 | |
Madonna news - July 2002
← June 2002 | Aug. 2002 →
Madonna in autumn magazines *rumour*
31 July 2002Rumour has it that Madonna has done some photo shoots the past few days and that the pictures will be used for the October or November issue of Vanity Fair. She supposedly would also grace the November cover of Jane Magazine, as well as the October or November cover of W. There's been no confirmation of this, nor are there any details about the photographer. More soon.
Madonna items in Sotheby's charity auction
Source: uol.com.br - 30 July 2002Madonna has given some of her famous dresses from her personal collection to a charity auction promoted by the Sotheby's house. Until now it's known that some of the dresses included are the Jean-Paul Gaultier bustier from the Like a Prayer video and a dress from her Vogue video, as well as several jewels by french designer Maripol.
The items are expected to reach betweeen 1000 and 3000 US dollars and will be auctioned on Sothebys.com in September. Madonna contributed to another auction last year, with another dress designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier that reached the price of 21,000 US dollars.
Madonna on TRL? *rumour*
Source: Ananova - 30 July 2002Madonna and Kylie Minogue are to guest on MTV's TRL next month. Ozzy Osbourne and his daughter Kelly will also be among the star guests on the show. P Diddy will also be lining up alongside the Osbournes, on the show hosted by Carson Daly. TRL is broadcast live in the US from a glass-walled Times Square studio.
The show features live music performances and superstar guests. TRL is shown on MTV UK and Ireland on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm. Madonna is the studio guest on August 2, with Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne and P Diddy on the show on August 8. Kylie will feature in a special 'beach house' edition of the show, filmed on location, on August 9.
~ Strangely, MTV doesn't mention this on their website. Even more, the TRL page says there's no show scheduled for friday. However, MTV UK is planning a 'classic' edition of TRL on friday, so it's very likely to be a repeat of the 2000 show in which Madonna promoted The Next Best Thing.
ET tonight's Swept Away preview
30 July 2002Yesterday US TV show ET Tonight showed a preview and behind-the-scenes of Swept Away. They showed quite some interesting scenes:
Madonna and co-star Adriano kissing on the beach. When they continue after Guy repeatedly shouts 'cut', he yells 'That's enough, get off her!' ;-)
Has Guy lost his homophobia? He certainly wasn't afraid to lay down in Adriano's arms, to show Madonna 'how it's done'.
When Madonna gets chased by Adriano, she stumbles off a hill. ET praised her for doing all the stunts herself.
Madonna is seen dancing in her bikini on the beach, in front of Guy, singing Come On A My House - a song that she dubs in the movie.
Madonna and Adriano seem to have had a lot of fun on the set. During a scene in the sea, he playfully pulls her under water.
Check this thread at the MadMax forum for some screenshots (courtesy of SteveM). Also thanx to MadGuy for the info.
Boy comes between Rosie & Madonna
Source: NY Daily News - 30 July 2002Rosie O'Donnell may have to do some explaining to her friend Madonna now that the former talkmistress wants to bring Boy George to Broadway.
O'Donnell recently went to London to see Madonna onstage in "Up for Grabs." But the show she really gobbled up was "Taboo," George's campy musical about his band, Culture Club, and the "New Romantic" scene of the '80s.
Rosie is now in talks to bring "Taboo" to New York next spring. "I know it'll be a huge hit," O'Donnell tells us. "It's got heart, humor and art - all the things I love."
Madonna probably loves the Boy somewhat less. Shortly after "Taboo" opened, her lawyers forced him to cut a number that featured her fashion anthem Vogue. He's been hissing at her ever since. Recently, he accused her of Botox abuse, claiming there is "no motion in her face whatsoever."
Performance on Die Another Day premiere? *rumour*
Source: ianfleming.org - 30 July 2002An intriguing report in the UK press appeared recently on Madonna and the Die Another Day premiere. The Observer, on July 14, claimed that the 43- year old singer will perform the title track live for the Queen at the film's world premiere in London.
The Observer's report quoted a source as saying: "She was delighted to be asked to play for the Queen."
