Renowned director Christopher Nolan could be set to direct the next James Bond movie, backed by Amazon MGM Studios.
According to a Puck report (via ScreenRant), the recent ownership change of the James Bond franchise has significantly improved Christopher Nolan’s chances of directing the next film. Insiders say the main obstacle before was the Broccoli family, who previously controlled the franchise through Eon Productions.
Until recently, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli from Eon Pictures owned and produced the James Bond franchise. However, after teaming up with Amazon MGM Studios in a new joint venture to manage the Bond rights, Amazon now has full creative control of the character, while all three still share co-ownership of the franchise.
Advertisement Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins commented on the change, saying:
We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theaters around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.
After the announcement, Daniel Craig, a fan-favorite James Bond star, shared his thoughts:
My respect, admiration, and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished, I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement, and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular, and I hope I can be part of them.
Craig said
Craig first took on the role of the iconic British spy in Casino Royale (2006) and returned for Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and most recently, No Time to Die (2021).
Amazon MGM Studios’ takeover of the James Bond franchise comes alongside other major news. Austrian businessman Josef Kleindinst has filed several “cancellation actions based on non-use,” targeting parts of the franchise like the phrase “Bond, James Bond” and the codename “007.”
Patent attorney Mark Caddle from Withers & Rogers explained, “The basis of the European Union filings is that James Bond has not been used for the goods and services it protects, and that is likely to be the same basis of the filings in the UK.”
Kleindinst’s goal is to gain control of unused elements of the James Bond brand, particularly in industries like luxury vehicles, either for himself or through his companies.
Source: ScreenRant