2013: Naomie Harris: Playing a Bond girl has boosted my confidence - Metro

Naomie Harris: Playing a Bond girl has boosted my confidence

Jenni McKnight for Metro.co.ukFriday 22 Nov 2013 12:01 am

Bond babe: Naomie Harris is glad to have fallen for 007 (Picture: Getty)

Skyfall actress Naomie Harris says playing a Bond girl helped her realise she ‘can’t be that much of a minger’.

The 37-year-old admits her self-esteem is lifted every time she thinks about her role as Eve Moneypenny in the recent instalment of the franchise.

‘I have to say, it does make me feel pretty darn good,’ she boasted.

‘When you get those moments when you feel, “Oh God, I look like such a minger today”, then you think, “I was cast as a Bond girl… you can’t really be that much of a minger, Naomie!”’

Meanwhile the British star admits she was ‘torn and conflicted’ about taking on the role of Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife Winne Mandela in the biopic, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.

‘From reading about her, I was formulating an idea of who she was. From talking to people I was formulating another idea. My director had a very strong idea about how he wanted her to be played… I felt really torn, conflicted,’ she confessed to Total Film.

But it wasn’t until she met the 77-year-old that she realised she had to take charge of the role herself.

‘I was scared and fascinated. I thought I would finally be able to put all these pieces together. But I didn’t. You can’t, especially with someone as complex as her,’ she told Total Film.

‘I asked how she wanted to be portrayed and she said, “you’ve done your research, you were chosen for this role, I trust you.” It allowed me to own it.’

Total Film is out now.

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/22/naomie-harris-confessed-playing-a-bond-girl-in-skyfall-boosted-her-confidence-4196487/#ixzz3fqiwC7Bz

2013: Bond actress Naomie Harris: I never went crazy for Daniel Craig – I was obsessed with Michael Jackson

Bond actress Naomie Harris: I never went crazy for Daniel Craig – I was obsessed with Michael Jackson

Andrew WilliamsFriday 22 Feb 2013 6:00 am

Naomie Harris (Picture: Getty)

Actress Naomie Harris, 36, was in Pirates Of The Caribbean and 28 Days Later. She starred in Skyfall as Moneypenny, for which she did her own stunt driving.

What was doing Skyfall like?
It was a dream come true – I never thought I’d be part of a Bond movie so it was a surreal experience. There was a lot of hard work. I’ve never had to be so fit and I had a personal trainer who kicked my butt five days a week and had to do combat training and stunt driving.

Did you keep up the training?
I promised myself I would – but I lasted a month. There’s an amazing shot the on-set photographer took of me hitting a bad guy in the head with a briefcase. I look ready to enter a bodybuilding competition. I’ve got that as evidence of how fit I got.

How was the stunt driving?
I had six car accidents before doing this film and I’m a much better driver now – they weren’t all my fault, two of them were when I was sitting in stationary traffic. The stunt driving was useful. When you learn to drive no one puts you in slippery road conditions and asks you to spin the car round – but driving in the worst possible conditions does improve your skills so nothing phases you when you’re driving on set.

Do you read articles about yourself?
No, it doesn’t matter what anyone else has to say about me because I have the opinions of my friends and family to go on. I love acting but everything surrounding it, like press, isn’t of interest to me.

Were ladies fainting all over the place when Daniel Craig was around?
They were – he’s so loved all around the world – women and men actually adore him. I can’t imagine what it must be like being him and getting that sort of adoration. I knew Daniel in a different context and he’s a lovely, down-to-earth man, so to interact with him at that level then see people getting hysterical about him was strange.

Have you ever been like that about anyone?
I was completely obsessed with Michael Jackson. I did a film called After The Sunset, which Brett Ratner directed. He was really good friends with Michael and he kept saying he was going to visit the set but he never did. It’s one of the great disappointments of my life.

What difference has Skyfall made to your career?
A big difference. There’s a lot more interest now. People in the industry who didn’t know my name before know who I am now. It hasn’t affected my personal life, I can still take the Tube and walk down
Oxford Street.

Other than Skyfall what’s had the biggest impact?
Pirates Of The Caribbean had a big impact but people didn’t really associate me with that role. Then, 28 Days Later was a huge one. Everything followed from that.

You started acting very young – did you ever consider doing anything else?
No, it’s always just been acting for me. I did a degree in social and political sciences at Cambridge because I was a child actress and looked too young for adult roles but too old for kid’s roles. I thought while I was maturing I’d go to university. I also didn’t want to look back and regret not going to university. I didn’t want to be considered a bimbo actress.

