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When it was announced that Denis Villeneuve would be the next director to tackle the James Bond franchise, fans were pretty thrilled. When Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli stepped down some months back, many worried about the direction the franchise would take, especially now that Amazon owns the rights. Hardcore Bond fans feared the streamer—desperate for valuable IP—might exploit the series by churning out too many movies and, God forbid, too many bad spinoffs. It brought back memories of how Disney all but killed off goodwill for Star Wars with an exhausting barrage of subpar content. Would we end up with something as inane as a series centered on Q or Miss Moneypenny? Or The Felix Leiter Chronicles? But with the hiring of Denis Villeneuve—one of the biggest directors on the planet—Amazon MGM Studios seemed to be promising that 007 would stay where he belongs: on the big screen.

James Bond fans were shocked when Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson relinquished creative control of the franchise to Amazon MGM Studios. Sure, the siblings enjoyed quite the payday, but it was still a bombshell that they would no longer be involved in the franchise their family had overseen since its inception. Amazon wasted little time in getting the ball rolling on the next movie, and quickly announced that Denis Villeneuve would direct it.

During an interview with Mark Kermode (via Deadline), Barbara Broccoli commented on Denis Villeneuve’s new gig. “He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it,” she said. As Villeneuve had previously been mentioned as a potential Bond director during Broccoli’s tenure, it’s no surprise that she’s given him the seal of approval.

When asked if she would be “hands on” or “removed” from the new film,...

Barbara Broccoli is "thrilled" Denis Villeneuve is directing the next James Bond movie.The 65-year-old producer has given up creative control of the Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios, but she's convinced that Denis is the perfect candidate to helm the next movie.During an appearance on the Kermode on Film podcast, Barbara said: "He’s a fantastic filmmaker - I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it."Amy Pascal and David Heyman have replaced Barbara and Michael G. Wilson as producers on the next Bond film.However, Barbara - who is a producer on the musical adaptation of Sing Street - still has lots of career ambitions that she wants to achieve.Asked if she would be "removed" or "hands on" with the next Bond movie, the producer replied: "You know, I did it for 44 years and I loved every minute of it, but I’m getting...

After decades of involvement with the franchise, Barbara Broccoli sold her family's stake in the James Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios. Now, she's speaking out about the acclaimed director Amazon chose to helm the next entry in the long-running action series — and she couldn't be happier. In a recent discussion with film critic Mark Kermode, Broccoli said she was "thrilled" to see Denis Villeneuve take the reins of the franchise.

On Kermode's Kermode on Film podcast this week, Broccoli said of the Dune director, "He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it." She also discussed her and brother Michael G. Wilson's decision to hand over control of the franchise to Amazon, after reportedly clashing with the conglomerate's executives over its direction. "You know, I did it for 44 years and I loved every minute of it, but I’m getting up there...

With the future of the James Bond franchise in Amazon's firm grasp, the company has quickly made movies to get a new film off the ground. And they have garnered some of the fans' goodwill as of late with the hiring of Denis Villeneuve (Dune) to helm the latest Bond feature. However, the exciting addition just got another major seal of approval from a legendary producer.

During an episode of the Kermode on Film Podcast (via Variety), longtime Bond producer Barbara Broccoli broke her silence on Amazon hiring Villeneuve to direct the next 007 film. As one might have expected, her reaction was congratulatory, saying, “He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it." It seems her billion-dollar departure from the iconic property has not soiled her love for Bond. However, she wants to move on to other things on the creative agenda, including an upcoming musical production.

Barbara Broccoli, who was a producer on the James Bond movies starring Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, has finally reacted to Denis Villeneuve being tapped to helm the next installment in the long-running spy franchise. He was announced to be directing Bond 26 by Amazon MGM Studios on June 25.

In an interview with UK film critic Mark Kermode on his podcast Kermode on Film (via Deadline), Broccoli shared that she was excited to see Villeneuve join the James Bond franchise as its next director. "He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it," she remarked. The former Bond producer also confirmed that she would have no involvement in the next set of films, having moved on to other projects, like the stage musical adaptation of Sing Street, which recently opened at the Lyric Hammersmith theater in London. "You know, I did it for 44 years...

Former Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is supportive of the direction that Amazon MGM Studios is taking the latest franchise installment. After acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve was announced to be helming the next feature (which will be the first official Bond film minus the Broccoli family having creative control), Broccoli said during podcast “Kermode on Film” that she is “thrilled” for Villeneuve stepping into the director’s chair.

