The name’s Cooper, Scott Cooper

WHILE film fans around the world were patiently waiting for the new Bond film ‘No Time To Die’ to go on general release, one lucky Tyrone man was suited and booted on the red carpet at the UK premiere.

Massive Bond aficionado Scott Cooper, from Sion Mills, had a dream come true when he mingled with the stars at the Royal Albert Hall for the 25th installment of the long-running franchise. It was something that Scott had been keeping under his hat for a while.

Explaining how he got the ticket, Scott said, “I was going through a James Bond forum one day when someone posted up tickets were going on sale soon for the UK premiere, so immediately my interest was piqued, keeping a ‘Goldeneye’ out for the release date. On the day of the sale, I was up and ready, determined to get a ticket. After much refreshing on the computer and on my phone, I finally got one. I was thrilled, it felt better than getting a Thunderball on the lotto!”

With Covid now a permanent issue in everyday life, Scott took every precaution to ensure he would be fit to attend the premiere, taking two weeks off work, and even canceling two previously arranged trips to London to avoid any possibility of getting ill. It paid off, banishing the Spectre of any misfortune.

“I kept it to myself that I might be going, didn’t want to jinx it,” he added. “I wouldn’t have felt great if I told everyone and then was unable to go for some reason.”

Going to a Bond premiere wouldn’t be the same without a tuxedo and Scott made sure he was prepared, getting kitted out for the occasion by Danny Gallagher of RK Menswear in Strabane.

Scott says it gave him a ‘Craig-like swagger’ that only a tux could.

Enjoying a drink beforehand to steady any nerves, vodka martini shaken not stirred of course, Scott felt elated when he finally got to walk on the red carpet. The stars were kept separate of course, yet Scott was close enough to spot the likes of Ana De Armas, Ben Whishaw, and the man himself, Daniel Craig.

Scot continued, “It was an absolutely brilliant experience. As a Bond fan a definite dream come true and one, I’ll always remember, with plenty of photos as mementos of the day.

“The film itself was fantastic, a real licence to thrill and a fitting tribu犀利士
te to all Bond eras and a fitting end to Craig’s tenure in the role. It was a bold film, not like any one I’d seen before.”

A keen autograph hunter, Scott was on the prowl the next day outside the hotel where the cast stayed and was lucky enough to get some, including Lea Seydoux, who plays Madeline Swann in the film

Giving a final thought on his trip, Scott ventured, “I don’t know if I’ll be lucky enough to do this again, but my hope is that, like James Bond, Scott Cooper will return.”

By Paul McElwee