James Bond is probably getting a complete makeover, according to series producer Barbara Broccoli, who revealed to Deadline during a private event in London this week that Eon Productions hasn’t even begun looking for an actor to replace Daniel Craig yet because the next installment will be a “reinvention” of the character, one that will seemingly introduce a drastically different version of the iconic British spy who’s typically known for his charm and preference for martinis that are shaken, not stirred. “Nobody’s in the running,” Broccoli told the publication, adding that it will be “at least two years” before the next 007 movie begins filming. Last year’s No Time to Die marked the end of Craig’s career as the secret agent, culminating in an explosive finale that mandated a new version of the character that he had helped define since 2006’s Casino Royale. The movie was delayed multiple times due to coronavirus but ended up doing well with both critics and audiences, releasing in October 2021 with earnings of over $770 million at the worldwide box office.
“Nobody’s in the running,” Broccoli confirmed. “We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through. There isn’t a script and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film because, really, it’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time. I’d say that filming is at least two years away.”
Speaking to us at a star-studded private event in central London to honor Broccoli and her brother Michael G. Wilson for their BFI Fellowships, Broccoli wouldn’t be drawn on who would play Bond next but did offer an update on the decision-making process.
The private dinner was held at Claridge’s Hotel in central London and was hosted by British Film Institute chairman Tim Richards.
EON duo Broccoli and Wilson were presented their BFI Fellowships by Bond regulars Ralph Fiennes, who plays spy chief M, and Naomie Harris who plays no-nonsense Miss. Moneypenny.
Source: Deadline