“He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it,” Broccoli told UK film critic Mark Kermode during his podcast, as reported by Deadline.

Earlier in 2025, longtime Bond producers and half-siblings Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson announced that Amazon MGM Studios would have complete creative control of the IP, with the duo exiting their day to day role. The deal was a reported $1 billion; both Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the franchise, however. Villeneuve was announced...

Former James Bondproducer Barbara Broccoli breaks her silence on Denis Villeneuve's hiring for Bond 26. After decades under control of Eon and the Broccoli family, the hit espionage franchise officially fell entirely under Amazon's purview earlier this year.

The company has been quick to get the ball rolling on another movie after No Time To Die (2021) brought an end to the successful Daniel Craig era. Though Bond 26 story details remain unknown, it was officially announced last month that Villeneuve will shepherd the upcoming installment as director.

During a recent interview with Mark Kermode on his Kermode on Film podcast (via Deadline), Broccoli expresses enthusiasm about Bond 26's new director. The long-time franchise overseer doesn't go into too much detail regarding her thoughts on the next film, but she does call Villeneuve a "fantastic filmmaker." Check out her comment below:

“He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it.

Longtime James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli recently appeared on the “Kermode on Film” podcast and gave her first comment about Denis Villeneuve being selected as the next James Bond film director. While Broccoli is still a co-owner of the 007 franchise, she has given up creative control to Amazon MGM Studios. The news shocked the industry when it was announced in February.

“He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it,” Broccoli said when asked about Amazon selecting Villeneuve for its new Bond movie. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are serving as producers, taking over the job from the long-running duo of Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

When asked if she would be “removed” or “hands on” with the next Bond movie, Broccoli deflected by saying: “You know, I did it for 44 years and I loved every minute of it, but I’m getting...

James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, who surprised the film world and 007 fans by stepping away from the franchise earlier this year, has endorsed the choice of Denis Villeneuve as director for the next instalment of the spy thriller.

“He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it,” Broccoli said an interview with UK film critic Mark Kermode for his podcast Kermode on Film.

It marked Broccoli’s first comment on Villeneuve’s signing as director for the next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios, since it was announced on June 25.

The new instalment will be the first James Bond movie without the direct involvement of the Broccoli family, following Barbara Broccoli and half-brother Michael G. Wilson’s unexpected decision to cede control of the franchise to Amazon MGM Studios in February.

Broccoli was on Kermode’s show to promote a production of the...

As the scionic superhero of the 21st century, David Corenswet has declared which film he considers the best among the 25 James Bond movies out there, and, not surprisingly, it’s Casino Royale.

Starring Daniel Craig in his first outing as the fictional superspy, the 2006 movie marked a radical shift in the Bond franchise that hauled the character out of his dire misogynistic strain of the Cold War era and launched him into a grim, cold, and stylish 21st century.

However, what the audience doesn’t know about is the global political shift and one Matt Damon movie that contributed to bringing about this change in the age-old James Bond franchise.

David Corenswet’s Favorite James Bond is One We All Approve of Daniel Craig as 007 in Casino Royale (2006) [Credit: Eon Productions]

As Superman, David Corenswet may be changing the currently fatigued industry of superhero movies. But one genre that will never run out of style,...

Actor Matthew Goode was once considered for the iconic role of James Bond, the British super spy who has dominated pop culture for decades. In an appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Goode recalled pitching a darker version of the character to then-producer Barbara Broccoli.

We absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself, he hates women. He hates a lot of people. He’s in deep pain. He’s brilliant at killing people.

Goode made the above statement regarding his pitch, which was turned down. However, director Denis Villeneuve, who will helm the upcoming 26th installment in the James Bond franchise, has already tackled a version of Goode’s pitch in Prisoners. Here is how Villeneuve essentially made a darker James Bond work and why he can revisit the idea for Bond 26.

Denis Villeneuve Has Already Touched Upon Matthew Goode’s Dark...

As fans of the James Bond movies start to wonder whom director Denis Villeneuve might cast as his Bond, one star who missed out on the super spy role has talked about his experience. Matthew Goode, who's perhaps most widely known for his role as the superhero-turned-tyrant Ozymandias in Zack Snyder's "Watchmen," has revealed that he was once in the running for the role of 007. However, his vision for the character didn't seem to impress Barbara Broccoli, the then-head producer of the Bond movies.

