Sir Sam Mendes agreed to direct a Bond movie because he wanted to be ‘the coolest dad at school’
Sir Sam Mendes has revealed that he agreed to direct a Bond movie because he wanted to be “the coolest dad in school”.
The 57-year-old Oscar winner recounted how he agreed to take over Skyfall when asked by Daniel Craig after ‘a couple of drinks’ at a party hosted by Hugh Jackman.
But 007’s producers were curious as to why he wanted to do it, given his track record of making “dark and edgy” films rather than blockbusters.
The movie pro, who also directed the franchise’s Specter, admitted it was because he wanted to make a movie his kids could relate to.
Sweet: Sir Sam Mendes has revealed he agreed to direct a Bond movie because he wanted to be ‘the coolest dad in school’
Speaking to BBC radio 4’s This Cultural Life, Sam discussed the chance conversation that led to his taking the reins on the 2012 hit.
He said: ‘There I was chatting with Daniel, a couple of drinks and I said ‘Who’s going to do the next Bond movie?’ And he said ‘I don’t know, why don’t you?’
‘And I thought ‘Yes’. I said, ‘Yeah, it’s okay.’ It sounds ridiculous. Until she said it she hadn’t thought of doing it. Then the next morning I woke up and said, ‘Gee, I think I agreed to direct a Bond film last night, I’d better check it out.
Successful: The movie pro, who also directed the franchise’s Specter, admitted it was because he wanted to make a movie his kids could relate to
Sam, who won an Academy Award for American Beauty, said she then met with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson.
He explained: ‘They said ‘Are you serious?’ The only question they wanted to know: ‘Why do you want to do this? Why, where you are now, after you’ve done the movies you’ve done, would you want to make a Bond movie?
Sam has a 19-year-old son with ex-wife Kate Winslet and a five-year-old daughter with wife Alison Balsom.
The principal admitted, “I said ‘I want to be the coolest dad in school.’ Which was true. I wanted to make something my kids could see and relate to.
“I had just gotten tired of making dark, tense movies and felt a bit stuck. That really led to one of the biggest and most fun challenges of my life, which was Skyfall, which is a move I’m still proud of and loved doing.
Friends: The 57-year-old Oscar winner recounted how he agreed to take over Skyfall when asked by Daniel Craig after ‘a couple of drinks’ at a party thrown by Hugh Jackman
It comes after it was revealed that actor Lucien Laviscount caught the eye of James Bond boss Barbara and is being lined up to become the new 007 to replace Daniel Craig.
The stylish Burnley-born actor caught the eye of film franchise bosses for his role in the romantic comedy series as Emily Cooper’s boyfriend Alfie, played by Lily Collins.
The 30-year-old actor, whose first role was as a child model for Marks & Spencer when he was ten, is also considered the perfect age to play Bond.
Ms Broccoli has made it clear that she wants the next actor to play the character for 15 years, which rules out former favorite Idris Elba, who turned 50 in September.
New Role: Lucien Laviscount is lining up to become the new 007 to replace Daniel Craig. Pictured: The Emily in Paris actor attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California, March 2022
It is also believed that Ms. Broccoli and her team are interested in having a star from an ethnic minority to play 007 so that the franchise reflects modern society.
However, some executives fear that Laviscount’s appearance on the reality show Celebrity Big Brother in 2011, when he finished fifth, will dampen his chances of getting the job because previous Bonds have been more intellectual.
A source said: ‘Lucien ticks all the boxes. He is a super talented actor, he is extremely handsome and in the last 18 months he has gained a lot of new fans since he joined Emily In Paris.
“Bond bosses are already saying how you can see him in the 007 tuxedo, how smart and role-appropriate he will look.
‘But, there is a sticking point, and that is Big Brother. Lucien appeared on the show at a time when his acting career was not as high-profile as it is now, but he was very popular at the time and now he has a fan base that spans generations. That is a dream for Barbara, who is very much in love with him.
Bond Stars: Laviscount also caught the eye of James Bond boss Barbara Broccoli and is being lined up to become the new 007 to replace Daniel Craig. Pictured: Craig and Broccoli onstage with Michelle Yeoh in Beverly Hills, California, September 2022
Laviscount joined Emily In Paris for her second series when her character as a British banker swept leading lady Emily after meeting her during her French lessons. They continued to enjoy a romance after he decided to live in the French capital.
Laviscount’s first acting role was in the BBC drama Clocking Off before landing a full-time job on Coronation Street, playing religious swimmer Ben Richardson. After his stint on Celebrity Big Brother, he starred in Waterloo Road before moving to the US and a role as Earl Gray on the Fox comedy horror series Scream Queens.
He is also in the BBC3 drama Peacock as well as the Netflix film Your Christmas Or Mine alongside Angela Griffin and Sex Education actor Asa Butterfield. Laviscount has reportedly dated a number of celebrities, including Kelly Osbourne and Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
Meanwhile, it may also be revealed that despite Ms. Broccoli saying that no announcement about a new 007 movie is imminent, the stuntmen are being tested at Pinewood Studios. A source there said: “They want to be ready for when things start to move with the new Bond.”
Plot: Laviscount joined Emily In Paris for her second series when her character as a British banker swept leading lady Emily. Pictured: Lily Collins as Emily and Lucien Laviscount as Alfie in Emily in Paris