Amazon MGM Studios has revealed that British screenwriter Steven Knight will craft the screenplay for the forthcoming James Bond film, with acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve attached to direct.
The announcement marks a significant development for the spy franchise, which Amazon MGM Studios took creative control of in February following their acquisition of MGM.
Knight, the 65-year-old creative force behind the BBC’s acclaimed crime series Peaky Blinders, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the iconic franchise during an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
“It has always been on my bucket list and it’s fantastic to be invited to do it, and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.
The production will see Amy Pascal and David Heyman serving as producers through Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films respectively.
Knight’s television work extends beyond his Birmingham-based gangster saga, having co-created the quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and penned scripts for series including Taboo and See.
His recent BBC production SAS Rogue Heroes demonstrated his ability to blend serious themes with mass-market entertainment.
The screenwriter revealed he hopes to create something that honours the Bond legacy whilst bringing fresh elements to the franchise.
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Steven Knight will craft the screenplay for the forthcoming James Bond film
“I’m hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that’s the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder,” Knight told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
He acknowledged the pressure accompanying such a prestigious assignment but maintained confidence in his approach.
The franchise underwent substantial changes when Amazon purchased MGM in 2022, securing distribution rights for future Bond films.
This latest project represents the first 007 production not created through Eon, following longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson’s decision to hand creative authority to Amazon as part of a profitable agreement.
Broccoli, who oversaw the franchise for 44 years, expressed satisfaction with Villeneuve’s appointment, calling him “a fantastic filmmaker” whilst noting her desire to pursue other creative ventures including musicals and stage productions.
Knight described his selection process, revealing he was invited to meet Amy Pascal without initially knowing the purpose, before engaging in discussions about concepts and ultimately securing the position.
Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer on the project.
The identity of the next 007 remains shrouded in secrecy, with Knight declining to reveal any details about Craig’s successor when questioned.
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Steven Knight wrote BBC’s acclaimed crime series Peaky Blinders
“That is a very, very good question, and one I can’t give you the answer to,” he stated during his BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast appearance.
Craig concluded his tenure as the British spy with 2021’s No Time To Die, having portrayed the character across five films over 15 years.
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Various actors have emerged as potential candidates, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Holland, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Taron Egerton, Paul Mescal and Theo James amongst those linked to the role.
No production timeline, official title or release date has been announced for the new film, which will be the franchise’s first instalment since No Time To Die three years ago.