If true, the prospect of a live performance of the song, which is yet to be confirmed, will undoubtedly increase media interest in the premiere, which takes place before royalty at the Royal Albert Hall in November. It is already destined to be a high-profile event due to the fact that the movie has been chosen as the Royal Film Performance in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.
As well as fans of royalty and numerous James Bond enthusiasts, the possibility of legions of Madonna fans all hoping for a glimpse of their heroine will obviously be a publicity coup for DAD's marketing strategists.
Madonna completed her small cameo appearance as a sword- fencing instructor at Blades on the last day of filming at Pinewood in early July, and is now due to finish recording the title track and music video in Los Angeles in August.
She has spent the last two months treading the boards in a play called "Up For Grabs" at London's Wyndham Theatre. The play, in which Madonna took the part of an art dealer, was a sell-out, despite being attacked by theatre critics. Her involvement in the play came to an end on July 14 and was rounded off by a celebration party attended by the singer and her husband, director Guy Ritchie. More on Die Another Day.
Oakenfold and Thunderpuss remixing Die Another Day *rumour*
28 July 2002It has been rumored by many sources that Paul Oakenfold has already completed remixes of Die Another Day! Paul has remixed for Madonna in the past and is also a Maverick artist. There are also whispers that Thunderpuss have been asked to do a remix of the song but that they haven't even begun work on it yet.
Predictions about Guy and Mo's marriage
28 July 2002On the website of StarsInLove.com, people can predict which star couples are going to last and which aren't. More than half of the voters predict that Guy and Madonna will split in 18 months from now. Let them know what you think.
Guy Sigsworth on Madonna
Source: Manchester Online - 28 July 2002[...] It's not a million miles away from the woozy bliss of Madonna's What It Feels Like For A Girl - no surprise seeing as Guy [Sigsworth] takes a production credit. And we have to ask: "I think Madonna actually is a real pro. I think one thing about her as a singer is she's completely aware of what she can do well and what she can't, and she's totally in charge.
On that record she only took three takes to get everything, and we could have got on it even from the first take. And she's definitely a co-producer anyway, there's no way you could just shout orders to her across the studio, it does not work like that!"
Preview of Q&A with Madonna & Guy in ICON38
Source: ICON - 26 July 2002ICON: Spiritually speaking, you seem so centered. What do you attribute most to helping you get to this point in your life?
MADONNA: I am working towards spiritual fulfillment. It is a constant struggle but pays dividends. Studying the Kabbalah, being in love, having a family, paying attention to the world around me and taking responsibility for my behavior. All of this helps immensely.
ICON: Please complete this sentence. I have given Madonna...
GUY: Sleepless nights of loooovvve...
ICON: Now that you are happily wed, one question has yet to be asked. Have you ever been embroiled in a "casting couch" controversy.
GUY: Have you seen the people I worked with? Doesn't apply.
ICON: How do you deal with creative differences when making a movie together?
MADONNA: I tell him I won't make dinner if he doesn't agree with me, he puts me in a choke hold. He wins. Then I pout and he gives in later.
The entire interview can be read in ICON38.
Love scene from Swept Away on TV
26 July 2002U.S. tv show "Entertainment Tonight" will premiere one of Madonna's love scenes from her upcoming film on Monday, July 29. The love scene takes place on a beach and shows Madonna dancing around in a skimpy bikini. It is a MUST SEE! Check it out this coming Monday.
Die Another Day filming ends with Madonna's visit
Source: Yahoo UK - 25 July 2002Filming on the new James Bond movie has been completed. Work on Die Another Day ended with Madonna's visit to the set to film her cameo. She was joined by the son of the late Desmond Llewelyn, who played Q. Justin Llewelyn spent the day working as an extra in the film. Die Another Day is due to be released on November 18.
Sun apologizes for untrue Hamilton story
23 July 2002British tabloid The Sun today wrote: "On June 22 we reported that Eddie Hamilton, who edited Madonna’s new film Swept Away, was overheard at a London party criticising the movie and predicting that it would be a flop. In fact, Mr Hamilton, who had been in Canada since April, has never criticised the movie or predicted that it would flop. We apologise for the error."