To date, six actors have played James Bond in the official MGM Bond movies: Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. Craig bowed out as 007 in spectacular style in 2021's "No Time to Die," where, in spite of the movie's title, Bond proved there very much was time to die. Giving his life to destroy the deadly work of Rami Malek's Lyutsifer Safin,...

It looks like Sydney Sweeney might be stepping into one of Hollywood’s most iconic roles. The Euphoria star is reportedly at the top of the list to play the next Bond girl in the upcoming James Bond film.

According to The Sun on Sunday, director Denis Villeneuve is seriously considering her for the part, and even Amazon boss Jeff Bezos is said to be backing the idea.

An insider told The Sun, “Sydney is the top name on the casting sheet for Bond. Denis believes she is hugely talented, as well as having an alluring appeal to younger generations, vital in modernising the franchise.”

The Bond series is going through big changes. Amazon now holds creative control of the franchise after taking over from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

With Denis Villeneuve now confirmed as the director, the next movie is expected to bring a fresh...

Exclusive: John Tiffany’s stage musical adaptation of award-winning 2018 feature Wild Rose could be headed to the London’s West End, following its critically acclaimed debut in Edinburgh.

Faye Ward of Fable Pictures, who produced the original film, lead theatre producer Patrick Daly at Caledonia Productions and Gavin Kalin at Totally Theatre Productions, who is also a producer on the show, are in negotiations for a West End run.

Ward, who is executive producer on the stage production with Nia Janis of Playful Productions, revealed the West End plans to Deadline on the fringes of the Scad Lacoste Film Festival in France in June.

“Talks are underway, and the hope is that we can bring it too London in the not-too-distant future,” she said.

The stage production debuted earlier this year with a critically acclaimed, extended six-week run at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh, which broke box office records for the venue.

When Amazon purchased MGM for $8.5 billion back in 2022, they found themselves in the James Bond business, as the Bond franchise was set up at MGM – and they wanted to start making Bond movies as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, creative disagreements between Amazon MGM Studios and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli slowed down the process. So, earlier this year Amazon paid off Wilson and Broccoli (reported price: another $1 billion) so they can gain creative control over the franchise for the foreseeable future, hiring Amy Pascal of Pascal Pictures and David Heyman of Heyday Films to produce the next Bond film. Last week, we learned that Amazon, Pascal, and Heyman have found the director for Bond 26, hiring Denis Villeneuve to take the helm. It’s an interesting choice, not just due to his impressive filmography, but also because Villeneuve has been talking about his Bond fandom in interviews at...

Is Henry Golding shaken, stirred, or simply saying what every potential Bond has secretly thought? The Crazy Rich Asians star and longtime fan-favorite for the role of James Bond may have just dashed hopes with one very candid answer. Speaking exclusively with People at the Old Guard 2 premiere in Los Angeles on June 25, Henry Golding, 38, admitted that the idea of donning the tux and taking on the iconic role of 007 might not be the dream gig people think it is.

“I think that's every actor's kind of nightmare,” Golding said bluntly, referring to the pressure of following in the footsteps of Bond greats like Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently, Daniel Craig. It’s a striking admission from someone whose name has regularly topped fan polls as a next-gen Bond contender. But for Golding, it’s less about the glamour and more about the crushing weight of expectations.

“Why...

Former James Bondcostume designer Jany Temime explains one of the biggest hurdles in bringing a new film to life.

Speaking to Deadline, Temime discussed the past difficulties that director Sam Mendes had with adapting the classic bond formula for a modern audience in 2012's Skyfall and 2015's Spectre, which she described as "two beautiful James Bonds, two amazing gems." Temime stated that Mendes "tried his best with a lot of psychology, talent and his incredible quality as a director… but we are 10 years later."

"I’m a James Bond fan," Temime continued, "but how are you going to have a guy killing somebody, making love to a woman and then drinking a Martini to forget, and then have those girls who know that they are going to die, because the Bond girls always die… I’m really wondering how you can adapt that formula to 2025."

Temime went on to sing...

James Bond contender Henry Golding has offered a candid take on playing 007. The actor has often been mentioned as a leading candidate to succeed Daniel Craig as the MI6 spy.

Golding is perhaps known for starring in the comedies Crazy Rich Asians and Last Christmas, though he has plenty of action experience thanks to Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen and playing the title character in the G.I. Joe spinoff Snake Eyes. In a recent interview with People, Golding had mixed feelings aboutpotentially playing 007.

"I think that's every actor's kind of nightmare," Golding confessed. "But at the same time, [you're] also wanting to kind of add something new to a franchise."

