Fictional superspy James Bond, described as a 60-a-day smoker in the original Ian Fleming novels, has been smoke-free on the big screen for the last thirteen years – until now, that is.
In the upcoming Die Another Day, 007 is seen smoking one of the famous Havana cigars while on his latest adventure in Cuba. And the decision to portray the British secret agent back on tobacco has angered at least one anti-smoking group.
"I cannot think of another film star who would be so good for the image of smoking as the world's most glamorous and sexy spy," said a spokesperson for Action On Smoking And Health (Ash), who called the scene "a real step backwards".
However, another health advocacy group, the British Lung Foundation, has refused to protest the film, and in fact will be sponsoring a special screening of the blockbuster later this month. A representative for the not-for-profit organisation, which apparently did not know smoking would be featured in the movie, says that the clip of Bond puffing the cigar "will be used for education on the danger of smoking after the screening."
Meanwhile, one thing that is certainly red-hot is Pierce Brosnan's popularity as the iconic action hero. Fans will be thrilled to know that the hunky actor has revealed the latest instalment won't be his last. "I was asked to come back for a fifth before we started Die Another Day," he says. "The answer is yes."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