Madonna coaches Vinnie
Source: Codejunkies - 23 July 2002British movie hardman Vinnie Jones has been taking singing lessons from close friend and pop queen Madonna. The former Wimbledon footballer is currently working on his debut album which will feature duets with big names like Denise Van Outen, Billie Piper and Westlife.
Jones was a recent dinner guest at Madge and film director husband Guy Ritchie's country mansion in the south of England - and he received some expert advice from the Material Girl.
An executive at the Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels star's record company Telstar explains, "You can safely say that Vinnie's not shy. He had no problem at all singing in front of Madonna."
Q Mag on the making of Ray Of Light
23 July 2002The August issue of Q Magazine has a three page feature on the making of Ray Of Light. It has some very interesting insights on the collaboration between Madonna and William Orbit. Fansite LittleStar scanned the pages for you to read.
Billboard readers rate Bond cameo as 'Must See'
Source: Madonna.com - 23 July 2002The music industry publication, Billboard has polled it's online readers to ask which musicians' non-musical output is most anticipated.
Madonna's appearance in the Bond movie 'Die Another Day' took 21% of the votes - just behind Eminem's appearance in the movie '8 Mile' with 26% and Beyoncé Knowles acting debut in 'Goldmember' with 24% of the votes.
No Madonna at MTV VMA?
23 July 2002MTV has announced the nominees for this year's Video Music Awards, which will take place at New York's Radio City Music Hall on August 29th. Scheduled are performances by Pink, Eminem, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, but no mention on Madonna. Long time it was rumoured she would premiere Die Another Day on the show, but it would be surprising if MTV didn't mention this to promote the show, so her performance is rather unlikely.
Madonna pix at Rankin exhibit
Source: Madonna.com - 22 July 2002In Berlin, there is an exhibition of Rankin photographs showing until the 30th of August. Rankin has been responsible for some beautiful Madonna pictures, and some Madonna portraits will also be on show. More info at camerawork.de.
Madonna obsessed with Swept Away, Guy moves on
Source: MSNBC - 22 July 2002Madonna is obsessed with making her next flick a hit, while her director hubby seems to have moved on, says a source close to the project.
Madonna, desperate to avoid yet another film flop, has been working overtime on final editing changes on 'Swept Away', the remake of the 1974 flick that stars Madonna and is directed by her hubby, Guy Ritchie.
But the movie's advance buzz has been mixed, and the film went back to the editing room after a test audience reportedly razzed it. "Madonna has been driving crew members crazy with demands for changes", says the source. "
But Guy doesn't seem to care about the film. He's moved on. He's focused on his new project." Ritchie is hard at work on an epic film about the Siege of Malta, a 16th-century battle, said to be starring Anthony Hopkins and Robert DeNiro.
"It's a big budget film, in the $75 million range, and unlike anything he’s ever done. He's obsessed with it." Madonna's spokeswoman wasn't available for comment.
Die Another Day lyrics? *rumour*
21 July 2002Fansite Flirtation Madonna claims to have obtained the lyrics for Die Another Day. Click here to read but remember this is only a rumour so far.
ICON 38 in production
21 July 2002Icon 38 is in production. It will feature an exclusive Q and A with Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie, coverage of Up For Grabs and and article about the making of Swept Away.
From Madonna Fan Club: Looks like another backstage pass treat! "We're currently putting the finishing touches on ICON 38 and are really excited to get this issue out in the mail to everyone around the world.
Along with Madonna's personal letter to her Fan Club members, we've got an exclusive Q&A with both Mr. & Mrs. Ritchie themselves, exclusive backstage/ rehearsal photos and coverage of Madonna's Up For Grabs performance, more stunning pictures and an article on the making of Swept Away starring Madonna and written and directed by Guy Ritchie, along with an exclusive behind-the-scenes spread on the Making of Madonna.com by none other than the folks who built this amazing website.