The Old Guard 2 actor suggested he might feel more comfortable if Bond producers sought him out to play one of the other MI6 agents in the same cinematic universe.

"Why can't they bring out more agents or more 00's?...

So many names have circled the chance to take over the role of James Bond that it’s a little hard to keep track: maybe it will be Aaron Taylor-Johnson, maybe it won’t. But we do know one thing: Matthew Goode is officially out. Actually, he never even stood a chance once he met with famed producer Barbara Broccoli.

Matthew Goode had a keen interest in taking over 007 once Daniel Craig found time to die, even going so far as to having a sitdown with Broccoli, who at that time was partly in charge of the James Bond franchise before a much-publicized sale to Amazon MGM Studios. But once he got in the room and shared his vision for where the future of Bond should go, he knew it was over. “She was like, ‘So what’s your idea for Bond?’ And I was like, ‘My idea for Bond...

Former James Bond costume designer Jany Temime has questioned whether it will be possible to successfully reboot the 70-year-old spy thriller franchise for the current age.

Temime worked on Sam Mendes’ 2012 and 2015 movies Skyfall and Spectre but was not involved in Cary Joji Fukunaga’s No Time To Die, the last film in the franchise to date, which came out in 2021 with Daniel Craig’s Bond perishing in a barrage of missiles.

“We made two beautiful James Bonds, two amazing gems,” said Temime, describing the coming together of Mendes, Craig and producer Barbara Broccoli as the “Golden Trio”.

She said adapting Bond to the times had already been a challenge for Mendes on Skyfall and Spectre a decade ago.

“He tried his best with a lot of psychology, talent and his incredible quality as a director… but we are 10 years later,” said Temime.

“I’m a James Bond fan but...

Earlier this month, Puck was the first outlet to reveal the shortlist of directors being considered for the next James Bond film.

Now, following the official announcement that Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct, the site has shared additional details about the arrangement.

According to Puck, which is operated by former Hollywood Reporter journalist Matt Belloni, Villeneuve will not receive final cut privileges on the film and he's only committed to directing a single installment, giving him the freedom to step away from the franchise if the experience doesn’t meet his expectations.

This decision aligns with long-standing tradition.

No Bond director has ever been granted final cut authority while the franchise remained under the creative oversight of the Broccoli family. That policy appears to remain intact under Amazon MGM, even after the studio paid Barbara Broccoli over $1 billion for exclusive creative control of the series.

Currently, Amazon MGM...

Henry Golding says stepping into James Bond would be “every actor’s kind of nightmare,” describing the strain of inheriting cinema’s most scrutinized tuxedo during a red-carpet chat at Netflix’s The Old Guard 2 premiere in Los Angeles on 25 June. The 38-year-old added that he would “love it so much more if there wasn’t that overhanging cultural pressure,” floating the idea of fresh double-0 agents to ease expectations.

His remarks arrive as Amazon MGM reshapes the franchise: on the same day, the studio confirmed Denis Villeneuve as director of Bond 26 and executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe, promising “new missions to come.” The appointment follows February’s joint-venture deal that gave Amazon creative control while longtime stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson remain co-owners, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing.

Casting, however, remains an open question. Aaron Taylor-Johnson again dodged queries at the London premiere of 28 Years Later,...

As the search for the next James Bond reaches the final stretch, Henry Golding shared his thoughts on the seemingly coveted role.

The British actor recently explained why the 007 lead character is “every actor’s kind of nightmare” following news that Denis Villeneuve will helm the next installment in the 60-year franchise.

“But at the same time, [you’re] also wanting to kind of add something new to a franchise,” he told People. “Why can’t they bring out more agents or more 00’s? I think that would be so much more fun, because there just isn’t the restraints and the expectation.”

Golding added, “Maybe I’m just a p***y. I don’t know. But I think I would love it so much more if there wasn’t that overhanging cultural pressure.”

Daniel Craig played the iconic role in Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time to Die...

Steven Spielberg once applied for the job — and didn’t get it. Same with Christopher Nolan. And Quentin Tarantino. And Peter Jackson.

Over the decades, James Bond has left behind a smoldering trail of blown-up villain lairs and wrecked Aston Martins — but also a hefty pile of heartbroken A-list directors. Ever since Terence Young shot the first 007 feature, 1962’s Dr. No, the franchise has been one of cinema’s most coveted behind-the-camera gigs. Alfonso Cuarón, Joe Wright, Matthew Vaughn, Guy Ritchie — at one time or another, they all dreamed of directing a Bond movie. And they all, for one reason or another, never got the chance.

