The release of last year’sSpectremarked the end of Sony Pictures’ distribution deal with Eon Productions, meaning Bond producersBarbara BroccoliandMichael G. Wilsonarecurrently meeting with a number of other possible suitors—from Warner Bros. to 20th Century Fox—to see who will fund and steer the release of the next Bond picture. There’s also the matter of the franchise’s star,Daniel Craig, who has been more than vocal about his desire to holster his PP7 for good (“I’d rather break this glass and slash my wrists”was his exact wordingin a recent interview regarding a return forBond 25). So post-Spectrewe might also have a new actor in the role, which islooking increasingly likely.
But of course there’s also one other matter that’s up in the air: who’s going to direct?Sam Mendescame in and crafted one of the best Bond films in history withSkyfall, then was subsequently wooed back to see if lightning would strike twice withSpectre.His time with the franchise is complete, though, which means we’ll get to see a new filmmaker take a stab at the long-running character next.
And it’s this last point that I’d like to focus on. The role of a director in the James Bond franchise has varied throughout its history. Sometimes the director is incredibly integral to shaping the picture as a whole, while other times he’s more of a traffic cop, shuffling the franchise along without rocking the boat too heavily. The most recent string of Daniel Craig-fronted Bond pictures, however, have been much more filmmaker-centric, so it stands to reason that trend will continue withBond 25. We could be at a pretty big turning point here with a new studioandpossibly a new star, so if that’s the case one imagines this next director might have the opportunity to reinvent Bond all over again.
So, without further ado, I’ve crafted a list of 10 filmmakers who would make exciting choices to follow in Mendes’ footsteps and take the helm of the 25th James Bond picture. And below that, I’ve included a poll so that you, the reader, can sound off withyourpick.
Danny Boyle
If producers are looking for a more visceral, less formal take on the franchise in the wake of Mendes’ measured approach,Danny Boyleseems like a fine choice. The Oscar-winningTrainspottingand28 Days Laterfilmmaker has a knack for striking imagery and unique set pieces, and coming off theAaron Sorkin-scripted dramaSteve Jobshe’s now had a masterclass in dialogue and character study. His filmography is varied yet uniquely “Danny Boyle”, and he’s yet to tackle the spy genre, which makes him an exciting prospect indeed.
Edgar Wright
A master of structure and impeccable timing, I’m convinced there’s little thatEdgar Wrightcan’tdo, so why not give him a stab at one of the most famous franchises in history? The mere thought of Wright getting to craft action sequences and set pieces on a massive Bond budget is reason enough to back him for the gig, but he could also bring a breath of fresh air to the franchise should they be looking to reboot a bit and make things a tad lighter. Admittedly he’s maybe a bittoosingular to fit into a blockbuster franchise mold, but I’m mighty curious to see how the filmmaker would attempt to blend his sensibilities with some of the established tropes that make James Bond “James Bond”.
Christopher Nolan
The modern iteration of the Bond franchise has favored established filmmakers over less seasoned independent filmmakers, so with this in mind,Christopher Nolanis pretty much a given to be included on this list. He’sexpressed his desire to direct a Bond film before, though with the caveat that he’d want to do so with a new star so he could set his own direction for the franchise. If Craig’s time is indeed up, would Nolan still be interested in putting his own spin on the Bond series? His serious and formal style is maybe a tad too similar to Mendes’ to immediately followSkyfallandSpectreif the producers are looking for something markedly different, but if he wants the job I have a hard time believing they’d turn him down—especially if the rights for Bond end up at Warner Bros.’, Nolan’s home studio.
Ava DuVernay
While non-Americans traditionally helm the Bond franchise,SelmafilmmakerAva DuVernaymakes for averyfascinating prospect. Rumors ofIdris Elbataking over the franchise as the next Bond are still very much just rumors for now, but if producers did decide to go with Elba, one imagines DuVernay would be an excellent choice to usher in the first non-white 007. She has a strong handle on character and set pieces (the Edmund Pettus Bridge sequence inSelmais jaw-droppingly great), and shewas close to signing on to helm Marvel’sBlack Pantherso she’s not exactly averse to franchise filmmaking. Moreover, having a woman helm a Bond picture could bring about a wholly unique take on the character, which is a major plus given how long this franchise has been going.