All this along with the rest of the inside scoop from Liz "The Validator" Rosenberg, all of the regular features and a whole lot more! Plus, as an added bonus for all current ICON members, included with your ICON issue will be another very exclusive backstage pass left over from the Drowned World Tour randomly chosen from one of the shows. Each show had different passes produced for that particular show, some being cloth and some laminated — but all are totally genuine, very official, and ultra-collectable!"
Two Emmy nominations
21 July 2002Madonna's Drowned World Tour is nominated twice for the 2002 Emmy Awards: 'Outstanding Choreography' and 'Outstanding Costumes For A Variety Or Music Show'. The 54th annual Emmy Awards will be presented Sunday, September 22, by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Most anticipated acting performance
21 July 2002Madonna's forthcoming appearance in 'Die Another Day' is one of the choices in Billboard online's latest "Voting Booth," in which they ask music fans to express their opinions on music-related issues.
The current question: Which of the following acting performances by musicians in film, stage, and TV are you most looking forward to? Madonna faces stiff competition from the likes of Eminem, Beyonce Knowles, and Jennifer Lopez, but is currently holding her own in fourth place out of nine possible choices. You can vote at Billboard.
Madonna & Guy, the hot couple
Source: VH1 - 21 July 2002Featuring Madonna and Guy: They're beautiful, they're sexy and we're obsessed with their every move. They're the hottest couples in rock. From the past to the present. the scary to the scandalous. the under-appreciated to the under-aged. the gorgeous to the greatest of all time. VH1 and Entertainment Tonight team up, with the help of US magazine, to reveal the inside scoop on the most intriguing relationships in music history.
Madonna voted top fitness role model
Source: MLVC mailing list - 21 July 2002According to SHAPE readers, you're still no match for Madonna, at least when it comes to fitness. The 43-year-old superstar, long known for her passion for eating healthy and staying in tip-top shape, was named most popular fitness role model in the SHAPE Readers' Choice Awards 2002, featured in the August issue.
"It's not really a surprise to us that Madonna topped the list this year," said SHAPE's Editor in Chief, Barbara Harris. "She's a great example of today's fit woman because she has a clear sense of herself and she continues to find ways to incorporate working out and staying centered into her busy lifestyle."
To compile the results, SHAPE asked 5,000 readers to reveal what they love best in workouts, food, clothes, gear and beauty products.
M to star in Evita play? *rumour*
Source: PeopleNews - 12 July 2002The latest word on the Theatreland grapevine is that an Evita revival could be on the cards; a campaign for the rebirth of the classic Argentina-based Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber extravaganza seems to be gathering pace.
What are the odds that Madonna could be persuaded to take the lead role? After all, she's now got proven West End box office appeal, and her turn alongside Antonio Banderas (and Geordie rascal Jimmy Nail) as the wife of the Argentinian leader in 1996 is widely considered to be her only successful film performance.
With the success of Bombay Dreams, Sir Andrew is enjoying something of a renaissance himself. He might be making that call sooner rather than later.
- Unedited outtake from Pop Magazine
11 July 2002Madonna Electronica obtained this unedited outtake from the photo shoot for Pop Magazine.
No Orbit on new album
11 July 2002We've just had confirmation from William Orbit's official site that he is not working with Madonna on her new album. The recent press reports are wrong.
Some details on Bond theme *rumour*
11 July 2002MadMax member Robster16 has today checked in with some news on Madonna's title track for Die Another Day. Unlike previous Bond tracks Madonna's will not be a ballad, but rather an up-tempo track. I recently learnt that a version has been played at Eon offices in London which was described as 'rap'.
While the person was listening to the Die Another Day title track, it was possible that they were listening to a remixed version that will appear on the single. In related news, while Madonna jets off to LA to record the video-clip for the song it has also been confirmed that director Guy Ritchie, her husband, won't be directing the video clip. And finally, the song has been produced by Mirwais.
The lesbian Bond girl
Source: ITV - 11 July 2002For those who thought that the fencing instructor had no longer to do with earlier reports of lesbian kissing: "Madonna looks set to become the first lesbian Bond Girl - at her request. The singer reportedly demanded that producers on Die Another Day make her character gay after she found out she is not cast as a traditional Bond babe, swooning over Our Hero.
