5 Heavy Hitters in the Running to Be the Next Bond Director

The search for the successor to the 007 throne is in full swing. Not for a new actor – yet – but rather for a director to take over where Daniel Craig and Cary Joji Fukunaga left off with No Time To Die. That film marked the temporary end of Craig’s hard-hitting, emotional take on the agent with a license to kill, and simultaneously marked the end of an era.

But time doesn’t stand still in Bond land. In February of this year, Amazon took over the creative rights to the franchise, clearly planning to give the entire universe a makeover. As part of the new direction, Amazon hired heavyweight producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman – the minds behind Spider-Man and Harry Potter – to steer the ship moving forward.

Now, Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider reports that five directors have pitched their visions for the next Bond film. And they’re not just anybody.

Edward Berger – Realism and Raw Nerve

The German director Edward Berger has long been rumored for the job. He was close to landing it as early as last year, before Amazon came into the picture. With All Quiet on the Western Front and this year’s Conclave on his resume, Berger has proven he can handle both war drama and intense character development – qualities that could play well into a more grounded Bond.

Denis Villeneuve – Visual Extravaganza

If one dreams of a Bond with epic imagery, deep sci-fi tones, and intellectual edge, Canadian Denis Villeneuve is an obvious choice. He is behind Sicario, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and of course, Dune. However, Dune 3 could be a dealbreaker – it’s unlikely he has the time to jump onto the MI6 team right now.

Edgar Wright – Style, Pace, and Genre Love

One of the most versatile and stylish British directors around. Edgar Wright has made everything from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz to Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho. His love for classic cinema and ability to reinvent genres could provide Bond with a much-needed, fast-paced upgrade with humor and edge.

Jonathan Nolan – Sci-Fi, Philosophy, and Amazon Familiarity

The lesser-known Nolan brother, Jonathan, has also thrown his hat in the ring. He has worked closely with his brother Christopher on projects like The Dark Knight and Interstellar, but has also made his own mark with series such as Person of Interest, Westworld, and Fallout. He already has ties to Amazon – which could give him a head start.

Paul King – The Unexpected Wildcard

The man behind Paddington and Wonka, Paul King, might be the most curious choice. His films exude warmth, whimsy, and British charm – not classic Bond material, perhaps. But his collaboration with producer David Heyman and ability to reinvent classic characters make him a surprising, yet potentially interesting choice.

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