Dermot O’Leary pokes fun at 007 film’s postponement during BAFTAs

Fans of 007 have been hit with setback after setback with the latest James Bond film.

And Dermot O’Leary couldn’t resist taking a swipe at the drama surrounding No Time To Die’s postponed release date as he kicked off the 2021 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday.

The presenter, 47, also appeared to be channeling the super spy as he donned a sharp black suit alongside co-host Edith Bowman.

Speaking about the easing of lockdown Dermot told Edith, also 47: ‘Looking forward there are plenty of reasons to be positive.

‘Hopefully before long, we’ll get to go out and go wherever we please. Where would we head first?’

The Scottish radio host replied: ‘Nail bar, pub, restaurants, then back to the pub again.’

Dermot was quick to remark: ‘And of course cinemas are opening again soon… Finally we get to see the Bond film’s greatest nemesis, the release date.’

The much anticipated blockbuster has seen its planned premiere pushed back multiple times due to the Covid pandemic, after originally being slated to come out in April 2020.

But following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s February announcement that the government hope to end all lockdown restrictions on June 21, it’s been reported that No Time To Die’s release has been brought forward to September 30.

The final entry in the franchise to star Daniel Craig will still be released in the United States on October 8 as planned.

Since the Covid pandemic began, No Time To Die has opted to push back its release date rather than be released at a time when cinemas are either closed, or forced to open with limited capacity.

The film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, was originally scheduled for release in April 2020, but was pushed back to November before the release was changed once again to April 2021 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

No Time To Die is the 25th film in the franchise, and finds Bond after he has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica when his old friend Felix Leiter, played by Jeffrey Wright, from the CIA turns up asking for help.

Leaving his seemingly happy life with Madeleine (Lea Seydoux), Bond returns to the field to face Safin (Rami Malek) who is armed with a new dangerous technology that could impact the world.

Producer Barbara Broccoli has already teased what fans can expect and said that the movie will deliver a satisfying ending for Daniel’s Bond.

Speaking on the official James Bond podcast, she said: ‘It’s a culmination of everything that his portrayal of the character has been through and it ties up all the storylines. It’s a pretty epic film, I have to say.’

After pushing the film’s release back to April 2021 in October, MGM quashed rumours about whether it was thinking of offering the film to streaming services for a $600 million one-year licensing deal.

‘We do not comment on rumours. The film is not for sale. The film’s release has been postponed until April 2021 in order to preserve the theatrical experience for moviegoers,’ an MGM spokesperson told Variety.

Bloomberg had reported that Netflix, Amazon and Apple had all been approached about the possibility of the movie being offered up for Premium VOD.

However, according to Deadline.com, none of the streaming services were willing to put up more than half the amount the studio was seeking.

Lead actor Craig did defend James Bond producers’ decision to delay the premiere of the new film in October last year.

Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Craig said: ‘This thing is just bigger than all of us. We want to release the movie at the same time all around the world and this isn’t the right time. So fingers cross April 2 is going to be our date.’

The new release will be Craig’s final outing as the spy after landing the role for 2006’s Casino Royale. He has also starred in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.