All of which is to say: congratulations, Denis Villeneuve! You’ve just landed the hardest-to-get directing job in Hollywood. The 58-year-old French-Canadian auteur will be helming the 26th Bond film — the first since longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold the...

With one noteworthy exception (which didn’t work out too well in my opinion), no movie in the James Bond series has ever been directed by a marquee-name, rock-star filmmaker. And when you think about it, that’s quite a startling statement. Because…why not? Quentin Tarantino? Christopher Nolan? Who on earth would want to see a Bond film directed by one of those losers?

The directors of the Bond films have mostly been veteran craftsmen (like Terence Young or Guy Hamilton), or journeymen (like John Glen), and a few have had a prestige aura (like Michael Apted or Lee Tamahori). But it was only when Sam Mendes was tapped to direct “Skyfall” that one felt the series was suddenly aiming higher than it had been. I was excited to see a filmmaker as gifted as Mendes take the reins, but suffice to say: While much of the world loves “Skyfall,...

Aside from the James Bond franchise, actor Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne is easily the most recognizable spy in cinema. However, Damon’s Bourne franchise is drastically different from the 007 franchise, with a grittier and more grounded take on the spy-thriller genre.

As a result, Damon has made his hate for the Bond franchise known. During an interview, Matthew Goode, who was in consideration for the Agent 007 role, revealed a darker pitch for the franchise. Goode’s pitch is everything Damon hates about the British super spy, and here is what the two actors had to say.

Matthew Goode revealed his dark pitch for a James Bond movie that Matt Damon would’ve hated

Actor Matthew Goode recently played the role of Detective Carl Morck in Netflix’s Dept Q. Earlier in his career, Goode was in consideration for the role of James Bond but admitted he did not...

James Bond 26 (Photo Credit – Wikipedia)

Tom Holland finds himself right in the middle of the swirling talk about who will step into the shoes of 007. The search for a new face to carry the license to kill is moving faster than ever, with Denis Villeneuve locked in as director for the 26th James Bond adventure. Villeneuve, who made waves with Dune, clinched the job over Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Christopher Nolan’s brother, Jonathan Nolan, and now Amazon wants to keep the momentum going.

Amazon’s Plan For Bond 26 As Big Names Miss Out

Studio insiders have made it clear they’re eyeing a British actor under 30, and Tom Holland leads a wishlist that also features Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson, as per Variety. Elordi might be Australian, but George Lazenby’s Bond run already proved that non-Brits can land the gig if the charm is right.

British actor Matthew Goode says he never progressed beyond an exploratory meeting with producer Barbara Broccoli after outlining a version of James Bond as “an alcoholic, a drug addict [who] hates himself” — a pitch he now believes cost him the chance even to screen-test for 007.

Speaking on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, the Imitation Game star recalled telling Broccoli that Ian Fleming’s novels portray a spy who is “really dark,” only to sense the conversation “die in the room.” Trade sites highlight that the meeting occurred in the mid-2000s, shortly before Daniel Craig was hired for Casino Royale.

Goode’s story surfaces while Amazon MGM and incoming director Denis Villeneuve prepare a 2028 reboot and weigh a reported under-30 casting mandate aimed at refreshing the 63-year-old franchise. Broccoli signalled last year that age and ethnicity remain open questions, emphasising a desire for “something new and different.” Industry...

Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are the names now circling Eon House after a report said Amazon MGM has placed the three under-30 actors at the top of its James Bond wish list, signalling a youthful reset for the 63-year-old franchise. Sources linked to the deal add that producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, hired in March, are working toward a 2028 launch — the earliest date considered feasible for Bond 26.

Momentum around the reboot accelerated this week when Amazon MGM confirmed Denis Villeneuve as director, handing the Canadian filmmaker control of 007 once he wraps Dune: Messiah. Villeneuve said he intends “to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions,” echoing Amazon’s pledge to keep the series in cinemas despite its streaming muscle.

Bookmakers reacted at speed. Ladbrokes trimmed Timothée Chalamet from 66/1 to 16/1 on the assumption that Villeneuve might favour his Dune star, while still...