Tom Hooper
Here’s another filmmaker who has expressedhis desire to direct a Bond filmin the past. The Oscar-winningThe King’s SpeechandLes Miserablesdirector may at first glance seem like an odd choice, but then again so did Mendes when he was first announced forSkyfall. In fact, in a recent interview with us, Hooper himself admitted that he’s looking to do something significantly different for his next feature after releasing the period dramaThe Danish Girl, so James Bond could be right up his alley. I’m not exactly convinced he’s therightchoice to direct a Bond picture (Les Miserableswas a departure for Hooper and didn’t turn out great), but I am incredibly curious to see what, exactly, a “Tom Hooper James Bond film” looks like.
Sam Taylor-Johnson
Let’s be frank: James Bond is, at his core, a misogynist. It’s a character trait that’s been prevalent throughout the franchise’s history to varying degrees, and one that Daniel Craig himself seems to understand pretty clearly. But if Broccoli and Wilsonreallywanted to shake things up, they could enlist someone likeNowhere BoyandFifty Shades of GreydirectorSam Taylor-Johnsonto tackle this aspect of Bond head-on—in between car chases and fist fights, of course. She’s a curious prospect to be sure, and whileFifty Shadeswas a mixed bag, it was clear there was a more interesting film in there trying to get out. Would Taylor-Johnson even be interested in something like Bond? Who knows, but I’d certainly be eager to see her make a mark on the franchise with somethingveryoutside the box.
Bennett Miller
Speaking of outside the box,Bennett Milleris a fascinating guy. The filmmaker behindCapoteandMoneyballis another “not so obvious” choice, but he’s flirted with franchise filmmaking before—he was in the mix to take the helm ofThe Hunger Games: Catching Firebefore ultimately passing in order to realize his passion project,Foxcatcher. ButMoneyballproves he can handle studio filmmaking with ease while still making the project incredibly personal, and the guy has a really strong handle on character, so I think he’d make for a fascinating left-of-center choice to steer a different kind of Bond entry.
Denis Villeneuve
Here’s a filmmaker who’s on the cusp of breaking out in a big way.Denis Villeneuve’s indieIncendiesput him on the map andPrisonerscaught the attention of Hollywood, but it’s Villeneuve’s latest feature,Sicario, that proves he’d make one hell of a James Bond picture. His drug war thriller is absolutely dripping with tension, showing off Villeneuve’s incredible gift for pacing and theme, and it’s clear he could put together quite possibly the most intense Bond picture yet. Sure he’s got another franchise reinvention on the books already withBlade Runner 2, but it’s hard to believe hewouldn’tturn out an exciting entry in the Bond series. Plus, if Villeneuve came onboard, he could bringSkyfallcinematographerRoger Deakinsback to the franchise as well. It’s a win-win!
Lesli Linka Glatter
Speaking of tension, veteran TV directorLesli Linka Glatterhas been killing it on the Showtime seriesHomelandfor the past few years, and Bond would certainly herald a major return to feature filmmaking for theNow and Thendirector. Glatter is a pro who’s both incredibly skilled and versatile, moving seamlessly between shows likeER,Mad Men, andThe West Wing, but it’s her work onHomelandthat showcases her knack for tension, suspense, and action while maintaining a focus on character above all. If the producers want to shake things up but still feel confident they’ve got an adept thriller director at the helm, Glatter would be a swell choice.
David Fincher
So yeah, this one’s a long shot, but if Craigdidreturn for one last go-around with James Bond, a reunion with hisGirl with the Dragon Tattoofilmmaker would make for one hell of a sendoff.Alien 3is the only time Fincher has ever stepped into an established franchise, so the burn of that experience may still be too much for him to take the leap, but still—this isDavid Fincher. Just imagine what kind of James Bond film he could put together. He turned downStar Wars: Episode VIIso again, long shot, but the prospect alone of seeing Fincher helm a big spy thriller is wildly enticing. Hey, a guy can dream.
But what do you think, folks? Who doyouthink should direct the next Bond? Sound off in the poll below.
