What Directors Should Helm A Bond Film?

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  • edited September 18 Posts: 580
    Alright guys, I have a very stunning and bold idea: the director of BOND 26 should be...
    ...Barbara Broccoli
  • DaltonforyouDaltonforyou The Daltonator
    Posts: 556
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,414
    I'm really starting to get nervous Nolan is the man, because a lot of the big names are busy and we still don't know what his next film is... :-SS

    Edgar Wright - busy
    Denis Villeneuve - busy
    Mark Mylodd - busy

    Not that Nolan wouldn't do a good job, but I worry he might have a massive ego have winning so many oscars for Oppenhiemer, he could take bond into some weird directions.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    I'm really starting to get nervous Nolan is the man, because a lot of the big names are busy and we still don't know what his next film is... :-SS

    Edgar Wright - busy
    Denis Villeneuve - busy
    Mark Mylodd - busy

    Not that Nolan wouldn't do a good job, but I worry he might have a massive ego have winning so many oscars for Oppenhiemer, he could take bond into some weird directions.

    Oh boy….

    As far as we know, two out of three of those directors haven’t met with EoN.

    The third one will be done his film, about the same time Broccoli will be done with Othello.

    Gobble, gobble.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,414
    peter wrote: »
    I'm really starting to get nervous Nolan is the man, because a lot of the big names are busy and we still don't know what his next film is... :-SS

    Edgar Wright - busy
    Denis Villeneuve - busy
    Mark Mylodd - busy

    Not that Nolan wouldn't do a good job, but I worry he might have a massive ego have winning so many oscars for Oppenhiemer, he could take bond into some weird directions.

    Oh boy….

    As far as we know, two out of three of those directors haven’t met with EoN.

    The third one will be done his film, about the same time Broccoli will be done with Othello.

    Gobble, gobble.

    Which film though? I thought Villeneuve has at least 2 projects announced, why would he announce them if he's not planning to begin work for another several years?
  • peterpeter Toronto
    edited September 18 Posts: 9,509
    peter wrote: »
    I'm really starting to get nervous Nolan is the man, because a lot of the big names are busy and we still don't know what his next film is... :-SS

    Edgar Wright - busy
    Denis Villeneuve - busy
    Mark Mylodd - busy

    Not that Nolan wouldn't do a good job, but I worry he might have a massive ego have winning so many oscars for Oppenhiemer, he could take bond into some weird directions.

    Oh boy….

    As far as we know, two out of three of those directors haven’t met with EoN.

    The third one will be done his film, about the same time Broccoli will be done with Othello.

    Gobble, gobble.

    Which film though? I thought Villeneuve has at least 2 projects announced, why would he announce them if he's not planning to begin work for another several years?

    Chef, Villeneuve, like any big director, has about 10 projects in development. He himself recently said one of those project is slowly coming together (it’s in draft one development). We are talking years from now…

    P.S @Mendes4Lyfe , he scheduled to shoot Messiah next June/July for a six month shoot.
  • Posts: 2,010
    I don't care. I'll see it anyway.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited September 19 Posts: 8,414
    Chazelle needs a hit, EON want prestige. It seems like they might be a match.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    edited September 19 Posts: 9,509
    I'd personally love Chazelle.

    I'm sick of a couple names and Chazelle is a very strong director, and he shoots beautiful films. I admire his work even when he has a so-called flop.

    I'd also bet this isn't happening.

    I wish it to be true, and will happily be wrong on my silly one-note prediction. But I stand by what I've unfortunately been repeating since mid-February.

    If there was more solid news than Jordan whats-his-name on W of R claiming, under his usual RUMOUR heading, that the director met with EoN (this time with zero sources; he seems to have cobbled this assumption, based on his post, that it's mainly because Chazelle says he has two projects he's mulling over... But no where in his slop does it indicate the director did actually meet with EoN, lol.), then I'd happily pray for it to be true.

    But it's not.

