Several major works fall into the next James Bond chapter. And Peaky Blind fans may be particularly pleased.
British screenwriter Stephen Knight has been officially tapped to write the 007 film directed by Dune and Blade Runner 2049 filmmaker Dennis Villeneuve.
Amazon MGM Studios, who completely creatively controlled the franchise earlier this year, is developing the film. The production is led by Amy Pascal and David Heyman, while Tanya Lapointe is executive producer.
Deadline confirms Knight’s employment after the Villeneuve meeting
As reported in Deadline, Amazon MGM met with several script candidates before entering Zero on Night. His final confirmation came after an important meeting with Villeneuve, currently produced in Dune: Part 3.
Rumors continue as to who will play 007 next, but sources say the casting is still a while. The focus for the time being is on scripting. The script is now officially led by the Knights.
Knight says writing Bond is a “bucket list” moment
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Knight said:
He said, “I’ve been a bond fan for many years. It’s infused with me and I can produce something different, but better, stronger and bolder.”
After quickly passing on Daniel Craig’s departure, Knight brings his card closer when asked who might step into Bond’s shoes. “That’s a very good question and I can’t give you an answer.” Whether he really doesn’t know or simply can’t say it is clear that the casting process remains unresolved.
From Peaky Blinds to MI6: From Knight’s Versatile Career
Knight has long cemented himself as one of the UK’s most prolific screenwriters and showrunners. He is best known for creating BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinds starring Cillian Murphy, Taboo and The Veil from the FX series. On the film front, he wrote and directed Eastern Promise, Dirty Pretty Things, Kristen Stewart-led Spencer, and rock starring Tom Hardy.
Beyond the screen, Knight created the opening ceremony for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and co-directed Digbeth Loc. A studio in Birmingham. In 2020 he was awarded a CBE for drama, entertainment and service to the Birmingham community.
The next era of Bond is in shape
Future films show a long-term turning point for the franchise. There’s no time to close the chapter in Daniel Craig’s 5 Film Run. Written by Neil Purvis, Robert Wade, Carrie Joj Fuzhou, and Phoebe Waller Bridge. With Villeneuve set to director and Knight Scripting, the series could be led to stylistic evolution.
“I was invited to a meeting with (producer) Amy Pascal, but I didn’t know what it was. And I discovered very quickly what it was, and it was very, very, very, very, very excited and hopeful,” Knight recalled to BBC Radio. “Then follow the process of having some meetings, discuss some ideas, then you know you have it.”
He acknowledged the pressure to step into such a storied heritage, but remained optimistic that “you have to do what you are doing, you have to do as much as you can.”
The release date for the new Bond film has not yet been announced, but the mission is officially ongoing as its key creatives are currently trapped.
