Operation Barracuda | James Bond fans will still flock to London despite postponement of No Time to Die

"In an unprecedented move, the global publicity machine leading up to the world's most anticipated movie of 2020 ground to a halt, in light of the current Corona virus threats to the entertainment industry. Daniel Craig's final Bond film, with the now ironically titled NO TIME TO DIE, was due for release last November 2019, then rescheduled for 14th February 2020 and then, seemingly, finally 31st March 2020.

Now, the new date of 12th November 2020 will hopefully be the final date." - Ajay Chowdhury

But they've bounced back Lynn! (Sorry have been binge watching Alan Partridge of late). Yes Bond fans have been put through the wringer once more. 

A statement released by MGM said it took the decision after "careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace".

In other words with a speculative 10-15% share loss due to all 70,000 cinemas closed in China since January, it was too much of a dent for the distributors to underwrite. According to the Hollywood Reporter the studio has already suffered a $30 million hit postponing the release.

Remmert Van Braam (pictured above) who runs the James Bond Lifestyle Website said  'Postponing the movie was undoubtedly one of the hardest decisions to make, and I’m sure nobody really wanted to, but I completely respect and support the decision.

For now, we can take solace in the avalanche of Bond related product releases, which should keep us entertained for a while! If anything I’m only more excited about the film and I hope Bond fans around the world will be able to experience it in November.'

The Bounce Back 

The James Bond community have proven to be a resilient bunch with 100s of fans still flocking to London for the weekend of March 28th to celebrate and attend events that were arranged prior to the films postponement.

One of the biggest events (that I’ll also be attending) is Operation Barracuda: a gathering of James Bond fans at the Barracuda Club on Baker Street which is part of the Grosvenor Casino London Collection. You might remember little old me went there not too long ago and did a feature on ‘What to Wear to a Casino’.

The club will now play host to one of the most anticipated Bond events in the year. Fans will be allowed exclusive access to the clubs VIP room where they can play poker, roulette and do all things Bondian in style!

Pete Brooker (pictured below) who hosts the From Tailors With Love podcast, dedicated to the style of James Bond, is co-organising the event with David Zaritsky from The Bond Experience.

‘Operation Barracuda will proceed as planned. (Said in a Blofeld voice). It will be an amazing event for the James Bond community. There will be quizzes, prizes, martinis and of course it’s a casino, you might want to dress sexy. I know I will be.' 

Ajay Chowdhury an authority on the James Bond franchise, and co-author of Some Kind of Hero, The Remarkable Story Of The James Bond Films, has also given us his reactions to the postponement and its effect on the Bond community. 

"The Bond industry has been shaken before, but never stirred like this. Prior to the last 007 film, 2015's Spectre, North Korean hackers leaked Sony Movie details including the screenplay for the then-as-yet-untitled movie. MGM Studio bankruptcy forced the hiatus of production of Skyfall which was originally announced to have a May 2010 opening.

The movie went to be become the biggest Bond ever in 2012. Litigation between the Bond production company, Danjaq, and studio MGM precluded a Bond film to be produced between 1989 and 1995. Prior to that, when the original Bond producers, Harry Saltzman and Albert R Broccoli parted ways, there was a gap in production from 1974 to 1977.

The Bond films keep calm and carry on. It's the world outside that affects them. Never their popularity. For now, this ConneryVirus as it has been dubbed by some fans, has done what most Bond villains fail to do: knock Bond out. For now. But, as it says at the end of each film, JAMES BOND WILL RETURN. Although disappointed, Bond fans know sometimes one has to die to live another day." - Ajay Chowdhury. 

What other James Bond events are happening in London? 

Exhibition 

The Iconic Images Gallery will also be hosting a Terry O'Neill exhibition to celebrate a book launch of Bond - Shot by Terry O'Neill.  Make sure to view their James Bond exhibition "BOND" open from 26th March through to 30th April.

Screening

The Close-Up cinema in Shoreditch will host 40 Bond fans for a viewing of a Bond film yet to be announced. You can find out more details through the James Bond Radio Facebook page. Currently there are 15 seats available. 

Travel like Bond

In the meantime Bond Fans you can still enjoy multiple James Bond locations and exhibitions in and around London. I have included an article here of some of the locations you can find.

Shop the Brands

If you want to shop the Brands of James Bond you can check out this article here by Peter Brooker. Brands include Sophie Harley (she did the jewellery for Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace) Orlebar Brown (featured in Skyfall) N.Peal, (Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die, Sunspel, Turnbull & Asser and many more.

Coronavirus: After James Bond delay, what next for Hollywood's new releases?

JAMES BOND WILL RETURN – 007 puts his 25th bullet back in the barrel for now

Operation Barracuda The James Bond Meet Up In London

Some Kind Of Hero The Remarkable Story Of The James Bond Films by Matthew Field & Ajay Chowdhury a REVISED PAPERBACK EDITION featuring SPECTRE and THE ROAD TO BOND 25 Published by The History Press, is available to buy on Amazon here.