    Not even Jordan's groupies in the film blogosphere supported his claim. This might as well have come from the Daly Mail.

    Which is disappointing because Chazelle would be an exciting and excellent choice.

  • big names

    [...]

    Mark Mylodd
    That's funny!
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    edited September 19 Posts: 8,414
    peter wrote: »
    I'd personally love Chazelle.

    I'm sick of a couple names and Chazelle is a very strong director, and he shoots beautiful films. I admire his work even when he has a so-called flop.

    I'd also bet this isn't happening.

    I wish it to be true, and will happily be wrong on my silly one-note prediction. But I stand by what I've unfortunately been repeating since mid-February.

    If there was more solid news than Jordan whats-his-name on W of R claiming, under his usual RUMOUR heading, that the director met with EoN (this time with zero sources; he seems to have cobbled this assumption, based on his post, that it's mainly because Chazelle says he has two projects he's mulling over... But no where in his slop does it indicate the director did actually meet with EoN, lol.), then I'd happily pray for it to be true.

    But it's not.

    Not even Jordan's groupies in the film blogosphere supported his claim. This might as well have come from the Daly Mail.

    Which is disappointing because Chazelle would be an exciting and excellent choice.

    Chazelle seems more in line with the type EON go for, similar to Sam Mendes or Marc Forster, than either Nolan or Villeneuve, who remind me more of Speilberg or Ridley Scott - sort of genre autuers.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    peter wrote: »
    I'd personally love Chazelle.

    I'm sick of a couple names and Chazelle is a very strong director, and he shoots beautiful films. I admire his work even when he has a so-called flop.

    I'd also bet this isn't happening.

    I wish it to be true, and will happily be wrong on my silly one-note prediction. But I stand by what I've unfortunately been repeating since mid-February.

    If there was more solid news than Jordan whats-his-name on W of R claiming, under his usual RUMOUR heading, that the director met with EoN (this time with zero sources; he seems to have cobbled this assumption, based on his post, that it's mainly because Chazelle says he has two projects he's mulling over... But no where in his slop does it indicate the director did actually meet with EoN, lol.), then I'd happily pray for it to be true.

    But it's not.

    Not even Jordan's groupies in the film blogosphere supported his claim. This might as well have come from the Daly Mail.

    Which is disappointing because Chazelle would be an exciting and excellent choice.

    Chazelle seems more in line with the type EON go for, similar to Sam Mendes or Marc Forster, than either Nolan or Villeneuve, who remind me more of Speilberg or Ridley Scott - sort of genre autuers.

    I wouldn’t disagree with this on its face, but, we know from DV himself that when Boyle left NTTD, DV was the person Eon called.

    He had a meeting with them asap.

    He wanted to do it, and they discussed how they could make it work, as both parties wanted him to direct this film. However, he was too deep into preproduction on DUNE to make it viable. By the end of that meeting, it was clear that he wouldn’t be able to do Bond at that time.

    It was they that pursued him.

    So he’s very much a director they wanted in the past. And if I’m to believe what I’ve heard, the director they still want.

    But let’s see how this plays out, since I’m tired of hearing myself repeating this.
  • Posts: 2,166
    https://filmstories.co.uk/news/james-bond-sam-mendes-says-franchise-wants-director-more-controllable-by-the-studio/

    Still, pondering the currently-vacant James Bond director’s chair, Sam Mendes reasoned that “they want slightly more malleable people who are earlier in their career … who perhaps are going to use it as a stepping stone, and who are more controllable by the studio”.
  • sandbagger1sandbagger1 Sussex
    Posts: 946
    Mallory wrote: »
    https://filmstories.co.uk/news/james-bond-sam-mendes-says-franchise-wants-director-more-controllable-by-the-studio/

    Still, pondering the currently-vacant James Bond director’s chair, Sam Mendes reasoned that “they want slightly more malleable people who are earlier in their career … who perhaps are going to use it as a stepping stone, and who are more controllable by the studio”.

