Only a few hours ago a report came online citing names such as Ang Lee, Tom Hooper, David Yates, Shane Black and Nicolas Winding Refn were being looked at to direct James Bond 24. I refrained from posting the shortlist considering the only name that made any sense to me was Black as he’s coming off the success of Iron Man 3, but Black is reportedly attached to finally bring his passion project Doc Savage to the big screen so that would even cancel him out.
Before today’s list, it was “informal talks” with Christopher Nolan, but even that seemed unlikely, at least for the 24th film, as most seem to agree if Nolan is going to take on the franchise he’d want to start from the ground up, casting his own Bond once Daniel Craig decides he’s done with the role.
Now Deadline has thrown their hat in the ring with what sounds like more substantial reporting saying Skyfall director Sam Mendes is reconsidering his decision to step away from the franchise and they seem quite confident. As for the names mentioned earlier they go on to say the speculation is “a moot point, because Mendes will be the director of the next Bond.”
Previously, in an interview with Empire magazine, Mendes said, “It has been a very difficult decision not to accept [producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli’] very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie. Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond.”
If I had to guess, that “generous offer” is probably now a little more generous.
Skyfall screenwriter John Logan is back to pen this next installment in which Daniel Craig will once again star as 007.
As for when we’ll see the film, MGM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Barber previously said at the end of March, “[W]e look forward to announcing a director soon. We are currently developing the screenplay and working with our partners. We look forward to developing the script soon and signing a director. We are hoping within the next 3 years it will be released.”
