Key Takeaways
- The James Bond franchise needs a new actor and director post-Daniel Craig’s departure.
- Producers are reportedly eyeing director Steve McQueen, known for critical acclaim.
- Fans are eager for a fresh take on 007, with speculations about potential actors and directors.
The new James Bond actor may be fans’ highest priority, but the producers are reportedly eyeing an Oscar-winning director to helm the next 007 movie.
The James Bond franchise needs a new actor to play 007 following Daniel Craig’s retirement from the role in No Time to Die. Whoever is chosen to portray James Bond will also need a new director at the helm to guide them. Many fans think a James Bond film directed by Denis Villeneuve or Christopher Nolan would be perfect, but the 007 producers reportedly have their eyes on someone else.
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The Sun reports that 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen has “caught the attention” of James Bond franchise bosses. With the Oscar for Best Picture under his belt for 12 Years as a Slave and the critically acclaimed Apple TV Plus movie Blitz releasing in November 2024, McQueen’s track has seemingly impressed James Bond producers. The Sun’s source indicated a deal hasn’t been made but said McQueen reportedly had a “positive” response to the proposition:
“Steve is one of the UK’s best filmmakers and has an incredible vision. The word is that the Bond producers wanted to see if Steve would ever consider having a hand in one of the films and they got a positive response. It would be incredible if it came off.”
The Sun reportedly contacted McQueen’s representatives to inquire about the potential James Bond offer and received a “no comment” response. The online publication speculates that this means their source may be correct, as they were expecting to be “stonewalled” by McQueen’s team. Furthermore, while The Sun reported in early 2024 that Aaron Taylor-Johnson was offered the James Bond role, the outlet notes that casting for the next 007 is said to have restarted. British actors Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner are among the names reportedly linked to the role.
Notable scooper MyTimetoShineHello responded to the report by saying there was “no chance in hell” that McQueen would direct the next James Bond movie but did not explain the basis for this statement. Regardless, fans should take this information with a grain of salt until official sources make an announcement.
In February 2024, James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli said “nothing is happening yet” regarding the franchise’s next installment. With no casting or director announced nearly a year later, it will likely be a while before the next James Bond movie begins production. Still, fans are excited to see a fresh take on the character. While Craig’s tenure as James Bond is largely viewed as a success, some feel Spectre and No Time to Die didn’t end his 007 saga on the same high notes as Casino Royale or Skyfall. If McQueen is chosen to direct the next James Bond movie, his past work proves he may have what it takes to breathe new life into the franchise.
The James Bond movies are available on Prime Video.
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Source: The Sun