While James Bond movies are usually quite successful, Skyfall was a huge hit, becoming the first entry in the franchise to cross the billion dollar mark.
With an intelligent story, a memorable villain in Javier Bardem’s Silva, and a great performance from Judi Dench, some fans felt that it was the best Bond movie since Daniel Craig took on the role of 007. Even Craig himself thought it was better than Casino Royale. With that in mind, it’s sad to hear that the man who crafted the great cinematography for Skyfall won’t be joining the team for Bond’s next outing.
Hit Fix writer Kristopher Tapley revealed on Twitter that cinematographer Roger Deakins would not be returning to shoot James Bond 24, which is set for a late 2015 release.
Tapley tweeted the following:
At dinner with Deakins last night I learned some news that makes me sad: He won’t be shooting the next Bond.— Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) February 16, 2014
Skyfall‘s cinematography was praised by most critics as Deakins’ style of framing and use of shadows put Bond in a whole new light. The film also earned him his tenth Academy Award nomination. But the news that he’s not going to be a part of the next film’s production leaves director Sam Mendes – who is confirmed to helm the next Bond movie – with a huge gap in his production team. Who might he choose to replace Deakins?
Since Mendes previously mentioned that he was inspired by The Dark Knight, might he look to Wally Pfister to shoot? It seems unlikely, considering Pfister has moved on to directing his own movies. Perhaps Mendes could go a completely different route and use Ellen Kuras, who was the director of photography on his 2009 comedy Away We Go.
Fortunately, the rest of Bond 24‘s team is still top-notch. Craig is confirmed as 007 for Bond 24 and 25. Ben Wishaw and Naomie Harris, who made brilliant debuts in Skyfall as Q and Moneypenny, are supposedly returning as well, with Ralph Fiennes set to take over as the newest M.
Skyfall screenwriter John Logan has been working on the script for months and has mentioned that the next two installments will build on what he and Mendes started in Skyfall. And we should soon know if there’s any truth to the rumors that Penelope Cruz will play the next Bond girl.
Who do you think should shoot Bond 24, Screen Rant readers? Let us know in the comments.
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James Bond 24 opens in U.S. theaters on November 6th, 2015.
Follow Casey on Twitter @CaseyCip
