Post-pandemic Bond premiere looks rather different, says arts and entertainment correspondent Jayson Mansaray
Things looked a little different at the biggest premiere London has seen post-pandemic.
There was no media scrum – far fewer crews than would usually be accommodated were spaced out with a strict policy of 1.5m between them and the cast being interviewed, with everyone off-camera wearing black masks to fit with the black-tie dress code.
Instead of the usual autograph hunters and fans hungrily waiting behind barriers for the stars, NHS workers and the armed forces were invited to attend the red carpet, see the film and meet the cast.
Talking ahead of the premiere the franchise’s producer Barbara Brocolli stressed that these were the heroes, not just James Bond.
The day had been filled with glorious sunshine that gave way suddenly to greying skies as clouds released their rain forcing media and crew alike to scurry for shelter and cover electrical equipment.
Still, stars of the film including Rami Malik, Lashana Lynch and Naomie Harris braved the very British weather for the premiere.
Daniel Craig, proving that he may not have as fractious a relationship with the press as we have been lead to believe, kindly telling us to “stay dry”.
Alongside the star power of the lead actors there was no shortage of excitement with props like cars, motorbikes and a giant silver 007 sitting prominently near the entrance to the Royal Albert Hall.
Giant screens projected clips from the latest film as Bond songs by Sam Smith, Adele and the latest popstar to take the lead – Billie Eilish played out on speakers.
Celebrity guests including Stormzy and Jason Momoa were among those heading down the red carpet, and will be among the first to see this Bond film – arguably the most anticipated ever thanks to release delays, Craig’s final outing and the secrecy shrouding the movie; no mean feat in a world where script leaks and promo tours mean we usually know what to expect long before we get in front of the big screen.
Tonight may have been a very British goodbye, with the weather refusing to play ball but with a real sense of occasion and of course the royal seal of approval it was also fittingly glamorous for the Bond who dragged 007 into the 21st century, redefining how we see the franchise.