    It might be that this is Mendes rationalising his problems with Eon. Or it might be that generally Eon would like control over their director, but have enough faith in Villeneuve that they are willing to roll the dice on him going in a direction that they’d like.

    I remember when I used to watch the tv show ‘E.R.’ you’d occasionally get a scene where a parent would burst into the operating room and throw themselves across the patient, screaming “what are you doing to my baby?”, before being dragged out. Then a member of staff would have to explain to the distraught parent that they are doing what is necessary to save their child. I imagine their is a similar issue between a studio and director at times. What Eon really want is someone to fix their problem, it’s just difficult to fin someone with whom to trust their baby with.
  • Posts: 1,396
    Mallory wrote: »
    https://filmstories.co.uk/news/james-bond-sam-mendes-says-franchise-wants-director-more-controllable-by-the-studio/

    Still, pondering the currently-vacant James Bond director’s chair, Sam Mendes reasoned that “they want slightly more malleable people who are earlier in their career … who perhaps are going to use it as a stepping stone, and who are more controllable by the studio”.

    It's no surprise but it means that EON has to work harder on the reboot.
  • Posts: 387
    I really enjoy the works of some of the directors being discussed. The most notable name, and realistic, is Villenueve but I really want Nolan. Putting aside the artistry of his films, which I enjoy, Nolan directing a Bond film is as close to guaranteed box office success as any film can obtain. Bond 26 in any other hands could still be fantastic and successful. But, through Nolan, there’s a shot at one billion overseas, not just worldwide. Stateside, a Nolan directed Bond film could out gross Skyfall.

    There is so much the producers need to consider when choosing a director that I don’t think it’s Nolan or nothing. There are dozens of directors that can handle the size and scope of a Bond film. Not many have the name recognition or track record of Nolan. For me, it seems as obvious a choice as Pierce Brosnan being cast as Bond in ‘87 or ‘95.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,414
    Burgess wrote: »
    I really enjoy the works of some of the directors being discussed. The most notable name, and realistic, is Villenueve but I really want Nolan. Putting aside the artistry of his films, which I enjoy, Nolan directing a Bond film is as close to guaranteed box office success as any film can obtain. Bond 26 in any other hands could still be fantastic and successful. But, through Nolan, there’s a shot at one billion overseas, not just worldwide. Stateside, a Nolan directed Bond film could out gross Skyfall.

    There is so much the producers need to consider when choosing a director that I don’t think it’s Nolan or nothing. There are dozens of directors that can handle the size and scope of a Bond film. Not many have the name recognition or track record of Nolan. For me, it seems as obvious a choice as Pierce Brosnan being cast as Bond in ‘87 or ‘95.

    It does seem a bit odd that Nolan hasn't officially committed to a next project yet, considering his usual tendency to release a film on a consist 2 - 3 year basis.
  • Posts: 2,010
    Are the expectations of a Nolan or Villenueve Bond film already blown well out of proportion?
  • sandbagger1sandbagger1 Sussex
    Posts: 946
    I wouldn’t expect a great Bond film from either of them. I do think they’d bring a level of prestige to the production that would make attracting other big names easier at a time when, having lost Daniel Craig, that could be an issue. One of those names attached to the production would be good PR, too (assuming that the general audience knows and cares who these guys are, which admittedly some have suggested may not be the case).
  • Posts: 1,396
    I don't expect a great Bond film from EON either.

    Nolan and Villenueve can bring more than prestige, they can bring a new vision (and money :P)

    I'm sure there are a lot of directors out there but I don't think they're going to hire the "new Nolan".

    I will be happy if they find the new Fede Álvarez.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    I wouldn’t expect a great Bond film from either of them. I do think they’d bring a level of prestige to the production that would make attracting other big names easier at a time when, having lost Daniel Craig, that could be an issue. One of those names attached to the production would be good PR, too (assuming that the general audience knows and cares who these guys are, which admittedly some have suggested may not be the case).

