The movie world was both shaken and stirred by the news that director Danny Boyle had abruptly left “Bond 25” over the age-old issue of “creative differences.” Now, producers must start their director search all over again, though there are already a few candidates at the front of the pack.
Several directors who could potentially be in the mix were previously frontrunners for the job back before Boyle snagged the gig. They include Denis Villenueve (“Blade Runner 2049“), David Mackenzie (“Hell or High Water“), and Yann Demange (“’71“).
Unfortunately, two of them are tied up with other projects at the moment. Villenueve is prepping his “Dune” remake, starring Timothee Chalamet, while Demange is directing “Lovecraft County,” Jordan Peele‘s new HBO series. Mackenzie seems to have some room in his schedule, however, now that he’s wrapped the Netflix epic “Outlaw King.”
One interesting option is Christopher McQuarrie, the director of recent hit “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” According to Variety’s Justin Kroll, McQuarrie’s name is already in the equation, though that’s just a rumor at this point.
As for names that are being floated apropos of nothing (hey, that’s what the internet is for, right? Let the wild speculation commence!), Christopher Nolan seems to be a popular choice to take over Boyle’s chair. And critic Mark Harris suggested that a woman be given the keys to the franchise, with commenters chiming in to declare Kathryn Bigelow and Michelle MacLaren natural candidates.
Whoever takes over will likely be working with an existing script from longtime Bond screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (“Casino Royale,” “Quantum Of Solace,” “Skyfall,” “Spectre“). Though if any of the above candidates boards the project, expect them to add their own stamp to the screenplay.
“Bond 25” is currently slated to hit theaters on November 8, 2019. Stay tuned to see if/when that changes.
[via: Deadline, Collider, Justin Kroll/Twitter, Twitter Moments]