James McAvoy May Star in Ian Fleming Biopic

By our guest blogger, Rob Stammitti

What secret agent out there is more suave, likeable, and all-around cool as James Bond, 007? Well, for starters, his creator, Scottish author Ian Fleming.

"Huh?" you may say. "There's no way some spy novelist was as awesome as James Bond!" Well, Fleming not only wrote James Bond--the man basically was James Bond.

Cinematical gives the scoop on Fleming:

"He came from a posh Scottish banking family, and was a world traveler from a very early age. During World War II, he was recruited from the Black Watch into Royal Navy Intelligence where he was the brainpower behind plans like Operation Goldeneye. His military background gave him a wealth of ideas for his Bond novels, and he eventually retired to Jamaica where he'd pen Casino Royale. By his own admission he always drank too much, smoke too much, and loved too many women -- all of which contributed to an early death at only 56 years old."

Certainly a life actually worthy of a biopic, unlike many semi-famous folks. Really, how many biopics could also be called spy films? The actor reportedly attached to portray the 007-creator is fellow Scot James McAvoy, known primarily for last year's "Wanted" and 2007's Oscar-nominee "Atonement." He wouldn't have been my first choice--I probably would've gone with Paddy Considine or Cillian Murphy, actors who have that mysterious air but could also appear urbane and intellectual. Still, McAvoy is a fine actor and should he actually be chosen and confirmed for the role I'd be pretty happy with the decision.