A huge development in the iconic franchise could be here soon.
Daniel Craig’s replacement has continued to make headlines(Image: Getty Images)
Excitement is building around the next chapter in the James Bond franchise, as insiders reveal when production could begin for the all new 007. The search for the next secret agent has been ongoing ever since No Time To Die brought an end to Daniel Craig’s version of the character, killing him off and leaving the iconic role officially vacant.
Now the franchise, which has been bought by Amazon MGM Studios, is entering a new era. Reports have confirmed that Dune director Denis Villeneuve has been hired to helm the next instalment, working from a script which will be penned by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
While the studio has yet to announce who will take on the leading role as Bond, sources suggest the search has been narrowed down to eight contenders. Senior reporter for the American publication Deadline, Justin Kroll, gave his thoughts on when the next secret agent will be revealed.
Appearing on the My Mom’s Basement podcast, Kroll hinted that the announcement everyone’s waiting for may be imminent. He stated: “I am predicting summer, if I had to be a betting man. Because I think production will likely start [at the] end of this year/top of next.”
Denis Villeneuve, known for his work on Dune, will direct the next James Bond(Image: Getty Images)
He continued: “Obviously, it could be a little sooner, but from everything people have said since I’ve been back, Bond is more likely middle of the year than first quarter.”
If Kroll’s prediction is accurate, fans may not have to wait much longer for the next 007.
Among the eight potential stars reportedly being considered for the leading role, actor Callum Turner is said to be leading the pack. According to to a source, who spoke to the Daily Mail, Turner who is Dua Lipa’s fiancé, is already acting like the next Bond.
It was reported that the Eternity star has been “blabbing all over town” about landing the iconic role, he is confident that his license to kill is already in the post.
A source close to the Fantastic Beasts actor, said: “He’s been blabbing all over town. Callum is the new Bond, it’s been confirmed. Everyone in his circle is talking about it. It’s the worst-kept secret going.”
They finished: “Dua is over the moon for Callum. She’s been saying she’d love to record the Bond theme.”
Insiders suggest that if Turner does take up the role of 007, the producers could secure a two-for-one deal by having pop star Dua write the opening and closing songs for the film.
The franchise could be getting a two-for-one-deal with Turner and fiancee Dua Lipa(Image: GettyImages)
Although until an official statement is made, Turner’s role as Bond remains speculation.
Other famous faces still reportedly in contention include 28 Years Later star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who had previously been considered the front-runner and was even pictured in front of the camera for potential Bond scenes. Taylor-Johnson also signed a sponsorship deal with Omega, the watch brand closely associated with 007.
When asked about the possibility of taking on the role in 2024, he responded cryptically: “I just focus on the things I can have in my hands right now.”
Additionally Tom Holland, Henry Cavill, Jacob Elordi, Jack Lowden, James Norton, Harris Dickinson and Theo James are all in the running to play Bond.