In fact, her character is said to be the only woman in the film who does NOT get to romp with Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan. That looks like a loss of face for the woman who in real life bedded men at will in her carefree bachelor days.
Madonna plays a fencing instructor and has already shot a swashbuckling sequence in which Bond duels with villain Gustav Graves, played by Toby Stephens, at a London gentlemen's club. The Material Girl's next appointment with Bond is in Los Angeles next month to film a video for the song she wrote that accompanies the title credits."
Fan UFG report: M gets better and better
11 July 2002MadMax member Daniel reports about the July 9th performance of Up For Grabs:
"I went to see Up for Grabs again last night (I have been four times before in May and June) and I wanted to share with everyone how much Madonna's performance has grown over the run of the show. She is so much more relaxed, natural... she has filled in her performance to add more nuances/layers, her character has grown (ex the "snorty" laugh which she used to only do in the lesbian scene, is now sprinkled throughout the play).
The whole cast seems to interact and mesh together better. Scenes flow more and many have been re-worked to be either toned down (ex. some exchanges between Manny and Phyllis have been made a bit sweeter and not so confrontational in the first act) or fleshed out to have more impact (ex Lauren and her husbands fight before he walks out is much more emotional and believeable).
Overall, she has really grown and proven herself to be a real actress. (My friend went with me and expected her to be bad, thinking she cannot act, and walked out saying that not only was she not bad, but she was VERY GOOD)."
New Swept Away pictures
10 July 2002Fansite Madonnasworld has posted some new pictures from Swept Away. Madonna looks sexy as ever - these pictures certainly contradict the rumours about the 'unflattering images'. Rumours are circulating that some of these pictures will appear in Harper's Bazaar.
More on Swept Away Behind The Scenes
Source: Daily Telegraph - 10 July 2002Despite the best efforts of the world's media, Madonna and Guy Ritchie have managed - more or less - to keep the details of their married life from reaching the public. That looks set to change, up to a point, with the release of an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of Swept Away, the Ritchies' first film collaboration.
Scriptwriter Dan Cadan, a close friend of the couple, spent two weeks on the set of the film and shot more than 40 hours of footage, which is now being edited into a half-hour documentary. "People read so much about the Ritchies, but to me they are just normal people living life as a family," says Cadan.
"I wanted to get that across. Madonna and Guy are constantly mocking each other. They can be very rude, but very, very funny. I was only using a small camera and, because I know the kids and all the nannies quite well, they were totally relaxed and natural. There's some amazing stuff: one time we were out on a boat and Rocco, who was one at the time, managed to pull the pin out of a fire extinguisher and soak Madonna's entire wardrobe."
Cadan first met Ritchie when he worked as a runner on the set of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He has since helped edit several of Ritchie's scripts and also wrote the sleeve notes for Madonna's GHV2.
This weekend, he is shooting a film for Dunhill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Cadan's documentary will be released alongside Swept Away, which is scheduled, following a lengthy delay, to arrive in cinemas in mid-October.
Christmas release for new album? *rumour*
10 July 2002According to american music channel VH1 Madonna will have a very special christmas present for her fans: her new album! If this turns out to be true, the album will be released much sooner than expected! VH1 also announced that Madonna is playing a lot of guitar on the album and that the album is heavily rock-influenced.
Madonna in Elton John's new video? *rumour*
10 July 2002
I stumbled upon this rumour on the VH1 message board: "I've heard through the 'grapevine' that Madonna will be starring in Sir Elton's hot new video/song called 'Original Sin' from his grammy-nominated 'Songs From The West Coast' CD.
Is she the lucky 'lovely diva' that gets transformed down the 'yellow brick road'? Check it out by contacting VH1 and MTV's TRL and requesting this hot new video! "
Liz and MGM confirm Bond cameo
10 July 2002Several news sites report that Liz Rosenberg has confirmed that Madonna was on the set this week to film her cameo role as a fencing instructor in the new Bond movie Die Another Day.