Long Walk To Freedom’s coming up. What was doing that like?
Harrowing. Playing Winnie Mandela, she went through a hell of lot, she had her children taken away from her, the love of her life was taken away from her – doing that every day was tough. I had two days between doing Bond and starting on that. You can’t portray the life of a woman like Winnie Mandela without being affected by it – you have to go to dark places and can’t be jolly on set every day.

Was it a relief to finish it?
A real relief. I could let go of her pain and anger. I don’t hate anyone and feel really thankful about that but a big part of what fuels Winnie is hatred, a big part of what fuelled the apartheid regime was hatred, so to explore that was tough and very draining.

Do you feel obliged to portray someone in a more flattering light after meeting them?
No, I’ve played living people before and had a problem with it but when I met Winnie I asked how she wanted people to see her and she told me to portray her as I saw fit.

Dawn French once told you to toughen up. What was that about?
I did corporate training films when I was at university and Dawn French did some too. I was very shy when I was younger and very softly spoken. Dawn just said: ‘If you want to survive in this industry you have to
develop a thick skin.’ It’s one of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given.

What lesson has 25 years in showbiz taught you?
Anything’s possible. You can feel powerless as an actor but that’s not true – there’s a lot you can do to create work and demand.

Skyfall is out now on DVD and Blu-ray

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2013/02/22/bond-actress-naomie-harris-i-never-went-crazy-for-daniel-craig-i-was-obsessed-with-michael-jackson-3507910/#ixzz3fqjwDs1G

Eve Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) Datastream and Biography at the Brilliant www.mi6-hq.com

Eve Moneypenny (Naomie Harris)

Datastream Character: Eve Moneypenny Actor: Naomie Harris Movie: Skyfall Status: Active Appearance: Medium-tall with a slim figure; at peak fitness thanks to her time as a field agent; dresses conservatively, often in muted-coloured, well-fitted office dresses or blouses. Date of Birth: 6th September 1976 Height: 5' 8" (1.73 m) Place of Birth: London, UK "Old dog, new tricks." Pleased To Meet You It is not known when Eve and James Bond first met - it is clear however that, prior to the failed Turkish data-recovery mission, they were both established field agents and therefore colleagues and that no formal introduction was made until after the "Skyfall" mission had concluded. After the Turkish mission goes sour, the pair next meet in Churchill's war bunker, as 007 pulls himself out of retirement to come to the aid of MI6 andM.

When Eve and Bond are formally introduced it is at MI6's new, less ostentatious, headquarters. Bond arrives for a briefing with M's successor, Gareth Mallory and Eve introduces herself as "Eve, Eve Moneypenny", newly appointed full-time secretary to M, having chosen to retire from field work permanently after the ordeal in Turkey.

Profile
An efficient and hard-working PA to Gareth Mallory, Eve's background as a field agent and sniper are put behind her, but not forgotten, when she assumes her office-bound role aiding MI6's new chief. She is naturally sharp-witted and ambitious, but not above some inuendo-charged banter with James Bond. The pair share a turbulent background with Moneypenny having come perilously close to ending 007's career on the failed mission in Turkey.

Curiously, Moneypenny showed little-to-no empathy for her misplaced bullet to 007's shoulder, but it is clear that she took on board Bond's retort that some people are better suited to fieldwork than others. She has since aided 007 on other missions, including patching things up with the old-school 00-agent with a rendezvous in Macau. It has never been made clear if the pair ever acted on their shameless flirting but rumour that a night in Macau consummated the relationship is, needless to say, pervasive office gossip.

BiographyNaomie Melanie Harris was born in Finsbury Park, London on 6th September 1976 to Lisselle Kayla, a Jamaican-born screenwriter. Harris was raised in the British capital and attended a local school before studying Pembroke College, Cambridge, for a social science degree. Beyond her studies Naomie found a passion for the dramatic arts and appeared in several local productions before attending Anna Scher Theatre School. Shunning her liberal arts degree, Harris took herself to Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, whose alumni include both Moneypennys, Samantha Bond and Caroline Bliss as well as Daniel Day-Lewis, Jeremy Northam, Miranda Richardson and many other famed British actors and actresses.

