James Bond Headliners of 2002
Brosnan Agrees To Fifth 007 Film
January 11, 2002 - BBC News
Actor Pierce Brosnan has extended his contract to play James Bond for a fifth time. The Irish performer told reporters at the launch of his fourth 007 adventure he was keen to make one more film, but admitted it would probably be his last.
The 20th James Bond movie - as yet untitled - starts shooting officially at Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire on Monday before taking in locations including Hawaii, Iceland, Spain and London.
The movie marks the 40th anniversary of the series that began in 1962 with Dr No, starring Sean Connery.
Brosnan, 48, said he was delighted to be continuing in the role. "I will do another one. Time has gone by so quickly. It seems like only yesterday I was sitting here for GoldenEye," he said.
But he said he might be too old for a sixth appearance as the British spy. "It takes stamina to play this role. I would like to get off the stage with grace. I am honouring my contract here but it would be wonderful to do another one. After that, I do not know."
The 20th film will be directed by Lee Tamahori, whose previous successes include Along Came a Spider and The Edge.
Swordfish star Halle Berry and newcomer Rosamund Pike will be Brosnan's glamorous female co-stars.
Berry, who also worked on X-Men, said it a dream come true to be playing opposite 007. She said: "I hope I will fit in and do as fine a job as the women before me."
Pike, who has never starred in a movie before, admitted she was not keen on Bond when she was growing up, but said she was looking forward to an "electrifying" experience.
British actor Toby Stevens will play the villainous bad guy.
Other stars returning include Dame Judi Dench as M, Samantha Bond as Miss Moneypenny and John Cleese in the role of Q following the death of Desmond Llewelyn.
Bond will once again drive an Aston Martin, after a deal with the manufacturer. The V12 Vanquish will be the fourth Aston Martin that Bond has driven since the association began in 1964 with the film Goldfinger - when the DB5 was fitted with ejector seats and rockets.
Co-producer Barbara Broccoli is the daughter of Cubby Broccoli, the producer who originally brought Ian Fleming's spy to the big screen, and who died in 1996.
Broccoli and fellow producer Michael G Wilson, will receive a special award from the London Film Critics' Circle. The award will be presented at the Circle's 22nd awards ceremony on 13 February. It is being given to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the James Bond films, and the organisers say they expect some familiar Bond faces to be among the guests at the event.
- Unfortunately, there isn't a title as of yet. Although many speculate that it could be COLONEL SUN or ICEBREAKER. We will just have to wait and see.
Pierce Brosnan Is James Bond In DR. NOTITLE
January 14, 2002 - DSBG
What is going on at Pinewood? After Friday's press conference, Bond fans around the world have been told that Pierce Brosnan is going to do a fifth Bond movie. Well, that stops any rumors as to who will play 007 in Bond 21.
However, the conference does not stop there. We are introduced to actress Halle Berry who will play Jinx. She is suppose to be 007's match in every way. Will she be a good girl or a bad one is a question yet to be answered.
Enter 22 year old Rosamund Pike who earlier had been slated to play the part of MI6 agent Gala Brand. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, her character's name is now Miranda Frost. Who? Many fans were confused over this revelation. Is she playing two roles? This of course is another question added to the already sky high pile of questions floating around the Internet since The World Is Not Enough was shown at the local cinema.
Another revelation is the introduction of two actors playing the same role. Toby Stephens and Rick Yune are playing the role of Gustav Graves. At least that is the name The Hollywood Reporter has mentioned. Apparently Graves is a villain who has the capability of changing his appearence. One moment he can be a dashing British citizen, the next he can be an Asian military colonel.
Now there are reports about surfing scenes in Hawaii, ice chases in Finland and hovercraft escapades in Korea. But still no title. Lee Tamahori, the film's director has told Bond20.com that EON is hoping the fans will help in creating a great Bond title.
- This is exactly the way Tomorrow Never Dies began. I just hope if they do not use a Fleming title (and there are some unused ones), we may have a title every one will hate.
Goodbye Gala Brand, Hello Miranda Frost
January 15, 2002 - DSBG
Reuters interviewed actress Rosamund Pike on Friday. Several weeks ago on JamesBond.com it was revealed that Ms. Pike was to play the part of Gala Brand. A character that originally came from Ian Fleming's third novel MOONRAKER. During her interview she mentions that her character is 'cool and smart' and goes on to say 'that is why she is called Miranda Frost'. As she says this her eyes drift to one side as if she could not believe she was saying this.
