The search for the next James Bond director is still in progress, but meetings are reportedly taking place with several candidates.
According to a report by The Telegraph, a small number of filmmakers are participating in “a first round of speed dates” at Eon Productions’ London HQ. Names believed to be on the shortlist include Edward Berger, who helmed Netflix’s remake of All Quiet on the Western Front, and Kelly Marcel, director of Venom: The Last Dance.
The report also notes that Eon is likely looking for another Martin Campbell, who famously directed GoldenEye and Casino Royale, suggesting Christopher Nolan is not in the running. David Michôd has been linked to 007’s next big screen outing, while Bart Layton and Yann Demange are described as “plausible choices.”
It is possible Campbell could return to the director’s chair on Bond 26, especially since the next entry is said to be a complete reinvention of the franchise with a new actor taking on the 007 role. Campbell, of course, previously ushered in the Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig eras, having helmed the first installment for each actor.
Once a director is chosen, selecting an actor for the lead role will be the next priority. The report notes that Kraven the Hunter star Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the candidate to have gained the most traction so far, with British tabloid The Sun reporting in March that the actor had received a “formal offer” to become Craig’s successor.
Brosnan later endorsed Taylor-Johnson, saying he has the “talent” and “charisma” to play 007, but no official casting announcements have been made.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter here.
