There have been quite a few rumblings surrounding the 24th adventure of secret agent 007. Today the curtain was pulled back during a huge event held at Pinewood Studios in London, hosted by Skyfall director Sam Mendes (American Beauty). The primary cast all took a break from rehearsals to make an appearance at the official unveiling of their upcoming film, which will be called Spectre.

That title should raise the antennae of many long-time James Bond fans, as SPECTRE is the criminal enterprise that he has battled in several books, videogames, and movies. SPECTRE (SPecial Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion) is led by one of the most iconic villains in movie history, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The bald-headed, cat stroking villain was famously spoofed in Mike Myers’ Austin Powers series with the character Dr. Evil, so it will be interesting to see how they avoid the performance falling into camp.

Surely with that in mind, Mendes hired Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained). With the hiring of Waltz, expect to get a layered performance with realistic motivations. When James Bond was rebooted in Casino Royale, a concerted effort was made to make the franchise feel as grounded and real as possible. However, particularly in Skyfall, Mendes began to add the troupes of James Bond that many associate with the property, while leaving the campy elements behind.

As we reported a couple of months ago, Guardians of the Galaxy’s Dave Bautista is joining the film as the henchmen Hinx. The sultry Monica Belucci, Lea Sydoux (Blue is the Warmest Colour), and Andrew Scott (Sherlock) is joining the party as well. Most of the primary cast will be returning for the latest adventure which is scheduled to be released in November of 2015. Here is the official press release:

James Bond Producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today released the title of the 24th James Bond adventure, SPECTRE.  The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his fourth film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007.  SPECTRE begins principal photography on Monday, December 8, and is set for global release on November 6, 2015. 

Along with Daniel Craig, Mendes presented the returning cast, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Rory Kinnear as well as introducing Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci and Andrew Scott.  Mendes also revealed Bond’s sleek new Aston Martin, the DB10, created exclusively for SPECTRE.  

A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

The 007 production will be based at Pinewood Studios, and on location in London, Mexico City, Rome and Tangier and Erfoud, in Morocco.  Bond will return to the snow once again, this time in Sölden, along with other Austrian locations, Obertilliach, and Lake Altaussee.

Commenting on the announcement, Wilson and Broccoli said, “We’re excited to announce Daniel’s fourth installment in the series and thrilled that Sam has taken on the challenge of following on the success of SKYFALL with SPECTRE.”

Written by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, Director of Photography is Hoyte van Hoytema and Editor is Lee Smith.  Production Designer, Dennis Gassner returns along with Costume Designer, Jany Temime and Composer, Thomas Newman.  Action Specialist, Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director.  Stunt Coordinator is Gary Powell, SFX Supervisor is Chris Corbould, and Visual Effects Supervisor is Steve Begg. 

Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, was a worldwide box office phenomenon, opening #1 in 70 territories around the world, taking over $1.1 billion worldwide and setting a new all-time box office record in the UK by becoming the first film to take over £100 million.  

So how excited does this make you for the Spectre? What kind of gadgets and fun things do you think they will be able to work into this one? Let us know on the comment boards,  and ! Thank you for sharing our stories that you enjoy on social media! (Just click below)

Source: CBM