So with that in mind and the villain having an 'ice palace' as his headquarters, one can only speculate that Miranda Frost will be a double agent working for the bad guys.
- With a name like Miranda Frost. I wonder if 007 will find her positively frigid?
COMMENTARY: Suggested Bond Titles - Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid
January 15, 2002 - by Stuart Basinger
Ain't It Cool News has reported that a focus group was held in Marina Del Ray in which they asked a group of people what title would be good for the 20th James Bond adventure. Four titles were offered but only three were memorable. They were IF LOOKS COULD KILL, DOUBLECROSS and BLACK SUN. The group was also shown campaign teaser posters for consideration. One poster had a silencer on a block of ice with smoke rising from it. Inside the smoke was an image of Brosnan.
Now from my point of view, this information is disturbing to me. I cannot help feeling that some high level executive in Follywood is in charge of choosing the next title. When I read about titles such as these being considered, Fleming must be rolling in his grave.
EON this is your 40th year. The title of the film should be based on a Fleming element such as SHATTERHAND, THE PROPERTY OF A LADY, RISICO or MY ENEMY'S ENEMY. The suggested titles proposed to the focus group are too lame and certainly would never have been considered by Mr. Fleming. And since the theme of the film is 'Ice' than using John Gardner's third James Bond novel title ICEBREAKER would still be ten times better than the ones from the focus group.
- As with most Focus Groups, this one is out of focus.
Bond On Ice
January 15, 2002 - IcelandReview.com
Location scouts working for the production company for the 20th ‘James Bond’ film have expressed interest in Iceland. However, initially the interest arose not in the island’s striking landscape, but in its rescue helicopters.
According to the rescue services, the production company called to enquire whether it would be possible to hire their powerful TF-LÍF helicopter for a day or so. Spokesman for the rescue team, Halldór Nellett confirms this report in daily ‘Fréttabladid’, and jokes that “ordinarily the service does not hire out its vehicles, but will make an exception for Mr Bond”.
Daily ‘Fréttabladid’ reports that locations under consideration include the area around the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the Skálafellsjökull glacier.
- See Iceland and Fly.
Legalities Slow-Up Bond 20's Title
January 16, 2002 - DSBG
According to JamesBond.com legalities have caused the delay in officially naming the new 007 film. Yarborough, EON's Internet press secretary, explains:
"You'll have noticed we aren't yet able to confirm a title. This is not for lack of ideas. These days, nearly every title is either already on a film or owned by somebody else and the process of checking out each one is laborious. I took a moment out during Friday to catch up with Rob and Neal, our writers. They've been working long hours recently with director Lee Tamahori putting a final polish on an already excellent script and there are several good title ideas in that which are being investigated. Rest assured, once a title is agreed, you'll be the first to hear about it."
He also goes on to explain that the rumor of both Toby Stephens and Rick Yune playing the same 'face changing' villain is false. Stephens will play the part of Gustav Graves and Rick Yune will play his, 'partner in crime', Zao.
- Well, that kills potential titles such as ICEBREAKER and SHATTERHAND.
The Art Of Choosing A Bond Title
January 17, 2002 - DSBG
What's a film production company to do. Word from JamesBond.com is that finding a title for the 20th Bond film is very time consuming because most titles have been used or bought. So what should the film makers do for their 40th anniversary epic. Borrow words from previous 007 films. Here are a few examples I came up with by simply using the words from the other titles:
01. The Spy Who Lived Enough
02. For You Loved Me Forever
03. Only Your Secret Service Dies Twice
04. The Goldenball Is Not On Her Finger
05. From The Eyes On The Moon With Diamonds
06. Licence To Love Her Majesty's Doctor
07. Worldraker
08. Never View The Daylight With Thunder
09. Are You Living With A Gold Octopussy?
10. To Kill Tomorrow And Die A Man
11. No, Let Russia Live With Her Gun
As you can see the process is very difficult. So with that in mind we can only hope that the title EON chooses will be better than the ones offered above.
- Don't give up your day job..
