned...]

"In 'Bond 18' he steals the British gold supply of Hong Kong and plans to nuke the city before it turns Chinese again. One action sequence has Bond trying to escape from the villain's world headquarters in one of the tallest buildings in the world - the twin Petrona Towers in Kuala Lumpur. This could be the best thing that happened in skyscrapers since Bruce Willis blew away those nasty terrorists in Die Hard." [Ed.: Now, while the HK rumors are just that - rumors right now - the scooper does mention a rather cool fight scene. We hope she/he is right on this one.]

"Some one-liners are just classic. Bond fights some goons in the villain's newspapers printing room. One goon falls into the printing presses and gets crushed by the heavy presses spinning at full speed. The paper turns red with blood. Bond goes: 'He was bad news.'

"There will probably be significant changes between Fierstein's draft and the final shooting script. For instance, a couple of years ago I read GoldenEye's first draft by Michael France, and its pre-title sequence looked like the end of Mission: Impossible. Bond battling goons on top of a high-speed French train. But Fierstein's work holds plenty of promises for a great Bond adventure come Christmas 1997." Whether or not we'll see 007 fighting for his life on top of the Petrona Towers by then remains to be seen - but the scoop's up and it's been read by you. [Scoop sent in anonymously.]

March 4, 1997... Composer David Arnold (Stargate, Independence Day) has been strongly rumored to be the frontrunner for the job of scoring the film. [Scoop sent our way by Joe Hanna and Kimberly Last.]



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