By Alexander Britell
007 is coming back to Jamaica.
The next James Bond film, the 25th in the iconic film franchise, will include a stop in Jamaica.
The news was revealed Thursday at a launch event by Bond producers and cast at the iconic Goldeneye estate, Bond creator Ian Fleming’s former home in Oracabessa, where he wrote all of the original Bond novels. (Goldeneye is now a luxury hotel owned by music producer Chris Blackwell).
It will be the first Bond film in Jamaica since Live and Let Die, which starred Roger Moore and included scenes at Jamaica’s legendary Half Moon resort.
It will also be the first Bond movie to film in the wider Caribbean since 2006’s Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s first turn as the British secret agent, in which the Ocean Club on Paradise Island in The Bahamas played a major role.
The desk where Ian Fleming wrote the Bond novels.
That’s of course along with the first Bond film, Dr. No, the vast majority of which was filmed in Jamaica, including Ursula Andress’ famous beach scene.
Producer Barbara Broccoli said Jamaica was the “spiritual home” of Bond.
“It’s just inspiring,” she said. “We just felt it was important to come back.”
The launch event for Bond 25 was set on the sand in Oracabessa.
The film, which does not yet have a title, will actually begin in Jamaica, where the sets will include a custom-built home, according to Broccoli.
It will premiere next year.
Bond stars at the launch.
The star-studded, beachfront launch event included Broccoli and producing partner Michael Wilson, along with Bond star Daniel Craig, director Cary Fukunaga and Naomie Harris, who will reprise her role as Moneypenny, among others.
This will be Craig’s final film in the role, producers said.
Fleming at his desk at Goldeneye.
Producers also announced that Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek will be in the film as the villain.
It’s naturally a boon for Jamaica tourism, which could see arrival numbers skyrocket in the film’s wake.