Audiences can prepared to be shaken, not stirred—or whatever lousy 007 puns make it into the final product—with the news that James Bond is headed for the stage. Playbill has learned that Merry Saltzman, daughter of Bond film producer Harry Saltzman, has obtained rights to the production. Entries in the film franchise usually rely on an enigmatic title that hints at a villain, location, or major plot point. In contrast, James Bond: The Musical is happy to work in plain view, which is only fitting for a super spy given to using his own name during undercover work.
The book will be written by novelist Dave Clarke, with music and lyrics by country crooner Jay Henry Weisz, ensuring that Bond’s honky-tonk roots remain intact. According to the producers of James Bond: The Musical, 007 will face off against several classic franchise villains, “plus some new ones.” The musical will also introduce its own Bond girl, which is kind of a given, considering the film franchise’s habit for unceremoniously dumping the female lead following each movie. Production is being scheduled for a late 2017 or early 2018 opening, and will probably premiere in either Broadway or Las Vegas. Casting hasn’t begun, but it may be moot given that the best candidate is no longer available.