She has shot a sequence that will be edited into a swashbuckling scene in which Pierce Brosnan, as Bond, duels with villain Gustav Graves, played by Toby Stephens, at a London gentlemen's club. Rosenberg said Madonna was flying to Los Angeles next month to film a video for the movie's title song. The song itself has already been recorded.
MGM has also released a press statement confirming the cameo and the release dates of the movie and the song:
"In addition to composing and performing the title song, Madonna will also appear in EON Productions and MGM Pictures Die Another Day, it was announced today by producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Details of the role are still top secret.
Starring Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, the film also stars Oscar®-winner Halle Berry, Toby Stephens, Rosamund Pike, Rick Yune, John Cleese, and Judi Dench. Die Another Day will be released on November 22, 2002, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Bond films.
Madonna's 'Die Another Day' single and music video will be released in October.
Wilson and Broccoli said, "We are thrilled Madonna has agreed to make a cameo appearance in Die Another Day. Her dynamic personality and onscreen presence will compliment the incredible title song she wrote and performs and which plays an integral part in the film."
Throughout her extraordinary career, Madonna has appeared in several films, including Evita, for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. Her other big-screen appearances include The Next Best Thing, A League of Their Own, Shadows and Fog, Truth or Dare, Dick Tracy, Desperately Seeking Susan, and the upcoming Swept Away, directed by her husband, Guy Ritchie."
Nicole Kidman to take Madonna's role?
Source: NY Post - 10 July 2002Poor Madonna and her spotty film record may be losing out again. The Material Mom has high hopes that she'll get to star in the movie version of her West End hit, "Up for Grabs" (which ends its limited, sold-out run next week).
But the play's author, David Williamson, is said to be aiming a bit higher and likes the idea of having fellow Aussie Nicole Kidman portray his sell-at-all costs art dealer on the big screen.
The only consolation for Madonna is that she will get to play the role on Broadway next season. They'd be mad not to have her, for curiosity value alone.
Die Another Day gets October release
9 July 2002Madonna's publicist Liz Rosenberg has announced that the Bond theme Die Another Day will be released in October 2002. This means it will start getting airplay in September. The Bond film will be released worldwide in November, with the premiere taking place in the Royal Albert Hall in London, in the presence of Queen Elisabeth as well as our Queen of Pop.
Swept Away rated R
9 July 2002Yahoo! Movies reports that Swept Away has received a MPAA Rating: R for language and some sexuality/nudity.
Song titles added to ASCAP
9 July 2002Two new titles have been registered in the ASCAP database for Madonna, titled 'La Petit' et 'Liquid Love'. The database doesn't specify a performer, but gives writing credits to Madonna L. Ciccone and William Mark Wainwright (aka William Orbit).
Rumours are circulating this could be songs for the new album, but Madonnafan MadMarfi points out that these titles were registered right before Lo Que Siente La Mujer, so they are probably left-overs from the Music recording sessions.
Madonna among 'power women' celebrated in London exhibit
Source: Reuters - 9 July 2002The rock world's top 20 female icons are celebrated in a photographic exhibition opening at Britain's National Portrait Gallery Monday. The exhibition, "She Bop," was inspired by former music journalist Lucy O'Brien's book "She Bop II: The Definitive History of Women in Rock, Pop and Soul."
Exhibits range from rocker Chrissie Hynde to soul diva Dusty Springfield and disco queen Madonna. "Female artists haven't been given the recognition that they've deserved and I felt there was a whole history of women to be written to chart how big a part women have played in popular music," says O'Brien of her book and the exhibition.
"Images of women usually portray them as pretty or good looking. These photographs are different in that they show the charisma and power of the singers," adds the author, who used to work for British music newspaper New Musical Express.
Up For Grabs on film? *rumour*
Source: Daily Mail - 8 July 2002One of the trends in twenty-first century theatre has been turning films into plays and musicals — The Graduate and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang are two notable examples. Now it seems as if this trend may be reversed — or at least come full circle, with reports in the Daily Mail that Madonna is keen to star in a film version of David Williamson's play Up for Grabs, in which she is starring at Wyndham's Theatre.