Scotland Forever For 007?
January 17, 2002 - DSBG
James Bond could be heading for Scotland in his latest adventure. One of the country's most famous shipyards is in line for a starring role in the secret agent's next movie. Producers have looked at Clydebank's disused John Brown shipyard, Scottish Screen said yesterday. And star Pierce Brosnan could film a hovercraft chase or a confrontation with villains there.
Scottish Screen spokeswoman Celia Stevenson said: "The producers have looked at John Brown and Rosyth naval base but they have been looking at lots of places.
"There will be the usual boat chase or running alongside a train scene. They did ask us for a picture of a large dockyard."
Scenes for Bond adventures From Russia With Love and The Spy Who Loved Me were also shot in Scotland.
- Hmm, the hovercraft chase scene is suppose to take place in Korea but could be shot in Scotland.
Olympic Gold Metalist Miranda Frost
January 18, 2002 - DSBG
Dr. Shatterhand has received more information about the character Miranda Frost. During the interview with actress Rosamund Pike from last Friday's press conference, she tells the interviewer that her character has many action scenes. Apparently her character is 'a sportsman' type who has won an Olympic gold medal.
Unfortunately, the audio was a little garbled when she says this but as the weeks go on and more information comes out, Dr. Shatterhand's Botanical Garden will report on it.
- Perhaps she's an Olympic sword fighter or fencer?
Toys For Boys
January 22, 2002 - The Beanstalk Group
The Beanstalk Group, the world’s leading licensing and promotional products agency, has been appointed to manage key aspects of the licensing program for James Bond as the franchise enters its 40th anniversary and releases the new Bond film, “Bond 20”.
“James Bond has captured the world's imagination for 40 years as the most famous secret agent of all time, becoming a truly powerful brand,” explained Keith Snelgrove, SVP of Bond Marketing Inc., the licensing arm of Eon Productions. “In the past year more than 15 licensing partners have signed on with the new program through Bond Marketing, including Mattel, Corgi, Boxtree Publishing, Sideshow Toys, and Swatch.”
In an effort to expand the licensing program further, Bond Marketing will be working with The Beanstalk Group to source licensees in a number of lifestyle product categories, including electronic ‘gadgets’, luxury barware, men’s grooming products, leather accessories, outerwear, collectibles and toys such as board games and action figures. “After a review of potential agencies, Beanstalk was the one company that understood that we are marketing a long term brand not a short term movie property. We knew they would be the ideal partner to ensure that our already successful 2002 licensing program could reach even higher levels,” Mr. Snelgrove noted.
The Beanstalk Group will also be developing the “Bond 20” product catalog of promotional merchandise to accompany the film’s much anticipated November 2002 release, for direct-to-retail sales as well as use by promotional partners for the movie.
Linden Nelson, CEO of The Beanstalk Group, commented: “With 19 movies and more than $3 billion in box office sales, James Bond is the most successful franchise in motion picture history. There are simply tremendous opportunities for this program and we look forward to celebrating Bond’s 40th year as the world’s greatest secret agent.”
Bond Marketing Inc. is the licensing arm of Danjaq, LLC and Eon Productions Limited owned by the Broccoli family who have produced nineteen James Bond films since 1962. The Bond films make up the most successful franchise in film history and include recent blockbusters films, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World is not Enough produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Danjaq, LLC and its affiliate Eon Productions Limited, control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise. Bond 20 (working title) commences filming on January 14, 2002.
The Beanstalk Group, with more than 250 employees around the globe, is the world’s leading trademark licensing and promotional products agency and consultancy. With offices in New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, and London, Beanstalk offers clients the opportunity to execute strategic licensing programs with global reach. Current Beanstalk clients include AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Harley-Davidson, Ford Motor Company, The Stanley Works, Mary-Kate and Ashley, McDonald’s, and Master Lock. For more information, please visit www.beanstalk.com.
- Do we get to see Bond toys in Happy Meals?
Behind The Scenes Of Bond 20
January 22, 2002 - By Kevin McElderry for The Age
In a chilly, cavernous hangar outside London, an ice palace is taking shape to host a centrepiece stunt of the 20th, as yet unnamed, James Bond epic. Builders hammer, saw and nail away, columns of fake ice wait to be hoisted into position and planks form the floor of a balcony encircling the colonnaded arena. In the movie, due for release in late November, the debonair British secret agent gets drawn into a spectacular car chase inside the palace as 300 guests mingle at a party.
