The Guardian Newspaper posted an interesting article last night about the possible destination behind the story of the next currently untitled James Bond film and “Quantum Of Solace” sequel, which will star Daniel Craig as 007 in his third outing.
As Afghanistan continues to shift further into focus on the international stage, due in part to a renewed pledge by President Obama to increase troop numbers and suppress a Taliban insurgency inside of the country and on the border of Pakistan, another International Icon might be paying a (fictional) visit;
Bond. James Bond. 007. Daniel Craig. You get the idea.
Jon Boone of The Guardian Newspaper in the UK reports that scriptwriters sought “technical advice” from the British embassy in Kabul, and that one or possibly more official(s) have been providing consultancy for the last year or so.
It is thought that the relatively unknown (in grand scales), but extensive and out of control, $4 Billion-a-year drug empire currently operating in the Helmand Province and other areas of Afghanistan will be a significant focus point of the plot in the new film.
According to the report, a Foreign Office official began working as a consultant for the filmmakers last year, but has since left the Foreign Office in unrelated circumstances - this individual is bound by a confidentiality agreement, so don’t expect a wealth of specific information to be available anytime soon. Eon Productions, who are producing the film, had no comment.
“Casino Royale” follow up “Quantum Of Solace” spent some of the last half of it’s run time with Bond in what was supposed to be the Bolivian Desert, a landscape which could be somewhat reminiscent of a new film set in Afghanistan.
In summary, it seems to be pretty safe to assume that Afghanistan will feature predominantly in the new film. We also think that 007 will only be the first in a long line of new Hollywood ’spy/action hero/FBI agent/CIA agent’ characters to take advantage of Afghanistan’s growing reputation as a hotspot for international crime and drug activity.
We will keep you updated with news on the project as it becomes available.