Matthew Goode’s “really dark’ pitch got him dropped from James Bond auditions.Before Daniel Craig was cast as the suave spy in 2006’s ‘Casino Royale’, a host of actors including Henry Cavill, Rupert Friend and Sam Worthington were tipped for the part and Goode, 47, has admitted he didn’t even get an audition after his meeting with franchise producer Barbara Broccoli went terribly wrong.Speaking on the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast, Matthew shared: “I didn’t audition. I went in and met Barbara [Broccoli]. It was quite a funny one because - and she’s gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person - she was like, ‘So what’s your idea for Bond?’ And I was like, ‘My idea for Bond. We’ve gotta take it back to the books, you know? Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself. He hates women.

Matthew Goode is revealing the conversation that he says ruined his chance at auditioning to be James Bond.

The 47-year-old actor was a guest on the Thursday (June 26) episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast where he talked about his ideas for the character – and why he says they cost him an audition.

Keep reading to find out more…

According to Matthew, he spoke to Barbara Broccoli, the producer of 2006′s Casino Royale ahead of its release. Unfortunately, he shared on the podcast that their conversation didn’t land him an audition for the role.

“I didn’t audition. I went in and met Barbara. I didn’t get to the audition, but it was quite a funny one because — and she’s gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person,” Matthew shared on the podcast. He went on to reveal the conversation he had about the role that he said...

As the 007 franchise has moved away from its more misogynist roots, Matthew Goode wanted to go in another direction.

The Emmy nominee recently explained why he “didn’t get” a chance to audition for the coveted role of MI6 agent James Bond after sharing his vision for the character with franchise producer Barbara Broccoli ahead of the 2006 refresh Casino Royale.

“I didn’t audition. I went in and met Barbara,” he recalled on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “I didn’t get to the audition, but it was quite a funny one because — and she’s gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person.”

Goode added, “She was like, ‘So what’s your idea for Bond?’ And I was like, ‘My idea for Bond, we’ve gotta take it back to the books, you know? Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself.

Matthew Goode recently appeared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast and clarified rumors about him auditioning for James Bond. Before Daniel Craig was cast in 2006’s “Casino Royale,” a handful of actors such as Henry Cavill, Rupert Friend and Sam Worthington all went out for the part. But Goode, a relative newcomer at the time with credits like the Mandy Moore rom-com “Chasing Liberty” and Woody Allen’s “Match Point” under his belt, never got to actually audition because he bombed his meeting with 007 franchise producer Barbara Broccoli.

“I didn’t audition. I went in and met Barbara [Broccoli],” Goode said. “It was quite a funny one because — and she’s gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person — she was like, ‘So what’s your idea for Bond?’ And I was like, ‘My idea for Bond. We’ve gotta take it back to the books, you know? Really, we absolutely...

Matthew Goode got his foot into the door for James Bond... but he never made it as far as the actual audition.

The Dept. Q actor got talking about his failed attempt when appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast recently (via Entertainment Weekly). He never had a proper audition for James Bond, he clarified to host Josh Horowitz, but he got to talk to Barbara Broccoli, the steward of all things Bond until Amazon bought the franchise. Unfortunately, it didn't go well.

Goode had a different take on the character of Bond. He looked to the original Ian Fleming novels to get inspiration for the character, and that James Bond is a considerably meaner, crueler character than one in the movies.

"I didn't get to the audition," Goode told Horowitz, "but it was quite a funny one because - and [Broccoli is] gorgeous and just a lovely, lovely person - she was like,...

With Denis Villeneuve on board, the conversation surrounding the potential Bond lead has once again ignited, and in contrast to what one might presume, relatively unknown actor Scott Rose-Marsh has entered the race. While fans have long been imploring for Henry Cavill’s involvement in the Bond mythos, interestingly, the new creative heads might be leaning toward another DC star.

Aaron Pierre, who is set to mark his DC debut with HBO’s Lanterns, has emerged as another contender in the Bond race.

Aaron Pierre enters the Bond race after Scott Rose-Marsh emerges as a surprising contender

Scott Rose-Marsh has been one of the more surprising names to pop up in the Bond discussion, as opposed to the likes of proven A-listers like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Idris Elba, and Henry Cavill; he is relatively unknown.

Scott Rose-Marsh in Code of Silence | Credit: Mammoth Pictures

Having previously appeared in BBC’s The Outlaws,...

Amazon has picked Denis Villeneuve to direct the next James Bond movie, which will be the 26th film in the famous series.

This means the project will start moving faster, but don’t expect to see the movie before 2028. Insiders say that because of the film’s huge scale, it just can’t happen any sooner. Amazon hasn’t made any official comments about this yet.

Villeneuve is a French-Canadian director known for movies like Dune. He was chosen over four other European directors: Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Jonathan Nolan. Now that Amazon has its director, the next steps will be finding a writer and then an actor to become the new James Bond.