Eve: "You said it yourself, fieldwork's not for everyone." Bond: "If it helps, I feel a lot safer. "

In 2004 Harris teamed up with then-current 007 star Pierce Brosnan in Brett Ratner's "After the Sunset". The film was a light-hearted action comedy about a master thief (Brosnan) who attempts to find some peace and quiet in the Caribbean. Harris played local cop, Sophie, who assists FBI agent Stanley P Lloyd who is out to catch the thief. It was whilst promoting her 2010 biopic of the Kenyan activist Jane Obinchu, entitled "The First Grader", that news first broke that Harris was in talks to play an unknown role in James Bond 23 ("Skyfall"). Whilst the producers did everything they could to mask the fact that Eve would indeed make the transformation to become M's iconic secretary, the media continued to speculate wildly about the nature of Eve's character.

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Daniel Craig and Monica Bellucci share a steamy moment in action-packed first full-length trailer for new James Bond film Spectre

FIRST LOOK: Daniel Craig and Monica Bellucci share a steamy moment in action-packed first full-length trailer for new James Bond film Spectre 

By KATE THOMAS FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 22 July 2015 | UPDATED: 10:29, 22 July 2015

The first full-length trailer for Spectre has finally been released and it looks like James Bond fans are in for a real treat with Sam Mendes' new installment of 007's adventures.

The teaser, which hit the internet on Wednesday morning, kicks off in true Bond style with plenty of fast cars, explosions and glamour as Daniel Craig's alter ego uncovers the existence of a sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

The 47-year-old actor is joined by an all-star cast including menacing new villain Christoph Waltz and Italian beauty Monica Bellucci, with whom he shares a steamy moment in the trailer.

Scroll down for video

Bond is back: Daniel Craig has reprised his role as titular hero 007 in Sam Mendes' long awaited film Spectre

A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal.

Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE. 

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). 

Sizzling: Bond seduces Monica Bellucci's character in the first full-length trailer for the action film

Romance: Daniel can be seen unzipping Monica's lace dress in a moment of passion

Starring role: Monica plays Lucia Sciarra, the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal

Action-packed: The trailer sees Bond infiltrate a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of a sinister organisation known as SPECTRE

High-speed chase: Daniel can be seen wrestling new villain Franz Oberhauser in one terrifying scene

Fast cars: It wouldn't be 007 without a fleet of fancy cars and the secret agent is introduced to his new Aston Martin in the clip

Daniel Craig smoulders in new James Bond: Spectre trailer

Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE.

As Bond ventures towards the heart of the mystery, he learns of a strange connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

Waltz proves to be a chilling force as villain Franz Oberhauser, who cryptically tells the hero, 'You came across me so many times, yet you never saw me.'

Bond girl: French actress Léa Seydoux makes an impact as Bond's glamorous new ally Madeleine Swann

Sure-fire blockbuster: Spectre follows 2012's Skyfall, which became the biggest Bond of all time

Old faces: Ben Whishaw is back as Q, who helps him seek out Léa's character, the daughter of his former nemesis Mr White

Boom: The trailer will delight action fans with its car chases and fiery explosions

Special connection: Madeleine Swann understands Bond like no one else can

'What took you so long? It was me James, the author of all your pain', he declares.

Spectre follows 2012's Skyfall, which became the biggest Bond of all time, taking an impressive $1.1 billion at the global box office.

The film is released in the UK on October 26, and in the US on November 6, 2015.

Man of mystery: Christoph Waltz plays ominous new villain Franz Oberhauser, who introduces himself to Bond as 'the author of all your pain'

Chilling: Bond learns of a strange connection between himself and the enemy he seeks

Long time in the making: Spectre has been in the works for months, with filming taking place all over the world

Taking over: Ralph Fiennes is the new M following Dame Judi Dench's departure from the franchise 

Not long to go: Spectre is released in the UK on October 26, and in the US on November 6, 2015

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3170455/Daniel-Craig-stars-action-packed-length-trailer-Bond-film-Spectre.html#ixzz3gc6JT25X
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Video: NEW SPECTRE TRAILER Full 2.5 minutes of James Bond 007 latest #SPECTRE trailer

P
Published on 21 Jul 2015 Watch the new trailer for SPECTRE. A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as SPECTRE.

Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of SPECTRE. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot.

As Bond ventures towards the heart of SPECTRE, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

Released in the UK on October 26, and in the US on November 6, 2015.

