A list of potential directors forJames Bond 26has reportedly been revealed as the search continues for the franchise’s next filmmaker. Ever sinceNo Time to Diewas 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 26is 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 toThe 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 theJames 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, thoughEon 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.
James Bond Has One Sneaky Director Tradition That Bond 26 Should Continue
With no script, Bond 26 is a long way from production, but the perfect director is waiting for the call, and it’d continue a Bond director tradition.
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 ofAll 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 theBond franchise.
Sam Mendes, who directed the Oscar-winning World War I movie1917, also directedSkyfallandSpectre.
Kelly Marcel is a qualified candidate, but isn’t as strong of a choice considering she adapted the erotic dramaFifty Shades of Greyand wrote the superhero moviesVenomandVenom: Let There Be Carnage, all of which were panned by critics. She makes her directorial debut onVenom: The Last Dance, the quality of which could impact the likelihood of her directingBond 26. Michôd, Layton, and Demange are plausible choices, but their relative inexperience may prevent them from edging out the other candidates.
