Heineken Brings James Bond’s Latest Movie, ‘No Time To Die’ To Nigeria

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Heineken, the International Premium alcoholic beverage from Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced that it would facilitate the premiere of the latest James Bond movie franchise ‘No Time to Die’ in Nigeria next month.

This was disclosed Friday at a press conference in Lagos as part of the brand’s plans for 2020.

Olaoluwa Babalola, the brand manager of Heineken Nigeria, said the brand is delighted to bring the most premium franchise in the movie industry, James Bond, to Nigeria.

Babalola said the brand would partner with the British High Commission to bring the latest movie starring British actor Daniel Craig, the fictional M16 agent, to Nigeria in March.

‘No Time To Die’, which is Daniel Craig’s fifth outing as James Bond, will be released on April 2 in the United Kingdom, through Universal Pictures International and in the United States on April 10 from Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios via their United Artists Releasing banner.

Daniel Craig stars alongside Lashana Lynch, Rami Malek, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, and Léa Seydoux in the Cary Joji Fukunaga-directed film.

‘No Time To Die’ is rumoured to be the last outing of Daniel Craig in the iconic series.

Since 2006 when he took the reins from Pierce Brosnan as the iconic character, Craig has starred in four Bond series: ‘Casino Royale (2006), ‘Quantum of Solace’ (2008), ‘Skyfall’ (2012) and ‘Spectre’ (2015).

Sarah Agha, Portfolio Manager, International Premium Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc revealed that the film will also be premiered in other parts of the country including Owerri, Imo State.

It has been the tradition of the Heineken brand to hold extravagant premiere for James Bond films in Nigeria as part of its over 20-year partnership with the film franchise.

In November 2012, Heineken hosted the premiere of the much-talked- about James Bond adventure, Skyfall, at Silverbird Galleria, Genesis Deluxe and Ozone cinemas in Lagos as well as Silverbird Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Enugu.

Heineken, which has been the proud partner of the Bond franchise for the last eight films, also launched its latest James Bond TV commercial featuring Daniel Craig in January.

The launch came ahead of the April release of the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die.

The TV commercial, shown in over 75 countries, gives a fresh perspective on Daniel Craig’s iconic portrayal of James Bond.

Focussing on the premise that Daniel Craig will always be James Bond in the eyes of fans around the world.

Starting with a high-speed taxi sequence, Daniel Craig is constantly recognised as James Bond by surprised locals as he hunts down his missing passport, before enjoying a cold refreshing Heineken. 

Meanwhile, talking fashion, Babalola said Heineken hopes to unveil a lot of fashion trends this year.

“This year, we are extending the Lagos Fashion Week to other cities, with Abuja part of the stable, and also hold the second edition of the Design Fashion Africa.

“Heineken has expanded the fashion class by bringing in the Design Fashion Africa (DFA) in 2019, in addition to the Lagos Fashion Week (LFW) that we have done for the last five years.”

Adding, Agha said as part of the brand’s 2020 plans, it aims to set fashion trends and develop raw talents.

While referencing the 2019 edition of DFA, Agha said the brand focused on people who have designed but have not had any chance to showcase their works in a professional way.

She said this year’s edition of DFA would also focus on raw talents in the fashion industry.

“For this year, our mission is clear and that is to bring the best of entertainment. We will also tap in on resourceful talents in the fashion industry,” Agha said.

She noted that Heineken would set the templates for fashion in 2020 so those who seek to upgrade their fashion can look up to the brand.

“Nigerians are stylish, there are a lot of creative people here and that is why we are investing heavily in the fashion industry and the creative space,” she said.

In addition to the fashion and entertainment plans of the brand, the brand said it is set to increase its partnerships with sports league in the world and bring more international matches to Nigeria.