New Earlier UK Release Date For Spectre

New Earlier UK Release Date For Spectre But it's definitely Sam Mendes' final Bond 20 July 2015  |  Written by Owen Williams  |  Source: BBC

First it was October 23. Then it was November 6. But now Spectre, the 24th official James Bond adventure, has finally settled on a UK release date. It'll receive its world premiere in London on October 26, and open the same night in the rest of the country. "For the first time ever, the film will open on the same night at cinemas across the UK and Ireland," said distributor Sony Pictures in a press release. Unusually that means Spectre will be out on a Monday, which will make the figures for its opening "weekend" interesting. But with Skyfall raking in well north of a billion dollars worldwide, that should prove an insignificant issue. Elsewhere in Spectre news, director Sam Mendes has confirmed/insisted to - of all places - the BBC's Test Match Special that this Bond will certainly be his last. He said that after Skyfall, of course, but was persuaded to return after the producers twisted his arm. This time, however, he seems to determined to move on. "I said no to [this] one and then ended up doing it," he told the cricketers, "but... I don't think I could go down that road again. This was an enormous undertaking, and a bigger movie than Skyfall; it's shot in more places. You do have to put everything else on hold. It's more a lifestyle choice than a job." But it's also, he clarifies, "a fantastic life-changing thing". Finally, Mendes has teased that Spectre's theme song is finished, but declined to reveal who's recorded it. We should get clarification of that sooner rather than later. "You won't have to wait long..." C'mon, it's obviously Motörhead. With Mendes back directing a script that has been written by John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, Spectre sees Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris, as M, Q and Moneypenny respectively, with new recruits Christoph Waltz as Oberhauser, Dave Bautista as Mr. Hinx, Bellucci as Lucia Sciarra, Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, Stephanie Sigman as Estrella and Andrew Scott as Denbigh. Oh, and Daniel Craig as James Bond, obvs. As we said, it’ll hit British and Irish screens on October 26 before heading to the States and elsewhere a whole eleven days later.

Photos: Naomie Stunning in white at the New York premiere of 'Southpaw'

Actress Naomie Harris attends the New York premiere of 'Southpaw' for THE WRAP at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on July 20, 2015 in New York City.

Jake Gyllenhaal, Eminem, Curtis Jackson, Oona Laurence, Miguel Gomez, Rachel McAdams and Naomie Harris attend the New York premiere of "Southpaw" for THE WRAP at AMC Loews Lincoln Square on July 20, 2015 in New York City.

'I do think this is probably it': Sam Mendes rules out directing another James Bond movie after Spectre release

By HELEN TURNBULL FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 16:56, 19 July 2015 | UPDATED: 23:41, 19 July 2015

The latest James Bond movie, entitled Spectre, is yet to be released but already its director Sam Mendes has decided it'll be the last film of its kind he'll direct.

Sam, 49, is keen to return to theatre work when the film is out on October 26 despite the overwhelming success he's had during his short time with the franchise.

Talking to the BBC's Jonathan Agnew on Radio 5, he said: 'I said ‘No’ to the last one and then ended up doing it and was pilloried by all my friends.

Quitter: Sam Mendes has admitted Spectre will be the last James Bond movie he'll direct

'I do think this is probably it. I think five years for the two movies, it feels now almost, even though we’ve only just finished shooting it, like one big experience.'

The award-winning director and producer went on to describe the job as 'life-changing' but he had to make sacrifices in order to take it on. 

'It was a fantastic life-changing thing, but I don’t think I could go down that road again. It’s more a lifestyle choice than a job. You do have to put everything else on hold.'

Life-changing: Sam, 49, is grateful for his involvement in the franchise after having had to sacrifice other aspects of his life in order to take the role on

Talking about why he's decided to throw the towel in after five years, he explained: 'I’m happiest rehearsing a play or editing a movie, and I think that when I’ve finished a movie I generally want to be back in a theatre environment again.

'It feels like home, it feels controllable after the chaos of a movie set. But it won’t be long before I want to do another film, and I’m very, very fortunate to be able to go back and forth between the two.' 

MailOnline have reached out to Sam's representatives. 

His most recent theatre production is the West End adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which landed at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, London, in 2014 and is still running.

Fancied a change: The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hopes to return to theatre work

Spectre is only Sam's second 007 film with Skyfall - which was released in 2012 - his first.

Daniel Craig steps into the lead's shoes for the fourth time and he stars alongside Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Christoph Waltz and Lea Seydoux.

Spectre will premiere in the UK on October 26 and will open in cinemas across the country on the same night in a box-office first.

It was shot at Pinewood Studios and filmed on locations in London, Mexico City, Rome and Tangier and Erfoud, in Morocco. 

That was quick: Sam has only directed two 007 movies - Skyfall and Spectre - but he has ruled out doing another

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3167141/Sam-Mendes-rules-directing-James-Bond-movie-Spectre.html#ixzz3gNpnTqDn
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