Following the shock news that Amazon has taken full creative control over James Bond, with long-term 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stepping back, a new report has shed light on the next steps from the franchise — and a surprising revelation about one high-profile director who was snubbed.
Amid speculation that Amazon may decide to go with a Bond TV series, Variety reported that a new Bond film is still the “top priority.” As for what’s next, Amazon will allegedly first look for a producer for the franchise. Apparently David Heyman, who shepherded the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films with a cohesive vision, is the kind of producer Amazon is looking for.
Meanwhile, the report alleges that Christopher Nolan “expressed interest” in directing a Bond movie after Tenet, but Broccoli insisted no director would have “final cut” while she was in charge of the franchise and turned him down. Nolan went on to make Oppenheimer, which made nearly $1 billion at the global box office and won the best picture and best director (Nolan) Oscars.
Fans are particularly keen to know who will play Bond next. While some are calling for the likes of Venom star Tom Hardy, the MCU’s Idris Elba, Professor X actor James McAvoy, Magneto actor Michael Fassbender, and Kraven’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who was previously rumored to be top of the list) to be given the role, the clear fan-favorite is Superman and The Witcher star Henry Cavill.
According to Variety, Amazon is unable to hire anyone on Bond until the closure of its Broccoli-Wilson deal, which is expected at some point this year. The news followed an explosive report that alleged the future of the James Bond franchise was “on pause” amid what was described as an “ugly” stalemate between the Broccoli family and Amazon.
The behind-the-scenes battle between Barbara Broccoli, who had retained creative control over Bond and decided who played the iconic British spy, and Amazon, which acquired the right to release Bond movies after it bought Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in a deal worth $8.45 billion back in 2021, had left Bond “trapped,” the Wall Street Journal reported.
Amazon and Eon have yet to issue a comment.
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
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