London 2012 Olympics: Latest Updates, Rumors for Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London has turned into a bit of a controversial subject. 

By the time "The Isles of Wonder" actually kicks off on July 27, 2012, I'm sure all the kinks will be ironed out and we'll all be treated to a delectable visual treat. But, for now, there are a few updates and rumors swirling about that may interest you.

Danny Boyle Under Fire

Danny Boyle, the British filmmaker who directed the movie Slumdog Millionaire, is directing the opening ceremony, according to The Guardian.

He is said to be including "a village cricket team, 12 horses, 10 chickens, 70 sheep, a model of Glastonbury Tor, two mosh pits, and the largest harmonically tuned bell in the world."

The Guardian also reports that a coalition of six animal rights groups has attempted to persuade Boyle and the organizers of the 2012 London Games to reconsider using live animals in the spectacle, citing a 2006 Animal Welfare Act that "forbids causing any undue fear and distress to animals."

Boyle responded to their concerns, according to The Guardian, telling them:

"

...genuine care will be taken of the animals...will feature only in the very beginning of the show during daylight hours and will leave the stadium shortly after the 9pm start and before any large effects or noisy sequences take place.

"

The report states that the animal rights groups aren't happy with his response, though, and it remains to be seen what happens next.

U.S. Lawmakers Up in Arms over Uniform Controversy

If you haven't already heard, there is a ton of controversy surrounding the U.S. uniforms made by Ralph Lauren, which were made in China (h/t ABCNews.com).

In response to this controversy, many lawmakers have seized the opportunity to score political points by decrying the uniforms. 

According to another ABCNews.com report, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again.” 

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi added, “They work so hard. They represent the very best, and they’re so excellent. It’s all so beautiful. And they should be wearing uniforms that are made in America.”

Whether you agree or disagree with these sentiments, you know it's going to be a topic of conversation during the opening ceremony. That, in and of itself, is a crying shame.

Bond, James Bond ***Spoiler Alert***

According to the Daily Beast's Tom Sykes, James Bond will have a pivotal role to play in the opening ceremony.

He writes that, according to his sources, Queen Elizabeth II herself has made a cameo in a short film that features Daniel Craig as Bond, in which the Queen tasks him with a mission of great import: to open the 2012 Olympic Games.

Furthermore, after the short video is over, apparently Craig will abseil into the stadium out of a chopper to open the ceremony.