At an ‘In Conversation’ event at the British Film Institute in London to celebrate 60 years James Bondmovie producer Michael G. Wilson, who runs Eon Productions with Barbara Broccoli, has revealed that a seduction scene from the 1963 spy thriller From Russia with love is always used to test those who want to play the role of Ian Fleming as an iconic agent. Wilson told the audience at the BFI on Friday night,
“We always use the same scene… and that’s the one in From Russia with love, where Bond comes back to his room after the murder, and he starts to take off his shirt, goes into the room to bathe. Then he hears something, takes his gun, goes inside and the girl is in bed. That was the test we use. Anyone who can bring that scene is a good fit for Bond. It’s hard to do.”
The reference scene that Wilson refers to is when Sean Connery’s Bond finds the Soviet military clerk Tatiana Romanova, played by Daniela Bianchi, in the middle of his bed, wearing only a black velvet choker. After introducing themselves, Bond compliments her beauty. However, she complains:
“I think my mouth is too big.”
Before kissing her, Bond assures her that all is well.
“No, it’s the right size. For me, yes.”
The scene ends with the two completing their affair, although they are unknowingly filmed through a two-way mirror. the veteran producer also noted: that they always need a good actress to play opposite the actor who is participating in the audition.
What’s next for James Bond?
The event was one of several held over the past few days to mark James Bond Day next Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Wilson was joined onstage by screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, casting director Debbie McWilliams, actor Rory Kinnear, production designer Mark Tildesley and associate producer Gregg Wilson for an interview by BBC presenter Samira Ahmed. The panel discussion was followed by a screening of the 1962 James Bond film dr. nostarring Connery and Ursula Address.
Wilson stressed that casting for the new 007 has not yet begun, “regardless of what others tell you.” He also revealed and explained why younger actors are out of the running.
“We’ve tried to look at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize doesn’t work. Remember, Bond is already a veteran. He has some experience. He is someone who has lived through the wars, so to speak. He probably was in the SAS or something. He’s not a high school kid that you can bring in and start. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”