Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan was reportedly interested in directing a James Bond film, but former franchise producer Barbara Broccoli turned him down. According to a Variety report on Amazon taking full creative control of the franchise, Nolan expressed interest in making a 007 movie after the release of his sci-fi thriller Tenet.
However, he decided to move on when Broccoli made it clear that no director would have final cut as long as she was in charge. Nolan, known for having final cut privileges on his films, chose not to proceed.
This part of the report suggests that Barbara Broccoli was overly cautious and maintained excessive control over the franchise. After Daniel Craig’s final appearance as James Bond in No Time to Die (2021), progress on Bond 26 slowed as Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson worked on shaping the series’ future. The delay frustrated Amazon, which had spent $8.5 billion to acquire MGM.
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Earlier this month, Broccoli, Wilson, Amazon, and MGM announced a joint venture to share ownership of the James Bond franchise. Under the agreement, Amazon will now have the final say on creative decisions, a role previously held by Broccoli and Wilson. Since this announcement, former Bond actors Daniel Craig and Timothy Dalton have shared their thoughts on the change.
After Tenet, Nolan went on to direct the World War II epic Oppenheimer, which won Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars, among other accolades. He is now working on his next project, an adaptation of The Odyssey, featuring a star-studded ensemble cast and set to hit theaters next summer.
Read More: Christopher Nolan’s Bond 26 Directing Odds Reportedly Up After Amazon’s James Bond Takeover
Nolan’s filmmaking style would have likely complemented Craig’s grounded portrayal of Bond. However, if his Bond film had moved forward, he wouldn’t have worked with Craig. By the time Tenet was released, No Time to Die was already completed but faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This means Nolan would have introduced a new James Bond—a fascinating prospect. Given his success in rebooting Batman for a modern audience, his take on Bond could have been just as impactful. With his sharp eye for casting, Nolan’s choice for 007 would likely have been compelling. Plus, he has never hidden his admiration for the Bond franchise and understands what makes these films resonate.
Under the Broccoli family’s leadership, the James Bond franchise became one of cinema’s most enduring properties, making their stance on final cuts understandable. However, there’s a strong case that Nolan should have been an exception. With both critical and commercial success, he is one of the most accomplished filmmakers of his time.
It remains to be seen if Nolan will revisit his Bond pitch after completing The Odyssey. Whether he takes on a 007 film may depend on how Amazon’s vision for the franchise aligns with his own. Notably, since wrapping up The Dark Knight trilogy, Nolan has largely steered clear of major franchises, suggesting he might prefer to continue crafting his own original projects.