The studio and producers want a young British actor under 30 for the role. According to Variety, the main candidates are Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson. Even though Elordi is Australian, that...

Amazon has officially chosen Denis Villeneuve to direct the next James Bond movie, the 26th in the series. This news means the project will pick up speed soon, but don’t expect the film any earlier than 2028.

According to insiders, a release before then would be too difficult because of how big the movie is planned to be. Amazon has not commented on the story.

Villeneuve, a French-Canadian director known for his work on films like Dune, was picked over four other European directors: Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Jonathan Nolan. Now that they have a director, Amazon will quickly start looking for a writer and then an actor to take on the famous role of Agent 007.

The studio and producers are focused on casting a young British actor under 30 years old. The top three names being talked about are Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, and Harris Dickinson as per Variety.

The name’s Goode. Matthew Goode. The pitch? Bad. Very bad.

“Dept. Q” star Matthew Goode bombed a meeting with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli about playing legendary spy because he wanted to take the role to too dark a place.

Goode appeared on Thursday’s episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast to speak with host Josh Horowitz about his new detective series for Netflix. Goode also shared details about his meeting with James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli in the early 2000s — and why it didn’t lead to an audition.

“It was quite a funny one,” the actor teased, smiling.

“She was like, ‘What’s your idea for Bond?'” Goode said. “I was like, ‘My idea for Bond? We’ve got to take it back to the books. Really, we absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself, he hates women,...

And just like that, the entire James Bond fandom can be considered both shaken and stirred. Ever since hearing the bombshell news that Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson had officially handed the creative reins of the 007 franchise over to Amazon, the future of Bond instantly became one of the most high-profile questions hanging over all our heads. The long-simmering drama taking place behind the scenes soon gave way to frenzied speculation over where things might go next. As far as directors go, we only just found out that visionary "Dune" filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has been hired to lead the next reboot in the years ahead. Now, we've received word on the young leads currently being eyed for the actual title role ... and it's safe to say that reactions are all over the map.

According to Variety, Amazon's wish list for the next James Bond has been revealed and,...

Since gaining creative control of the James Bond franchise in February, Amazon MGM Studios has been moving rather quickly to assemble the next movie. With director Denis Villeneuve in place, casting the new 007 is the next piece of the puzzle.

According to Variety, Amazon and producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are interested in casting a British actor under the age of 30, with Jacob Elordi (Saltburn), Tom Holland (Spider-Man), and Harris Dickinson (Babygirl) as the leading candidates. The trade magazine notes that while Elordi is Australian, the studio doesn’t consider his nationality a dealbreaker.

Before handing over the reins to Amazon, longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson had confirmed they were eyeing an actor in his 30s. Previously rumored potential successors to Daniel Craig included Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill.

Amazon is also searching for a writer, with Variety reporting that Jonathan Nolan was a prime...

Matthew Goode, currently starring in the hit Netflix detective series Dept. Q, recently stopped by the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz—and shared a very Matthew Goode story about how he managed to talk himself out of becoming the next James Bond. The Downton Abbey and The Crown star opened up about a surprising past meeting with Barbara Broccoli, the longtime 007 producer and steward of the Bond legacy, and admitted that his acting career could have been very different if he hadn't opened his big mouth. Goode clarified that he never formally auditioned for the role, but had a meeting where he blew his big chance.

Broccoli—who, along with her brother Michael G. Wilson, still maintains ownership of the franchise following a recent agreement with Amazon MGM Studios—had apparently invited Goode in for a casual conversation about the future of the character. What she got instead was…...

In the 2021 film “No Time to Die,” Daniel Craig repeats one of the James Bond franchise’s most enduring lines to Léa Seydoux: “We have all the time in the world.”

Well, not quite.

Now that Amazon has tapped Denis Villeneuve as the franchise’s next director, the pace is about to accelerate significantly on the 26th outing of James Bond. Even still, Amazon is looking at a 2028 release date for Bond 26. Anything sooner would be impossible to pull off, given the film’s scale, sources say.

Amazon declined to comment for this story.

French-Canadian helmer Villeneuve beat out four European directors — Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King and Jonathan Nolan — for the coveted job. Now, Amazon will move fast to attach a writer, and then an actor who will slip into Agent 007’s shoes.

Insiders say that the studio and producers are interested in casting a...