The latest adventure will have all the traditional elements of the 19 previous Bond movies in the popular series which began 40 years ago with Dr No: fast cars, beautiful women, reality-defying stunts and lots of pyrotechnics.
So the mood was light, the sense of anticipation palpable, as Bond's current incarnation, Pierce Brosnan, breezed onto stage to launch full shooting. "Thank you ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Here we go again," he said, promising "wall-to-wall action" for his fourth outing as agent 007. "This one feels good."
The movie's makers have block-booked space at Pinewood studios, set in the English countryside about 30 minutes' drive from London, for 24 weeks until mid-June. Of course they could have sent everybody off to Iceland for the ice palace scenes, "but it was minus 15 and we couldn't really have 250 people there for six weeks," a spokeswoman said.
Bond must unmask a traitor to prevent a war of disastrous consequences, and will use all the charm and skills which have become loved by fans in the four decades since the famous spy first took to the big screen. No one is revealing too much about the gadgets likely to feature on screen. "That would spoil the surprise," says director Lee Tamahori. But producers promise that fans will not be disappointed when gadget-man Q, played by ex-Monty Python star John Cleese, takes our hero through his hi-tech aids.
Early drawings from the art department give a hint of what to expect. There's a Robocop-style armoured suit, complete with a firepower brassard and removable wrist control panel. Another design is for an ice yacht, inspired by real-life versions used in Michigan, in the United States, to skim across a frozen landscape. There are various designs for night-vision goggles; a Polaris satellite; a hovercraft; and, of course, cars. In fact, in a nearby workshop, mechanics are working on four Aston Martins and four Jaguars. After three movies where Bond controversially drove a German BMW, he is back behind the wheel of a luxury British car.
Sean Connery was the first Bond to drive an Aston Martin some 38 years ago in the film Goldfinger. On that occasion, the DB5 was fitted with extras such as ejector seats and rocket launchers. Makers of the new movie have refused to reveal what gadgets will feature in the new V12 Vanquish. Suffice to say, that with all the chases Bond gets involved in, eight cars - four Aston Martins and four Jags - will have been written off by the time shooting ends. Such is the secrecy over the exact design of the cars that they cannot be photographed Gadgets have always played a big role in previous Bond films.
- Cool! An ice yacht is to be featured.
Studio Says 20th Bond Film Will Be "Pretty Good"
January 25, 2002 - The Brains Trust
The world's favourite secret agent will be back in action for a 20th instalment of the enduring James Bond franchise. Shooting began this month near London and a movie producer says it will be "pretty good."
We're not going to fool ourselves," said Evan Snelson of EON, the company producing the latest 007 film. "In the past year, we've seen Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Then we have Star Wars episode two coming up. We think the Bond film will be pretty good, but it's not really going to compare to any of those pictures."
Pierce Brosnan will bring Bond to life for a fourth time in the as-of-yet untitled film. He, too, is reserved in his assessment of the film. "The role is a lot of fun," Brosnan said. "But let's be real. After 40 years, you get the point. The studio isn't going to pump a lot of money into sequel number 20. Bond is a reliable franchise, but we're not talking about a breakout piece of work. Still, it pays the rent, doesn't it?"
Snelson also confirmed that by casting Halle Berry as the female lead, the studio remained true to the proven formula of casting a woman 15 years Bond's junior who is physically fit and nice to look at but with marginal martial arts skills. "This isn't The Matrix," said Snelson. "If she looks good in a white shirt that accidentally gets splashed by a passing speedboat, all she really needs to be able to do is perform a half-decent judo chop. We have a stunt team who we've been working with for years. We'll make sure the bad guys fall down really well. Or well enough at any rate."
Also back in action is John Cleese as the lovable and quirky inventor Q. "Well," huffed the former Monty Python member, "I don't have much of a say in the scripts, you know. I changed the face of world comedy, but on these films, I just show up in a white coat, say the lines and try not to break any of the gadgets. Then I have to read awful publicity pieces about myself in the run-up to the film. And why do they always refer to me as a 'former Python'?"
