It does not give us much, but the title and poster for the film formerly known as Bond 24 has been released: “Spectre.”
The die hard Bond fans out there also know this as an acronym for Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion first introduced in Connery’s “Thunderball” in 1965. With the Daniel Craig 007 films giving a reboot to the the franchise story line with “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall” (I’m still trying to block out Quantum of Solace) it was inevitable that the original antagonist be reintroduced as well. In order to hold true with what has made the 007 tradition so strong it will be imperative that this “Spectre” be a reflection of a terrorist organizations currently plaguing the Western World. If this comes to upset any viewers, they just need be reminded that the Cold War is why Bond is still strong today.
The cast includes Daniel Craig as 007, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, Ralph Fiennes as M, Ben Whishaw as Q, and Rory Kinnear as Tanner, all reprising their roles from “Skyfall.”
Just as exciting is the cast additions of Andrew Scott as Denbigh, David Bautista as Mr Hinx, Monica Bellucci as Lucia Sciarra, Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, and Christoph Waltz as Oberhauser.
Director Sam Mendes did a great job with “Skyfall” and I am happy to see him back in the driver’s seat of one of my and many others favorite film franchises. I have confidence from this title, poster, and cast that he will do justice to the ominous agency which has held together so many other preceding Bond films.