‘Skyfall’ remains the most successful British film ever made… but its lead Daniel Craig reportedly nearly ended costing the James Bond team millions of dollars, and all because he wanted to wear his favourite gloves.
Film writer Charlie Lyne has recorded a series of Twitter videos, in which he relates the following, bizarre anecdote learnt, he claims, from a crew member of the record-breaking 23rd James Bond film.
Star Daniel Craig and director Sam Mendes were so worn down with expectation for this particular Bond film, set for release during the franchise’s 50th anniversary year, than when Daniel requested he wear his brand new leather gloves in a scene, Sam didn’t argue.
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"It nearly cost the team millions to reshoot"
Sony
The scene was in the Macau casino, when Bond was followed, had a fight and fell off a bridge into a pit filled with dragons. Naturally. There, he had another fight with a villain who managed to steal Bond’s gun.
Three months later, during the edit, the penny dropped. James Bond’s gun was one of Q’s great inventions, a gun only 007’s fingerprints could trigger. Except, not if he was wearing gloves.
And sweating execs started calculating how much it would cost to re-shoot the entire scene, SANS gloves. The answer: millions of dollars.
Instead, some incredibly talented craftsman ended up diligently DIGITALLY PAINTING IN DANIEL CRAIG’S HANDS, so that the scene would show him able to work his gun.
Charlie Lyne shows the clip in his video as proof, explaining: “If you watch the scene now ... you can see that Bond has these ridiculously podgy hands because in every single frame he was wearing these thick leather gloves that have now been painted over with Craig-tone hands.”
Watch the clip above and see if you can spot the difference.
The risky move paid off. The film went on to accrue an almighty billion dollars plus at the global box office, and was well received as a fitting celebration of fifty years of Bond, gadgets and gloves notwithstanding.
Tap the first picture below to open the slideshow:
The Next James Bond Is One Of These...
Damian Lewis(01 of14)
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The first red-headed James Bond?
Idris Elba(02 of14)
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So many people have asked him about it, Idris will no longer discuss the subject. But while Pierce Brosnan remarked Bond boss Barbara Broccoli wouldn't be happy with a Black Bond, she told HuffPostUK, "I don't know what Pierce is talking about."
Tom Hardy(03 of14)
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Arguably too rugged for the corridors of Westminster where James Bond has to defend his actions, but very, very popular.
Chiwetel Ejiofor(04 of14)
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Another actor who's been asked so many times, now he just smiles when asked.
Tom Hiddleston(05 of14)
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If pouting were all that is required, Tom Hiddleston would go straight to Vauxhall Bridge.
Clive Owen(06 of14)
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Has proved he has the required steeliness in any number of big screen roles, but success Stateside might make him no longer willing to commit.
Douglas Booth(07 of14)
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No gun or martial arts skills required, he can just look at them, and wait for submission.
John Boyega(08 of14)
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What the 'Star Wars' star may lack in stature, he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and appeal. Although the Bond villains might just want to cuddle him.
Taron Egerton(09 of14)
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Proved his action hero chops in 'Kingsman: Secret Service' and signing him now would mean Barbara Broccoli and co wouldn't have to worry again for at least a decade.
Michael Fassbender(10 of14)
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Like Pierce Brosnan, Irish charm could help the 'Steve Jobs' star int the role.
Sam Claflin(11 of14)
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The 'Hunger Games' star represents the best of British.
Tom Hughes(12 of14)
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Who, you ask? Set to play Prince Albert against Jenna Coleman in the forthcoming 'Victoria' TV series, Tom has already proven himself a master of espionage in 'The Game' and 'Page Eight', both on TV. When not if he gets the call, don't say we didn't give you the heads up...
Aidan Turner(13 of14)
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Aidan has made a legion of fans with his role of Ross Poldark, but it was his surprising turn in 'And Then There Were None' that really proved he could be enigmatic and dashing. (credit:PA)
Jeremy Clarkson(14 of14)
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... or alternatively, don't say we didn't warn you.