Bond 24: Logan Is Not Enough

Skyfall London premiere. Copyright the Coventry Telegraph

It’s the ol' switch-eroo!  ‘Skyfall’, co-writer John Logan had been giving full reign to write the next two Bond films.  Having previously been brought in to punch up the script for ‘Skyfall’, director Sam Mendes had recommended Logan take over, but something has gone awry.  An executive associated with the franchise was quoted as describing the issues with the script as prompting polite turmoil.  Logan himself has now said he doesn’t plan to work on blockbuster films again. 

So the writers of all the Bond films since 1999, which sadly includes ‘The World is Not Enough’ and ‘Die Another Day’, have returned to ‘punch’ up the script. So Neil Purvis and Robert Wade are back. Supposedly they’re coming in to inject some humor, specifically with Bond’s interactions with Naomi Harris’ Miss Moneypenny and Ralph Fiennes’ ‘M’.  The re-writes will end up pushing the film to a December 2015 release, instead of the initial October plan.

I must admit that though I enjoy the franchise’s turn to more a more dramatic turn, a little more humor may help lighten the proceedings.  Sam Mendes is still on board to direct.  The real loss still will be Roger Deakins.  ‘Skyfall’ was easily the best shot film of the franchise.

What do you think?  Has the Bond series gone too far with its seriousness? Would Bond benefit from a little more Roger Moore cheekiness?