A new report for Bond 26 reveals some details about the directing deal, and it may explain why Christopher Nolan wasn't selected. After a four-year-long hiatus since No Time to Die, a new era of the Bond franchise, especially under Amazon, has found its director in Denis Villeneuve.

Before the announcement, many directors were considered favorites, including Nolan. The Oscar-winning director has been a notable choice for a while, although the likelihood seemed thin.

Now, Puck has broken down new details about Villeneuve's contrast, indicating limitations on his involvement with the Bond franchise. The director won't get the final cut and won't be considered a producer for subsequent Bond movies and TV series. He is also only signed on for one movie, but that could change if the installment is successful.

Despite being the first film in what is expected to be a large Bond franchise, Villeneuve's Bond movie...

Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here penning the newsletter in the week the new James Bond director was announced. If you want to be shaken, never stirred, please read on. Sign up here.

New Bond Draws Closer

The name’s Villeneuve…: The next 007 movie just drew a step closer. Noise around one of the world’s leading franchises has reached fever pitch since Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold the keys to Amazon MGM and Amazon’s biggest move since then is a popular one, bringing in Dune auteur Denis Villeneuve to direct. The four-time Oscar nominated helmer will work with storied producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal and he certainly has the chops for the spy franchise, having overseen many an action movie and bringing something a little extra to the likes of Blade Runner 2049, Arrival and the two Dune movies. He has been connected...

When Amazon purchased MGM for $8.5 billion back in 2022, they found themselves in the James Bond business, as the Bond franchise was set up at MGM – and they wanted to start making Bond movies as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, creative disagreements between Amazon MGM Studios and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli slowed down the process. So, earlier this year Amazon paid off Wilson and Broccoli (reported price: another $1 billion) so they can gain creative control over the franchise for the foreseeable future, hiring Amy Pascal of Pascal Pictures and David Heyman of Heyday Films to produce the next Bond film. Last night, we learned that Amazon, Pascal, and Heyman have found the director for Bond 26, hiring Denis Villeneuve to take the helm. This was a surprising announcement because Villeneuve is currently pushing an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah toward production, aiming for a December 16, 2026 release date,...

‘Dune’ filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve, has been set to take on director’s duties for the next James Bond movie at Amazon MGM.

Tanya Lapointe has also jumped on board the franchise as an executive producer. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.

On joining the decades-long iconic franchise, Villeneuve stated;

“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve said. “I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.

The director of the now Amazon-controlled 007 franchise can do action spectacle with art and integrity – the question now is who will he want to wear the tux …

At last. Something. Something has emerged from the vast opaque corporate entity that is Amazon MGM, which swallowed up the James Bond brand from Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli – the latter being reportedly discontented (though presumably very much richer).

White smoke has emerged from the funnel marked “director” – though still nothing from the funnel marked “star” – and it’s a really big hitter. Denis Villeneuve is the Canadian film-maker who gave us the excellent science-fiction movies Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and Dune Parts One and Two, and has demonstrated a real flair for big-budget action thrillers in Sicario and Prisoners, with plenty of the ambient sexiness in hardware and spectacle.

As Amazon MGM officially introduces Denis Villeneuve as the director of Bond 26, a look at how the filmmaker’s style might change 007:

History is filled with the names of famous directors who almost got to make a James Bond movie but didn’t: Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Danny Boyle all immediately spring to mind. The announcement that Denis Villeneuve will direct James Bond 26, then, is a significant moment for a franchise that has traditionally been made by solid, safe-pair-of-hands filmmakers rather than noted auteurs.

In the past, the Bond films were carefully – even jealously – shepherded by producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. They oversaw everything from the choice of Bond actors to scripts to directors to locations, and it was a level of control that clearly didn’t sit right with some filmmakers; Danny Boyle’s Bond project came to an end when the producers “lost confidence” in his concept,...

Denis Villeneuve’s booking as the next James Bond director should come as no surprise to followers of the Dune director’s work — he has spoken about his desire to helm 007 for more than a decade.

Villeneuve has peppered many an interview with “come and get me” pleas to Barbara Broccoli. Now that the storied British producer has handed over the Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios, his calls have been answered by Amy Pascal and David Heyman.

As far back as a decade ago, when Villeneuve was on the promotion trail for Sicario, the Canadian said that action is art — and Bond is the very pinnacle of the genre.

“I was raised with James Bond. I love James Bond movies. I would love to do a James Bond movie one day. Action is very cinematic,” he told Comingsoon.net in 2015. “I’m not someone that loves dialogue – I am someone that loves movement.