The play has been a good vehicle for her first foray onto the stage for many years, and enabled her to join the growing list of Hollywood stars appearing in the West End. It is thought that a number of high-profile actresses — including Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and Julia Roberts — might be interested in a film of Up for Grabs.
Nothing has been decided yet, however, and Madonna's legion of fans certainly must hope that she will take the play from the stage to the screen. After all, she gave a stunning performance as Eva Peron in the film version of Evita, and even though her performance at Wyndham's has had mixed reviews, the camera clearly loves her.
Madonna's cameo finally revealed
Source: CommanderBond.net - 8 July 2002It's been one of the most discussed roles for Die Another Day and one of the most confusing as well. It has long been debated whether or not Madonna will have a role in the next James Bond film. Moreover, how she'll actually appear in the film has also been heavily speculated.
To date, the most popular theory has been that Madonna would appear in Die Another Day as the Scorpion Girl, a character who is involved in the torture of Bond. However, CommanderBond.net has learnt otherwise.
Madonna's role in Die Another Day will be that of a fencing instructor. The scene that Madonna features in will take place at the Blades Club in London. The scenes at Blades do involve James Bond dueling villain Gustav Graves both inside and outside of Blades, however, audiences will only see Madonna inside.
The singer recently filmed her cameo role at Pinewood Studio's outside of London. We're told that Madonna's scenes in the film may have been cut down, possibly due to time restraints. Originally her fencing instructor character had a fair sized role in the Blades sequence.
Rumours describing a scene where Madonna and Halle Berry's character, Jinx, kiss are all false. Berry is already back in the United States filming for the second X-Men film. Despite the possibility of a smaller role, there is also the possibility of seeing Madonna outside of the Blades club.
Director Lee Tamahori has previously revealed that Madonna was having a dress specially designed for her work in the film by fashion house Versace.
Upcoming Madonna book: Madonna's Drowned Worlds
Source: MLVC mailing list - 7 July 2002Late 2003/early 2004, Santiago Fouz-Hernández and Freya Jarman will be releasing a new scientific book on Madonna, titled 'Madonna’s Drowned Worlds: New Approaches to Her Cultural Transformations (1983-2003)'.
It will concentrate on her influence on 'Gender Identities', 'Sexual Identities' and 'Ethnic Identities'. More info on the website of the Music Department of the University of Newcastle.
Madonna demands changes in Die Another Day script? *rumour*
Source: Sunday Mirror - 7 July 2002The 43-year-old star has demanded the script is changed for her cameo in Die Another Day. But it's proving to be a major headache for the production crew as she's insisted her husband Guy Ritchie rewrites it. A source said: 'It's a major hassle. But at the end of the day, it is Madonna and whatever she says goes.' Madonna, who also sings the film's theme tune, is due to start shooting scenes opposite 007 Pierce Brosnan.
MTV Moviehouse premieres Swept Away Behind the Scenes footage
5 July 2002"Tonight MTV Moviehouse showed another Swept Away exclusive, showing behind the screen's footage. They showed Guy and the crew filming a scene in the water between Madonna and Adrianno.
Adrianno's character appears to be snorkling up behind Madonna's character in a bikini, he grabs her and pulls her down into the water, after which a soaking wet but smiling Madonna struggles to get up as she playfully hits and smacks him.
Also they talked about Guy giving Madonna a "few pointers", and they show Madonna resting in the sand beside Adrianno as Guy layed down and caressed Adrianno's chest and set his cheek against it, showing Madonna how it's done.
Then to top things off, Guy appeared to have staged a little gag just for behind the scenes footage. They showed him filming a scene in which Madonna and Adrianno were kissing out in the surf, but when Guy yelled "cut!" they kept on going! Guy shouted "that's enough!", getting playfully angry and eventually running across the sand towards the two, screaming "get off her!""
