Bond 25 is already a drama-filled thrill ride based off all that’s been going on behind the scenes. There’s been a director shift, an on set explosion and rumors of mutiny among the crew. Daniel Craig also suffered an ankle injury during filming that he had to undergo minor surgery for, leaving the production without a 007 since last month.
As the film’s Bond villain, Rami Malek is currently balancing this exciting new role with the last season of Mr. Robot. Recent reports indicate the actor will not be able to do “key scenes” with Daniel Craig due to the number of on-set conflicts. With Malek’s recent interview with Digital Spy, he put these concerns to rest. In his words:
The key scenes is something that was fabricated. But the thing is, Daniel was injured, so they are shooting what they can. I talked to Cary yesterday and the schedule has been altered. I know that. But with a franchise like this, I think they have it together. They have it figured out by now.
Daniel Craig has been on the road to recovery for his injury, but the production hasn’t completely stalled. To make up for lost time, looks like the cast and crew have tried to shoot the scenes they can. Rami Malek said he shot for a week in Norway with director Cary Fukunaga without Craig but is looking forward soon coming face to face with Bond.
James Bond will return to set this week, per a recent update picturing Daniel Craig hitting the gym with a boot on his mending ankle. He joins a huge ensemble cast also including Léa Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Billy Magnussen, Lashana Lynch and Ana de Armas.
Although Rami Malek assures that he will soon get to film his scenes with Craig in Bond 25, he did admit shooting two projects simultaneously has been a challenge. Here’s what he said:
This has been one of the most difficult seasons of Mr. Robot to shoot. But during the hiatuses, or weeks off, I have had the luxury and privilege of going to work on the next James Bond film. It is taxing. I will not lie; it is very, very taxing.
Details on Rami Malek's character has not yet been revealed, his villainous plot may involve genetic warfare. Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge recently signed on to add her brand of humor to the script and make its complicated premise about genetic engineering more accessible to audiences. Malek also reportedly has met with genetic experts to prepare for the Bond 25 role.
Rami Malek is coming off portraying Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, which became a worldwide phenomenon and earned him his first Oscar for Best Actor. He admitted he feels a “substantial weight” on his shoulders to join the many iconic Bond villains, but his role in the Queen biopic has given him confidence to take this on.
On set drama and delays doesn’t usually spell good news for movies, but Bond 25 has enough talent on board that it could certainly overcome them in time for its release on April 8, 2020.
Are you excited to see Rami Malek’s villain role in the next Bond film? Let us know in the comments below!
