Bond 26 – What we know and the rumours abound…
As the sands of time pass, we find ourselves in the throes of anticipation for the arrival of Bond 26, an inevitable addition to the James Bond movie collection. MGM, Bond’s co-owner, fell under Amazon’s wing in 2022, but never fear, for long-time 007 producer Michael G Wilson avows, “there’ll always be a Bond.”
The next James Bond…
Navigating the seas of conjecture, one must ask: Who shall inherit the mantle of James Bond? Daniel Craig‘s exit from the role leaves the door ajar for a fresh face, but the chosen one remains shrouded in mystery. What should we expect from the new James Bond?
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, the masterminds steering the Bond ship, divulged some clues. In a Variety interview, Wilson revealed that Bond could hail from any ethnicity, but he shall remain male. Later, Broccoli told Deadline that they’re charting a new course for Bond, a “reinvention” that “takes time.”
Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, and Rege-Jean Page have all been whispered as potential heirs to the Bond throne. Yet, the most credible rumor thus far points to Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Alas, we must hold our breath until the producers cast their final verdict.
When will Bond 26 be released?
As for when Bond 26 shall grace the silver screen, Barbara Broccoli hinted in that it may be “a couple of years off,” perhaps making its debut in 2024 or 2025.
Speaking on the Empire Podcast in 2022, Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson hinted that the first stage of Bond 26’s development would likely involve collaboration with longtime writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade.
When Bond 26 graces the silver screen, it shall be under Universal Pictures’ banner. MGM inked a two-film deal with Universal to distribute No Time To Die and Bond 26. Despite MGM’s acquisition by Amazon, Broccoli and Wilson insist that the iconic franchise shall never be relegated to streaming services.
With the thrilling enigma of Bond 26’s release date and the identity of the next James Bond at the forefront of our minds, we eagerly await the unraveling of this cinematic mystery.
Who’ll be the Director?
One thing we know is that the producers will be wanting a prestigious director to elevate the series. Think a Sir Sam Mendes for Skyfall and Spectre, and Cary Joji Fukunaga for No Time To Die.
Unfortunately, Mendes has already distanced himself, but Danny Boyle, Yann Demange, Susanne Bier, David Mackenzie, and Denis Villeneuve are all potential contenders for Bond 26.
However, a name that resonates with fans and stirs excitement is none other than Christopher Nolan. In the past, he’s expressed his interest in directing a Bond reboot, even discussing it with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson.
He told Playboy in 2017, “I deeply love the character, and I’m always excited to see what they do with it. Maybe one day that would work out. You’d have to be needed, if you know what I mean. It has to need reinvention; it has to need you. And they’re getting along very well.”
However, in a recent interview about his latest movie, Oppenheimer, he was questioned whether he would be up for directing a Bond movie, but he distanced himself saying there would be too many constraints with doing a Bond movie.
Quentin Tarantino is on record as saying he wanted to do a version of Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale. Now that was in the 90s, but he’s huge Bond fan, and how amazing would that be if Tarantino was to make just one Bond film?
In the thrilling game of “Who will direct Bond 26?”, one can only guess the outcome. Whomever the chosen one may be, they will undoubtedly leave their artistic mark on the iconic franchise. And so, we wait with bated breath, as the mystery unfolds.
Daisy May Cooper as M?
There have been many rumors of late, purporting that Daisy May Cooper, the BAFTA-winning mastermind behind This Country, was in negotiations to join the esteemed Bond universe, taking over Ralph Fiennes as the enigmatic spy chief M.
An insider whispered that the 36-year-old could infuse the role with her signature comedic flair and eccentric touch, as the Bond producers endeavor to inject a more lighthearted tone into future installments. However, Cooper herself deftly deflated the rumor, quipping, “the only M I’ll ever be is Mental.”
Bond 26 Still a Long Way Off
With rumors swirling like a hurricane, some may hold water while others are mere flights of fancy. One thing remains certain: Bond 26 looms on the horizon, and the race for the next James Bond is well and truly underway. Let the countdown to the reinvention of Bond commence, and may the best man emerge victorious.
