Royals join Bond cast for premiere
Britain’s royals joined Daniel Craig, Lea Seydoux and the cast of “No Time to Die” on the red carpet for the new Bond film’s world premiere Tuesday, a glittering event that marked the movie’s release after multiple delays caused by the pandemic.
The film, the 25th in the long-running series and Craig’s last outing as 007, was initially due to be released in April 2020.
“A year ago, this was just a dream. It didn’t look like we’d get here. But we have, and I’m just happy that we’re here, and we can celebrate with everybody,” said Craig, who turned up for the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall in a pink velvet dinner jacket.
Craig, 53, has played the suave secret agent in five movies, beginning with “Casino Royale” in 2006. Asked how he felt about saying goodbye to the role, he said: “I’m good. I’m really good about it.”
Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince William and his wife, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, made a rare joint appearance, and Kate stole the show with a sparkling gold cape dress by designer Jenny Packham.
Actor Rami Malek, who joins the franchise as villain Safin, later met the royals. He was joined by Lashana Lynch, who plays agent Nomi, and Naomie Harris, who returns as Moneypenny.
The film will be released in the U.K. on Thursday and in the U.S. Oct. 8.
While we’re talking about Bond star Craig:
Fresh off his turn as James Bond, Daniel Craig has his next project lined up, and it’s also got plenty of blood being spilled. Craig will return to Broadway as Macbeth in a revival of William Shakespeare’s tragedy, with Ruth Negga making her Broadway debut as Lady Macbeth.
“Macbeth” has an April 28 opening set. Barbara Broccoli, who produces the James Bond films with her brother, is a producer of “Macbeth.”
Craig was last on Broadway in a 2013 revival of Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal” opposite his wife, Rachel Weisz. Negga, whose film credits include “Loving” and “World War Z,” started her career in the theater.
Palmer named new ‘Bachelor’ host: “The Bachelor” is welcoming season five star Jesse Palmer back to the franchise — this time as the host. ABC announced Tuesday that the former NFL player will host season 26 of “The Bachelor,” set to air in 2022.
Palmer is replacing longtime host Chris Harrison, who stepped down from the series in June due to controversy involving his defense of a season 25 contestant’s past racist behavior.
Palmer has been an ESPN college football analyst since 2007 and will return for this season. He also has hosted a range of competition shows, including “The Proposal,” “The Holiday Baking Championship” and “The Ultimate Surfer.”
Sept. 30 birthdays: Actor Angie Dickinson is 90. Singer Cissy Houston is 88. Singer Johnny Mathis is 86. Singer Marilyn McCoo is 78. Actor Barry Williams is 67. Actor Fran Drescher is 64. Singer Marty Stuart is 63. Actor Jenna Elfman is 50. Actor Marion Cotillard is 46. Actor Lacey Chabert is 39. Rapper T-Pain is 37.