Snelson summed up the film saying, "We think you'll get something along the lines of A View to a Kill or maybe even Man with a Golden Gun. We think the tag-line on the poster will be something like 'Quite a lot of explosions and a fair amount of running and jumping', or possibly 'Well worth eight bucks and you won't have to think too hard'.
Then there's the vexed question of title. With no more Ian Fleming novels left, the producers have to come up with fresh ones for each new movie. "Somehow," mused Snelson, listlessly toying with a copy of the script marked "fairly secret", "'Shaken not Stirred' seems oddly appropriate."
- The Brains Trust is a website that specializes in news parodies. I just thought this was funny enough to break up the monotony of the day.
Kilmarnock Location For Bond 20
January 25, 2002 - The Kilmarnock Standard
KILMARNOCK, Scotland could be the location of the new James Bond movie. Three Ayrshire businessmen are behind a major coup to bring the new 007 film to town.
The men, who own 3YA Media, have persuaded James Bond creators EON Productions to view a secret location. EON have already staked out several outdoor sites on the west coast of Scotland and need an indoor base.
The trio discovered what they believe to be an ideal venue for the indoor filming of the yet un-named 20th Bond movie. And Ayr-based Stuart Pollock, Kevin McMonagle and Robin Archibald are confident Pierce Brosnan and Co will be coming to Ayrshire.
Stuart revealed he believes 3YA's bid is currently the favourite to land the new Bond film. He said: "There are security risks at the moment and all we can say is that it is in the Kilmarnock area. But this place is tailor-made for a sound stage and all post-production work like indoor sets for the film. We are very excited at being involved in this and the indications from EON have been very encouraging. They said they had one or two other options but I got the feeling they were impressed by the location's plans."
This week EON told 3YA they will arrive in Scotland in a few days to personally inspect the Kilmarnock site. Earlier this month they stated the latest film, which co-stars Hollywood stunner Halle Berry, will be set in Scotland or Iceland.
They decided to stay closer to home after the September 11 atrocities increased security risks for the stars. And after 3YA's London contact's tipped them off on EON's intentions, they set about finding a location.
Kevin explained: "We heard what EON needed and immediately began sourcing a suitable site. We heard they had been looking at shipyards but our place has had £5M spent on it and is perfect for them. If we pulled this off the kudos for the Ayrshire area would be tremendous and it would be a massive boost to the economy."
An EON Productions spokesman confirmed on Tuesday: "We are in the middle of negotiations with 3YA for an indoor location on the west coast of Scotland." Remarkably, 3YA was only formed a few months ago primarily to design web sites and offer internet service providing and multi-media marketing. But already they are on the verge of a huge deal for the Ayrshire, if not Scottish, business world.
Robin said: "The Bond deal would be a great way to start, but we won't make that much if the deal comes off. But we didn't just meet each other last week, we've been doing business together for about ten years now."
- Not too bad if you're primarily an Internet company.
Will Yun Lee Joins Cast Of James Bond 20
January 25, 2002 - Ananova
Will Yun Lee has been added to the cast of the new James Bond film. He has previously appeared in Face/Off. A spokeswoman for Bond's producers Eon confirmed to Ananova Lee will be in the new film.
According to www.commanderbond.net, he will play a character called Colonel Moon. But EON Productions have so far refused to reveal the name of his character.
- I am personally not to fond of the name Colonel Moon. Perhaps Shatterhand or even Colonel Sun would be better? Gee, I'm beginning to sound like a broken record.
007 Dis(Gold)members Austin Powers
January 28, 2002 - by Marcus Errico for E Online
Forget Dr. Evil and Mini-Me, it's apparently James Bond that poses the biggest threat to Austin Powers. The International Man of Mystery has been shaken, stirred and otherwise dismembered by 007. Or make that dis-Goldmember-ed.
MGM and Danjaq, the British company that controls the Bond film license, have obtained a cease-and-desist order against New Line Cinema that prohibits New Line from calling the latest installment of Mike Myers' shagadelic spy series Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Apparently, the 007 folks weren't too keen on the double entendre of Goldmember--a takeoff on the 1964 Bond classic, Goldfinger--and released the legal hounds to force the name change.
"MGM/UA and Danjaq have a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone who tries to trade in on the James Bond franchise without authorization," says an MGM spokesperson.