Madonna against re-release of Sex
Source: PeopleNews - 4 July 2002It seems that Madonna is mellowing in her old age. The 43-year-old Queen of Pop has told publishers that she will not allow them to release a special tenth-anniversary edition of her notorious book, Sex.
Warner Books suggested to Madge that the erotic tome – that featured such luminaries as Naomi Campbell and Madonna's then-boyfriend Vanilla Ice – might be due a second lease of life and that some previously unseen pics could be included.
It seems, though, that Madonna was not so keen on the idea. Says a source, 'She is married with two kids now, and she thought it wouldn't be the done thing – she more interested in shooting than bondage nowadays. And you shudder to think what Guy would say about the whole thing.'
Dr. Dre & Paul Oakenfold to work on new album? *rumour*
Source: Madonnarama - 4 July 2002Several producers have been called in to work on Madonna's forthcoming album, but her latest choices are bound to turn a few heads! Madonna has personally called rap producer/artist Dr. Dre to help out with some tracks on her new CD.
We have been told that Madonna first called Dr. Dre a few months back and asked him to do a track on the new "Austin Powers" soundtrack which is released on Maverick Records next week. Dre agreed to do it and has remixed the Rolling Stones' classic "Miss You" for the forthcoming Goldmember soundtrack. Insiders say that Madonna was so blown away by the track that she has asked him for some help on her new album.
No decisions have been made, but Dr. Dre's management are said to be against the idea, saying it's "too pop" for him. Madonna has also asked remixer Paul Oakenfold, (who has remixed What It Feels Like For A Girl) to help out on the album. Oakenfold has just released a successful CD called "Bunka" in the U.S. on Madonna's Maverick Records.
Die Another Day video to be filmed next week? *rumour*
Source: Madonnarama - 3 July 2002"Madonna is set to begin filming her video for Die Another Day in London next week according to U.S show Access Hollywood. It was said that the costumes and special effects are going to be awesome and the main video concept will be Madge as a James Bond character with her "kicking some serious ass".
She will take on several disguises throughout the video, with wigs and specially designed costumes and there was even talk of appearances from Gweneth Paltrow, Sheryl Crow, and Pierce Brosnan. Guy Ritchie will be directing it.
Note: Though this story was reported on Access Hollywood, it's still only a rumour at this stage. As Madonna is still performing in 'Up For Grabs' until 13 July, it's unlikely that the video will be shot for at least 2 weeks."
More on Air track
2 July 2002The rumour that the French group Air will be producing a track of Madonna's next album has now also surfaced on the site of MTV France:
"Madonna seems to be organising a whole team of french collaborators for her next album! She is working with Mirwais (producer of Music), musical arranger Michel Colombier (who worked on Don't Tell Me and the next Bond theme) and now recently also the duo Air.
A source at Record Makers, Air's record label, has confirmed to MTV.fr: "There have been multiple contacts between Madonna and Air. But each time something came in between. Now they picked up the idea again to collaborate on the new album.
Madonna gave them 'carte blanche' to work on a track." No meetings have been arranged yet. "The track has already been sent to Madonna. She liked it a lot. They should be meeting up early september. The demo has no title nor lyrics so far."
Win the 'Star' BMW
Source: Madonnarama - 2 July 2002BMW are offering the chance to win the M5 car that Madonna rode in during Guy Ritchie's short promotional film for the company. The car is being given away as a prize to raise funds for the Karen G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Entrants to the contest are encouraged to make a donation to the charity. The disease is of course, very close to Madonna's heart due to her mother's premature death when Madonna was 6 years old.
The BMW M5 which appeared in the film "Star", has been signed on its dashboard by Madonna herself - making it one of the most unique collectors' items we've come across. To view details of the contest click here and to see the "Star" promotional film, click here.
WIFLFAG theme used in David Kelly show
Source: Madonna.com - 1 July 2002The Above & Beyond remix of What It Feels Like For A Girl is being used for frequently aired promotional spots advertising the new Fox series Girls Club. The new drama is from David E. Kelly (Ally McBeal, The Practice, Picket Fences) and centers on the lives of three women trying to fight the patriarchy of the legal system.
↑ Back to top of page