SPECTRE: Go Behind The Scenes

Sony Pictures and Eon Productions have released the first behind-the-scenes footage and official photo from the latest James Bond film "Spectre". Both promo items deal with the shooting of a major action sequence in the Austrian Alps.

The name "SPECTRE," (an acronym for Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion) refers to the criminal organization that served as the main antagonist during the Sean Connery-era. This would all but confirm rumors of the return of Bond's nemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld here

This Blofeld will get a fresh start. The tone is said to be more sophisticated and along the lines of Telly Savalas' version in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" and less like Donald Pleasence (still my favorite incarnation) big screen reveal in 1967's "You Only Live Twice" or Charles Gray's turn in "Diamonds Are Forever". 

Daniel Craig is back as Bond--we will also see the return of Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris reprising their roles from "Skyfall" as M, Q, and Moneypenny.  Rory Kinnear is back as Tanner. "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace" baddie actor Jesper Christensen is back as Mr. White.

New cast members include Christoph Waltz as the villain Oberhauser (Blofeld?), Dave Bautista as Mr. Hinx, Monica Bellucci plays Lucia Sciarra, Blue is the Warmest Colour star Léa Seydoux as Madeline Swan, and Andrew Scott appears as a new MI6/Home Office staffer Denbigh.

 "...a cryptic message from the past of 'James Bond' sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While 'M' battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind 'Spectre' a global crime organization, for 'Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion'..."

Sam Mendes is once again directing the film. Veteran James Bond screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade have returned to perform rewrites. The duo have been the early writers on the film series since 1999's "The World is Not Enough,"and  they would often do the initial script drafts while other writers like Paul Haggis and John Logan would  polish. The pair were set to retire from the series after handing in their early drafts of "Skyfall," with Logan subsequently taking over the later drafts. Logan was writing the latest adventure solo.

Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will produce the new film.

The new Aston Martin DB10 will also be featured in the film and was unveiled at the announcement.

 "Spectre" is shooting at Pinewood Studios as well as in London, Rome, Mexico City, Tangier, and Erfoud.

The sequel is targeting a November 6th 2015 release.