Over the past 24 hours, New Line has begun frantically recalling all promotional materials--posters, trailers, photos and anything else that bears the name Goldmember--from movie theaters, TV stations, Websites and other media outlets.
"We are currently in the arbitration process and trying to resolve this matter under the MPAA guidelines," the studio says in a statement. "Until that time, we will be referring to the film as the third installment of Austin Powers."
The suddenly untitled flick, which began shooting late last year, could require some serious tweaking if New Line can't get the Bond folks to budge. In addition to playing Powers, Dr. Evil and Fat Bastard, Myers was reportedly going to add a new character to his repertoire. The name? Goldmember.
One of the most anticipated films of 2002, the latest Austin Powers misadventure will costar Michael Caine as Austin's dad and Destiny Child's Beyoncé Knowles as the love interest. Returning cast members include Michael York, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling and Verne Troyer. Jay Roach once again mans the director's seat.
New Line is banking on the film's success. The first installment Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery grossed $88 million worldwide and its sequel, The Spy Who Shagged Me more than tripled that sum, earning $310 million, making it the highest grossing film in New Line's history. Myers reportedly netted $25 million for the third episode.
MGM and Danjaq have been fiercely protective of their multibillion-dollar Bond cash cow over the years. They successfully sued Sony in 1997 after the studio tried to launch its own 007 film.
- Mr. Myers, does the name Kevin McClory mean anything to you?
Goldfinger Vs. Goldmember
January 29, 2002 - by Steve Gorman for News24.com
Los Angeles - Suave secret agent James Bond may have won the first round in his battle with bucktoothed super-spy Austin Powers, but the international man of mystery isn't giving up his mojo without a fight.
New Line Cinema on Monday vowed to appeal an industry arbitration panel ruling that forced the studio to withdraw movie trailers, posters and online promotions for its upcoming third installment of the hit comedy franchise starring Mike Myers, Austin Powers in Goldmember.
The Motion Picture Association of America panel last week ruled that the Goldmember title was inadmissible, in response to a complaint by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, home of the Bond films.
MGM claims that Goldmember, a spoof on the title of 1964's Goldfinger, the third in the Bond series that starred Sean Connery as agent 007, infringes its copyright.
Studio executives also object to Goldmember promotional materials that send up various Bond characters and posters.
MGM vice chairperson and CEO Chris McGurk said the studio and the production company behind the Bond films, Danjac LLC, "have a zero-tolerance policy toward anyone who tries to trade on the James Bond franchise without authorisation".
But officials at New Line, a unit of AOL Time Warner, insist that last week's ruling dealt with a "procedural infraction" involving the studio's attempt to register the movie's title.
"The issue that is currently in dispute does not pertain to the title or content of the film," New Line said in a statement.
A studio spokesperson said New Line would take its appeal to the MPAA on Thursday. In the meantime, the film will be referred to as "the third installment of Austin Powers".
The decision forced New Line to recall about 11 000 trailers it had in circulation in theatres across the country, many of them attached to its hit fantasy epic, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the spokesperson said. She added that "teaser" posters for the film "would be coming down about this time anyway".
The movie, set for release next July, co-stars Michael York, Michael Caine, Heather Graham (reprising her role as Felicity Shagwell) and Beyonce Knowles from the soul trio Destiny's Child as Foxy Cleopatra.
It's the third in a series, following 1997's Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and the megahit 1999 sequel, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, in which Powers resorts to a time machine to recover his stolen "mojo", the secret to his incredible libido.
Myers, who co-wrote the script and shares producer credits, again plays an assembly of roles, including Austin Powers, the villainous Dr Evil and a new character, Goldmember.
As a legal matter, New Line could easily defend its use of Goldmember as a parody protected under the "fair use" doctrine of copyright law, as the rap group 2 Live Crew successfully did in a US Supreme Court case involving a parody of the Roy Orbison song Pretty Woman, legal experts said.
The Goldmember flap is not the first between MGM and New Line over Austin Powers titles. MGM initially challenged the use of The Spy Who Shagged Me, an obvious play on the 1977 Bond title The Spy Who Loved Me.
But that dispute was settled when New Line agreed to include trailer play for MGM movies on its Austin Powers sequel.