Lana Del Rey recorded a track for the film Spectre, Daniel Craig's fourth outing as Bond, but her song '24' was turned down by the 007 producers. Sam Smith's theme was chosen for Spectre instead of Lana Del Rey's. Many musicians have recorded James Bond theme songs which never saw the light of day.
David Arnold, who composed music for the Bond films Tomorrow Never Dies and Casino Royale, collaborated with Del Rey on the new game theme. IO Interactive is the developer of the game 007: First Light. IO Interactive previously developed the Hitman games.
It's a joy to watch two extraordinary talents like Lana Del Rey and David Arnold combine forces, the result feels instantly 'Bond' while still bringing a fresh identity for 007: First Light.
The game is due to launch on 27 May. The game will be available for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007: First Light has been delayed until later this year.
The game will tell an original origin story for 007. Patrick Gibson plays Bond in the game. The cast includes Lenny Kravitz, Alastair Mackenzie, and Kiera Lester.
Bond's return to gaming is a landmark moment for us at IO Interactive, and having a title song of this quality makes it even more special.
According to a press release, Hakan Abrak, the IO Interactive boss, said it is a joy to watch two extraordinary talents like Lana Del Rey and David Arnold combine forces, adding that the result feels instantly 'Bond' while still bringing a fresh identity for 007: First Light. He also noted that Bond's return to gaming is a landmark moment for the studio, and having a title song of this quality makes it even more special. David Arnold described the music of James Bond as a huge part of its identity, stating that a title song has to tell us about the world we are about to enter into, intrigue, excite, and beckon us in.
He said this song joins a long line of genre-defining songs, each creating a benchmark of style that adds to the magnificent heritage that is 'The Bond Song'. Arnold added that he was excited to work with Lana, an artist who brought elegance, atmosphere, and her totally unique character to this piece, which he hopes will open the world of Bond to a whole new audience. Sales or distribution plans for the game across platforms have not been detailed.
The music of James Bond has always been a huge part of its identity. A title song has to tell us about the world we are about to enter into. It has to intrigue, excite, and beckon us in. This song joins a long line of genre defining songs, each one creating a benchmark of style that adds to the magnificent heritage that is 'The Bond Song'.
The reason why Lana Del Rey's track '24' was rejected for Spectre has not been disclosed by producers.
That's why I was so excited to work with Lana, an artist who brought elegance, atmosphere, and her totally unique character to this piece, which I hope will open the world of Bond to a whole new audience.