007 villain eyes Maori sidekick
Kia ora Mr Bond, we have been expecting you.
The next James Bond film is looking for a Ma¯ ori actor to play a leading role as the henchman of Daniel Craig’s next enemy.
A casting call revealed by unofficial 007 fan-site Mi6-hq.com said producers were seeking a Russian male villain, a Russian female, and a Ma¯ori henchman for the new film Bond 25 — after the number of movies in the long-running franchise.
The Ma¯ori supporting role was looking for someone between 35 and 55 with advanced physical, fighting and stage combat skills.
The male leading role sought a Russian between 30 and 60.
This character was “charismatic, powerful, innovative, cosmopolitan, bright, cold and vindictive”.
The female role required an “intelligent, brave, fierce and charming” Russian, who was a survivor.
Filming was expected to begin in December, with the movie due for release in October next year.
The film will be written and directed by Danny Boyle, who made Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.
Cliff Curtis could take the role. He famously played Uncle Bully in the 1994 film Once Were Warriors.
Manu Bennett, 48, who appeared in Shortland St and played Slade Wilson on the Marvel TV show Arrow, could also slot into the role.
Once Were Warriors star Temuera Morrison, although 57, advertises himself as being able to play the requested age range.
It would be the second time a Ma¯ori actor has played a Bond nemesis.
In 2002, Lawrence Makoare played Mr Kil in Lee Tamahori's Die Another Day opposite Pierce Brosnan.
We’ve been rejecting you, Mr Bond! World, P34-35