Spectre: Campaigners criticise Mexican government for allegedly spending £13 million on James Bond
'Bond may be a hero to some but for many here he is now cast as a villain'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At the beginning of Spectre there is one long shot featuring Daniel Craig’s James Bond walking through a Mexico City’s Day of the Dead festival, dressed in a skeleton costume. It has been praised by critics for being a fantastic set-piece and has reportedly boosted tourism in the city.
However, it has since been unveiled that the Mexican government allegedly bargaining with producers, offering financial incentives and tax rebates of £13 million to portray Mexico favourably in the film.
One local campaigner, Felipe Jurez, is hoping to hit back at the government. He told The Mirror: “He may be able to save the world but not even James Bond can rescue our image.”
According to the report, city chiefs demanded the countries reputation for corrupt cops and drug crimes not be mentioned in the film.
“The Government demanded 007 brush this country’s problems under the carpet robbing those who need that money most of vital services,” Jures continued.
“How many teachers or doctors would that cash have provided? It is a disgrace how our leaders put Hollywood before its own people.
“Poverty is so rife here, £13 million is a life changing amount for so many communities. Box offices around the world will be raking in millions, what have we got to show for it - nothing.”
The campaigner, along with hundreds of others, is demanded the Government justify their actions. The allegations were first brought to light by the Sony email hacking scandal.
Mexican officials demanded the studio do a number of things, including replacing city cops with a ‘special police force’, the villain not be Mexican, and the inclusion of a recognisable Mexican actress, Stephanie Sigman.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
A local restaurant boss, Marcos Ruiz, said: “We have seen an increase in the amount of mainly westerners visiting the square.
“Of course it is very welcome the increase in trade but it is nothing to what that money could of done for us in the city.
“Bond may be a hero to some but for many here he is now cast as a villain.”
Spectre, starring Craig, Christopher Waltz, Ben Whishaw and Lea Seydoux, is in cinemas now.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments