If Skyfall serves as the final chapter setting up classic elements from the James Bond franchise within MI-6 (introducing new versions of Moneypenny, Q and M, for instance), then this fall’s Spectre will expand that newly re-established world with its own take on one of Bond’s greatest adversaries, the terrorist organization known as SPECTRE. However, while the latest Sam Mendes-helmed 007 big screen adventure isn’t far off now – much like SPECTRE itself – it has remained largely shrouded in mystery, in terms of official details (leaked information, on the other hand…).
We’ve gotten glimpses of the film’s tone and the shadowy group at the plot’s center as well as gained some insight regarding how Quantum – the organization featured in 2008 release Quantum of Solace – may be connected to SPECTRE. Now, as previously reported, a second Spectre trailer has launched, along with a fresh synopsis that sheds light on the film’s story and hints at the villainous character played by two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained).
The new Spectre footage is here (watch it above) certainly ought to give James Bond fans enough to whet their appetites for the upcoming film. It remains to be seen just how far Spectre will push Daniel Craig’s Bond in his battle to stop the eponymous organization and its world-dominating agenda, though the latest trailer suggests this is a far more personal battle for 007 than usual (see Waltz’ final line in the preview).
For more on the plot for Spectre – conceived by Skyfall writers John Logan, Neal Purvis, and Robert Wade – you should check out the film’s newly-released synopsis, below. Keep in mind, though, it contains what some will consider MILD SPOILERS.
A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.
Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.
As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.
Spectre could prove to be a critical entry in the Bond franchise, following on the heels of the highest-grossing 007 installment yet, in Skyfall. The film is not only expected to be the last Bond film helmed by Mendes, it also (at the moment, at least) looks to be the penultimate Bond film starring Craig as the iconic lead. Moreover, the movie is faced with needing to please the existing fanbase in its depiction of SPECTRE and leaving the franchise in top shape, since distribution rights to the James Bond film brand will open for bids after Spectre is released.
In any case, the rebooted Bond has succeeded in reinvigorating the series (after it fell out of vogue in the early 2000s) and transformed Craig into arguably one of the most memorable takes on the 007 character. Skyfall demonstrated that the James Bond franchise is still going strong after its first fifty years of existence, so now it’s on Spectre‘s shoulder to keep audiences interested in the continuing adventures of Mr. Bond (and, in particular, the personal struggles of Craig’s iteration).
NEXT: Spectre Set Visit Report
Spectre opens in U.S. theaters on November 6th, 2015.