    Agreed.

    I dunno if either would necessarily make a Bond film I’d respond to (I’m not a fan of Nolan at all, so I’m sure I wouldn’t connect with any film he does), but it’s a savvy move.

    And I’ve been convinced since February that B26 is DV’s to lose.
  • edited October 10 Posts: 350
    According to sources, Christopher Nolan's next film will be released on July 17, 2026.

    https://deadline.com/2024/10/christopher-nolan-new-movie-matt-damon-release-date-1236099940/

    If this is accurate news, it seems Nolan won't be directing Bond 26. Bond 26 would have to be a 2027 or 2028 release date for Nolan to be available.

    My guess is Eon would be reluctant to hire Nolan due to his asking price and any profit sharing deal he may want. I don't think Nolan will ever direct a Bond film although you never know.
  • bondywondy wrote: »
    My guess is Eon would be reluctant to hire Nolan due to his asking price and any profit sharing deal he may want.
    That would be insane considering that there is no way Oppenheimer didn’t make more profit than NTTD did.
  • Posts: 350
    If Nolan's life ambition is to direct a Bond film then he'll compromise and offer Eon a deal they'll consider. My guess is he won't compromise because he doesn't need Bond. He's arguably the second biggest/most powerful director in Hollywood. I'd rate James Cameron as number one.

    And Eon don't Nolan. They can find fresh talent. Someone new. 😉
  • edited October 10 Posts: 4,230
    I’d like to think Nolan isn’t losing any sleep over not directing Bond. And why would he? Many directors are fans and have even said they’d make a Bond film under the right circumstances. Not all of them get to do it though. It’s just the way it is.

    I’m not a big Nolan, but I doubt he’s some sort of fanboy desperate to make a Bond film. He’s a successful directer who takes each opportunity/project as it comes. And clearly he’s known for at least 1-2 years now that his next project won’t be Bond. It really wasn’t a secret either. He said this openly.

    I also doubt it’s to do with his asking price. I know there were rumours about a meeting where Nolan proposed a period piece Bond film. No idea if that’s true (who knows either way?) but it would point to a creative difference which isn’t an unusual thing to happen. It may have been that he openly said he wanted much more creative control if he were to direct Bond. Heck, could simply be a case where he was more committed to this new project.
  • VenutiusVenutius Yorkshire
    edited October 10 Posts: 3,154
    007HallY wrote: »
    there were rumours about a meeting where Nolan proposed a period piece Bond film. No idea if that’s true (who knows either way?) but it would point to a creative difference which isn’t an unusual thing to happen. It may have been that he openly said he wanted much more creative control if he were to direct Bond.
    Yes, the creative control looks to be the issue. Not only did Nolan say it openly, he said it publicly. Apparently on a podcast, so no misquoting, he said about directing Bond:
    'You wouldn’t want to take on a film not fully committed to what you bring to the table creatively. So as a writer, casting, everything, it’s a full package. You’d have to be really needed, you’d have to be really wanted in terms of bringing the totality of what you bring to a character. Otherwise, I’m very happy to be first in line to see whatever they do.'
    Not much ambiguity there - Nolan wants to direct, write, cast, 'everything...the totality' or he's not interested. EON wouldn't/couldn't hand over control of a Bond film (especially the first of a new Bond actor's run) to that extent, even to Christopher Nolan, could they?



  • edited October 10 Posts: 4,230
    That's true. I'm not sure if that would have annoyed EON specifically (I think under the right circumstances they'd give a director quite a lot of that input, and arguably they did with Sam Mendes on SF). I think it becomes a problem when the director in question isn't quite on the same page as EON, or indeed if they have other commitments/film projects they're perusing (again, look at Mendes with SF - he was hired as a consultant as early as 2009 during an uncertain period/delay owing to MGM at the time. In theory they could have done this with Nolan, but this wasn't the case).

