James Bond Pinball Machine: The Pinball Rumour Mill

James Bond Pinball Machine

Since the release of Sega Pinball’s GoldenEye in 1996, there has been speculation about a further James Bond pinball machine. However, to date no other 007 pinball titles have been launched.

The predecessor to Sega’s GoldenEye, Gottlieb’s James Bond 007 released in October 1980, was based on Roger Moore’s portrayal of the Bond character, which spanned the 12 years from 1973 to 1985. In contrast, Sega’s GoldenEye was based on the then current film title, which starred Pierce Brosnan in the leading role in 1995. So, what might be the theme of a new James Bond pinball machine – and when could we see it?

No Time to Die

The 25th and latest title in the James Bond franchise “No Time to Die” will be the final outing for Daniel Craig in the lead role. The film began production in 2016 and is the first title in the series to be co-produced and distributed by Universal Pictures, who acquired the rights following the expiration of Sony Pictures’ contract following the release of Spectre in 2015.

While MGM and EON Productions are the studios responsible for producing the 007 movies, neither of them is a distributor; hence necessitating a partnership with another studio that has that ability. On 23rd May 2018, it was confirmed that Universal had won the rights to internationally distribute Bond 25 on a one-film contract, with MGM releasing the film in the United States through a partnership with Annapurna Pictures.

Future Stern/Universal Pinball Agreements?

Universal’s merchandising track record is positive. In May 2018 in collaboration with Universal, Zen Studios announced that one of its most critically acclaimed video pinball packs was entering virtual reality on Oculus Rift, Oculus Go and Gear VR and that Pinball FX2 VR was releasing Universal Classics Pinball with immersive new features for fan-favourite tables inspired by E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws and Back to the Future. Furthermore, Stern’s recent pinball release Jurassic Park, was based on a Universal film. Could this imply future Stern/Universal pinball agreements?

No Time to Die Trailer

James Bond Pinball Machine: No Time to Die

Stern’s existing relationship with Universal, coupled with their recent liking for big titles, such as The Beatles and Star Wars, would suggest a Stern 007 pinball machine is a possibility. And given that Universal have only a one-film deal with MGM and EON, a Stern Pinball No Time to Die pinball machine, featuring Daniel Craig in his final outing, would make sense.

Bond cinematography lends itself to Stern’s video projector innovation, which recently featured on their Stranger Things and Munsters playfields. And the haunting theme tune by Billie Eilish complimented by voice overs featuring Rami Malek as Bond villain Safin, Léa Seydoux as love interest Dr Madeleine Swann, Ralph Fiennes as M and Rory Kinnear as M’s Chief of Staff, would certainly create an immersive pinball experience. So, when could we see it?

James Bond Pinball Machine: When Could We See It?

Filming of No Time to Die was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now scheduled for release on 12th November 2020 in the United Kingdom and on 20th November in the United States.

So, a No Time to Die James Bond pinball machine featuring Daniel Craig, Stern’s projector innovation, a haunting theme tune, plus a host of atmospheric voiceovers, to be launched on 12th November? With little more than 10 weeks to go will soon find out…

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