For centuries now, Chicken Little has been predicting the imminent collapse of the sky -- and this fall, that prediction finally comes true. But don't worry, because when "Skyfall" arrives in theaters this November, humanity is in safe hands thanks to the presence of 007 himself, James Bond.
Check out our ultimate guide to Everything We Know About "Skyfall" So Far. And get ready, because this is one story that may not have a fairy tale ending.
Release Date: Nov. 9
Star Power: Daniel Craig returns for his third go-around as Bond, James Bond. But Craig isn't the only big name in "Skyfall." Besides fellow 007 stalwart Judi Dench, the 23rd Bond film also features Lord Voldemort himself, Ralph Fiennes, as well as Javier Bardem. Looks like Craig could be in for a real battle this time, friend-o.
Next Factor: For many fans, a new Bond film means one thing: a new Bond girl. This time, that honor goes to French actress Bérénice Marlohe, whose profile stateside is about to get a major boost. Still, the real breakout star may just be British actor Ben Whishaw, who will be playing the new, younger Q, Bond's right-hand gadget man. Whishaw has been getting rave reviews for his acting chops since he broke into the business a decade ago, but this is his first big role, and we're expecting big things.
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Behind the Camera: Bond films are usually more about who's in front of the camera than who's behind it, but "Skyfall" may be an exception thanks to the presence of Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes. Mendes may be best known for films like "American Beauty" and Revolutionary Road," but he also shot the moody gangland action piece "Road to Perdition," which starred a then-unknown Daniel Craig as one of the bad guys. With Mendes in charge, you can expect "Skyfall" to be more than just stunts and plot twists.
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Movie Math: "The Bourne Ultimatum" ÷ "Layer Cake" x "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" = "Skyfall"
Backstory: After the worldwide box office success of Craig's first two outings as Bond in "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace," a third film in the 007 relaunch seemed like a no-brainer. But when MGM went bankrupt in late 2009, "Skyfall" was put on hold indefinitely, raising the dire prospect that Craig would have to be replaced when -- and if -- the movie was ever filmed. Luckily, after a year in limbo, MGM was able to work things out, putting "Skyfall" back on track. Even Blofeld never came so close to finally defeating MI6.
In a Nutshell: Dame Judi Dench's M takes center stage in "Skyfall" when dark secrets from her past return to threaten MI6 and the whole of Western civilization. Bond has to decide where his true loyalties lie: with the company, or with his mentor? Rumor has it that this will be Dench's last appearance in the franchise, with Fiennes reportedly set to take over as the new M, so expect much of the focus to be on Bond's relationships with both.
The Buzz: Considering how popular the Craig version of Bond has been, you'd think buzz would be overwhelmingly positive for "Skyfall." But producers stepped in it earlier this year when it was revealed that, thanks to a new product placement deal with Heineken, 007 is going to be seen pounding back a brewski rather than sipping his usual martini, shaken not stirred. Still, it appears to be little more than a tempest in a mini-keg; by the time November rolls around, we expect even the most fanatical vodka supporters to be primed for some Bond action.
Why We're Psyched: What's not to love about Craig kicking butt, driving expensive cars and saving the world via watch lasers, parkour and well-timed romantic aggression? Sure, "Quantum of Solace" was a bit all over the map (literally as well as figuratively), but with Mendes on board we have no doubt that "Skyfall" is going to be top-notch as well as the perfect sendoff for Dench, who's the lone carryover from Pierce Brosnan's tenure as Bond. Sorry, Chicken Little, but you've got this one wrong: The sky is the limit for the 23rd Bond film.