    If they met with Nolan about this, then I suspect it boils down to one of those two things, or indeed both. Either way it simply means he's not the right man for the job. It's not a loss in that sense.
  • HasanDaferHasanDafer Baghdad, Iraq
    Posts: 65
    One of the top contenders for me is Denis Villeneuve. His films are not only visually stunning but also deeply engaging. Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, and Prisoners are perfect examples of his ability to blend rich storytelling with breathtaking cinematography. Villeneuve has a way of making every frame feel like a work of art, and I believe his unique style could elevate the Bond franchise to a new level of sophistication.

    Another interesting choice is Na Hong-jin. While he's known primarily for his work in horror films like The Wailing and The Medium, his mastery of suspense and atmosphere is undeniable. His ability to tell gripping, layered stories could bring a fresh perspective to Bond, pushing the franchise into darker, more intense territory. I think Na Hong-jin could create a Bond film that’s haunting, thrilling, and unforgettable.

    James Mangold is also a fantastic candidate. With films like Logan, Walk the Line, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny under his belt, Mangold has proven himself as a director who can deliver emotionally driven stories with action at their core. His ability to blend character development with big, bold action scenes could work wonders for Bond, adding depth to the character while keeping the thrill alive.

    Lastly, David Leitch deserves serious consideration. Known for high-octane action films like Atomic Blonde and Deadpool 2, Leitch excels at crafting intricate, stylish fight scenes and espionage-driven narratives. His work on Atomic Blonde, in particular, showed he can handle a sleek, sophisticated spy thriller, which would translate perfectly into the James Bond universe.

    Each of these directors brings something unique to the table, and I believe any one of them could take the Bond franchise in exciting new directions while honoring its legacy.
  • sandbagger1sandbagger1 Sussex
    Posts: 946
    HasanDafer wrote: »
    One of the top contenders for me is Denis Villeneuve. His films are not only visually stunning but also deeply engaging. Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, and Prisoners are perfect examples of his ability to blend rich storytelling with breathtaking cinematography. Villeneuve has a way of making every frame feel like a work of art, and I believe his unique style could elevate the Bond franchise to a new level of sophistication.

    Another interesting choice is Na Hong-jin. While he's known primarily for his work in horror films like The Wailing and The Medium, his mastery of suspense and atmosphere is undeniable. His ability to tell gripping, layered stories could bring a fresh perspective to Bond, pushing the franchise into darker, more intense territory. I think Na Hong-jin could create a Bond film that’s haunting, thrilling, and unforgettable.

    James Mangold is also a fantastic candidate. With films like Logan, Walk the Line, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny under his belt, Mangold has proven himself as a director who can deliver emotionally driven stories with action at their core. His ability to blend character development with big, bold action scenes could work wonders for Bond, adding depth to the character while keeping the thrill alive.

    Lastly, David Leitch deserves serious consideration. Known for high-octane action films like Atomic Blonde and Deadpool 2, Leitch excels at crafting intricate, stylish fight scenes and espionage-driven narratives. His work on Atomic Blonde, in particular, showed he can handle a sleek, sophisticated spy thriller, which would translate perfectly into the James Bond universe.

    Each of these directors brings something unique to the table, and I believe any one of them could take the Bond franchise in exciting new directions while honoring its legacy.

    I’d not heard of Na Hong-jin before, let alone the idea of him helming a Bond film. It’s nice to hear a new candidate. I’m not big on horror films but I do admire a lot of the work I see coming out of South Korea, and the idea of a director strong on suspense is very appealing to me.
  • HasanDaferHasanDafer Baghdad, Iraq
    Posts: 65
    I’d not heard of Na Hong-jin before, let alone the idea of him helming a Bond film. It’s nice to hear a new candidate. I’m not big on horror films but I do admire a lot of the work I see coming out of South Korea, and the idea of a director strong on suspense is very appealing to me.




    I can't recommend this film highly enough—it's definitely worth a watch!
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