James Bond 26: List Of Potential Directors Reportedly Revealed As Search Continues

A list of potential directors for James Bond 26 has reportedly been revealed as the search continues for the franchise’s next filmmaker. Ever since No Time to Die was released in 2021, which served as Daniel Craig’s fifth and final portrayal of the MI6 agent, the search for the next James Bond has been ongoing, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson reportedly being offered the role. In addition to searching for an actor, Bond 26 is also searching simultaneously for a director to helm the next film in the franchise.

Now, as the search continues, a short list of potential directors has reportedly been revealed. According to The Telegraph, a few candidates have been called to Eon Productions’ London headquarters for what has been called “a first round of speed dates.” Among the candidates are Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Kelly Marcel (Fifty Shades of Grey, Venom), David Michôd (Animal Kingdom), Bart Layton (The Imposter), and Yann Demange (’71). Martin Campbell, who directed both Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig’s debuts, is also a possibility.

Who Should Direct James Bond 26?

There Should Be A Clear Favorite

Though much of the focus is often on the James Bond actors, the director is perhaps more important in shaping each era of the iconic MI6 agent. Christopher Nolan has been a popular fan pick for Bond 26, though Eon will likely opt for another director like Campbell, someone reliable and experienced but without a unique style that might overshadow Bond’s own. There is even a possibility that Campbell himself could be brought back to direct the next Bond actor’s debut, as he did for both Brosnan and Craig.

Since Campbell might not be the most exciting choice, the clear favorite to direct Bond 26 should be Edward Berger, who burst onto the scene with his remake of All Quiet on the Western Front, which was nominated for nine Academy Awards and won four, including Best International Feature Film. The World War I movie was especially praised for its harrowing battle sequences and, while a much different type of action, this suggests he has the directorial vision required to deliver some exciting action sequences for the Bond franchise.

Kelly Marcel is a qualified candidate, but isn’t as strong of a choice considering she adapted the erotic drama Fifty Shades of Grey and wrote the superhero movies Venom and Venom: Let There Be Carnage, all of which were panned by critics. She makes her directorial debut on Venom: The Last Dance, the quality of which could impact the likelihood of her directing Bond 26. Michôd, Layton​​​​​​​, and Demange are plausible choices, but their relative inexperience may prevent them from edging out the other candidates.

Source: The Telegraph