The story rumbled on and on without comment from either
party, but MGM finally the broke silence when they announced
the release date for Bond 21 and named Brosnan as
still being their Bond. Some
newspapers than ran U-turn stories claiming the "too
old" rumor was a shrewd move by MGM to sway the contract
talks in their favor.
Behind the scenes Brosnan was also putting his house
in order. After weeks of negative publicity and lack of
any intervention, Brosnan's publicists Guttman Associates
were relieved from their 007 duties.
Despite the official denials about the story from MGM,
Brosnan's cage was rattled, shaken and stirred - causing
him to go on the record in various interviews that
he was unhappy with the style of the last film, "Die Another
Day", and how the producers were "in
a state of paralysis" regarding the direction to take
for the 21st film.
Barbara Broccoli, producer on the past four films, was
then quoted
as forgiving Brosnan for his comments, likening the
situation to that which her father experienced with the
often difficult Sean Connery.
In July Brosnan
stated he had not retired from the role, but admitted
he was no dead cert yet.
Seemingly bored with the state of affairs and lack of
movement on Bond 21, Brosnan was then quoted in an interview
last week saying "James
Bond is another lifetime behind me", perhaps playing
the last ace from his sleeve in an attempt to bring a
conclusion to the situation.
As I exclusively revealed last month, James
Purefoy is the top contender to become James Bond #6
should Pierce Brosnan and MGM/Eon Productions not come
to an agreement for Bond 21.
With a director set to be signed imminently, casting
issues will then be addressed - including who will play
James Bond 007.
- Cindy Macdonald
