The last James Bond movie saw the introduction of a new blond Bond in Daniel Craig. Casino Royale very quickly became the biggest grossing bond movie ever.
In this new sequel, Quantum of Solace, Craig is tasked with a much greater mission.
The movie cost NZ$360 million to make. So in these tougher economic times, can it recoup that investment?
The premiere was held at London's Leicester Square. There was miles of red carpet, thousands of screaming fans and a parade of London's who's who.
The real star of the show was named Bond, James Bond.
The night was not only about Bond, however. Striding forth onto the red carpet were two others in the employ of His Majesty's Service. Prince William and Harry pressed plenty of flesh in support of 007 before adjourning indoors to meet the cast and be among the first in the world to watch a brand new Bond.
Quantum of Solace is the first ever Bond sequel - it kicks off an hour after the last one left off. It has enormous box office boots to fill. Casino Royale grossed 38 percent more than its predecessor, Die Another Day, to become the most successful Bond ever.
So just hours before his royal world premiere, was Bond feeling a little shaken, even a little stirred?
"It's the same butterflies and nervousness," says Daniel Craig. "It's the first time I see it in front of a proper audience. So far I've only seen it in screening rooms.
"We've got Harry and William coming, it's a big event. A few drinks mite not go astray!"
Craig attended the premiere with his arm in a sling. "Its called a labral tear here in my shoulder. I don't know when it happened. It has six screws in it."
Quantum of Solace is certainly not short on action. Bond wastes no time getting right down to business with a ball-breaking car chase in the Aston Martin that'll keep even the most demanding petrol head happy.
Non-stop high-octane action was something new for Swiss director Marc Forster who took over the Bond director's chair from kiwi Martin Campbell.
"I am feeling the pressure is coming to a peak!" says Forster. "Casino Royale was the most successful Bond ever - why do you want to direct the sequel to that? I feel under the microscope of the fans and media. I just hope it goes well"
Of course it wouldn't be a Bond film without a Bond girl, and Ukranian model turned actress Olga Kurylenko certainly has all the pre-requisite attributes for the job.
When asked how it feels to be a Bond girl, Kurylenko answers: "It feels great. I'm part of the Bond legacy which has been going on for 46 years - it started before I was born!"
Kiwi bond fans will soon get their Quantum of Solace, the film hits New Zealand cinemas November 27.
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