Side against Jeff Bezos
After taking on Amazon: James Bonds Casting boss stops
As a casting director, Debbie McWilliams was involved in the selection of three James Bond actors and countless actors in the 007 films. She sees the takeover by Amazon skeptically.
The James Bond series is experiencing its next turning point after taking over by the Tech Group Amazon. The long-time casting director of the 007 films, Debbie McWilliams, announced her farewell after over 40 years. This was announced by the “Screen International” industry magazine.
“I hung up my casting hat and now focus on other film projects,” said McWilliams, who was involved in the selection of the three James Bond actors Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. She will not choose the next actor who takes on the role of the famous secret agent.
Side against Amazon founder Jeff Bezos
She had already made her decision before it became known last week that long-time bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson hand over creative control over the franchise to Amazon, emphasized McWilliams. Nevertheless, she expressed her regret about the step.
“When I look at Amazon’s previous movies, my enthusiasm is limited,” she said. “If you change the nature of Bond, risk scasuring a huge audience.”
After the takeover became known, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos asked his follow-up at the short message service X who should be the next bond. Debbie McWilliams does not believe in it. “Finding the right actor for the role is a huge task – and I would certainly not leave it up to the users of X.”
Career boost for Mads Mikkelsen and Daniel Day-Lewis
As a casting director, McWilliams has been involved in almost every James Bond film since “in a fatal mission” from 1981. For many of her acidic actors, including 007 actors Craig, for example Famke Janssen (“Goldeneye”) or Mads Mikkelsen (“Casino Royale”), it was the beginning of a Hollywood career.
Debbie McWilliams was also responsible for the casting of the Monty Python film “Der Sense of Life” (1983)-and for the British film classic “My wonderful laundry” (1985), who is the film career of the triple Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis (“Lincoln”) launched.
dpa
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
