Even before Daniel Craig’s final outing, in 2021, speculation over who will play the next 007 has long entertained forums and sites – but the seismic shake-up in the superspy universe blows open the possibilities for the production as a whole
Words: Josh Lee
In late February, it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios had paid more than $1bn to acquire creative control of the James Bond franchise, a move that sees long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson take a step back, with Amy Pascal (the three latest Spider-Man titles with Tom Holland) and David Heyman (Harry Potter) coming in. Even before Daniel Craig’s final outing, in 2021, speculation over who will play the next 007 has long entertained forums and sites, with no shortage of contenders (our predictions can be found here) – but this seismic move in the superspy universe blows open the possibilities for the production as a whole. Here are some fairly obvious ways that the series might go…
Image: Getty
When it was assumed that Eon Productions would continue its control over Bond, prior to the February news, there were already rumours that the next instalment might see a younger 007 – one that would be set in the Cold War era, around the time author Ian Fleming published Casino Royale, his debut novel. Given the whole production is slated for a complete revamp, it does make sense to start from the years in which Bond begins to make his bones. This would essentially put to bed any lingering rumours linking older heads to the role (Tom Hardy et al.) and line up actors such as Jack Lowden.
When it comes to ballooning franchises, Marvel and Star Wars lead the way, with spinoff shows and no shortage of film churn (and Heyman’s Harry Potter will soon follow with its highly anticipated television series). Just after No Time to Die was released, there were suggestions that the next chapter could take a look at whoever holds the 007 role (in the film, Lashana Lynch’s Nomi was promoted to the spot in Bond’s absence) rather than James Bond the individual. Ana de Armas’s portrayal of CIA newbie Paloma also drew plaudits, with many suggesting she deserved more screen time. So, it could be the case that we get a wider scope of the super-agent universe, rather than a zoomed-in view of just Bond. Given the mixed reviews over this type of route taken by other major studios, many Bond fans aren’t so keen on this approach.
As with a young Bond, it might be worth Amazon experimenting with other characters’ backstory. Star Wars did it with Solo, The Book of Boba Fett, and Obi-Wan Kenobi – and Bond has no shortage of textured characters in its canon. It’s most obvious, most interesting pool to draw upon comprises the henchmen and masterminds; there could be a focus on Blofeld – perhaps similar to Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker origin story – or maybe Oddjob or Goldfinger. Younger audiences, meanwhile, might want more detail about Raoul Silva’s switch from MI6 to cyber terrorist.
Image: Getty
In an interview with GQ, the GoldenEye star said he’d be “interested” in a hypothetical return to the series. However, he went on to say that such a suggestion is “a rather romantic notion and idea… I think that it’s best left to another man, really. Fresh blood.” We’re not exactly sure that it would be a fine move for Brosnan to fully work the field again (we weren’t too keen when Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky re-entered the ring, in 2006) – however, we could definitely see him play an elder statesman role with a smidge of action, similar to Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick.
Ultimately, Amazon could just stick with the current formula that has garnered such a wide and loyal fanbase. Given it’s been nearly four years since the last release – and with the entire process of bringing something to screen still ahead – the studio may want to have something out fairly soon, and perhaps the most straightforward way to do that is by not upending things too much. A new lead, a new director and a new theme-song singer might be enough to freshen things up in the short- to medium-term future.
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