James Bond Producer Teases “New Direction” Of ‘007’ Casting

With Daniel Craig out of the picture, the 007 producers have “a big decision” to make about the future of the 50-year franchise.

While discussing the legacy and future of the franchise, Barbara Broccoli gave an update on the search for the next James Bond, whom she noted will be a man, likely in his 30s and not necessarily white.

“Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction,” Barbara recently told the Associated Press. “Every one of these people who took on the role offered something new and different.”

She noted that there were initially mixed reactions to Craig being cast as Bond until fans saw him make his 007 debut in Casino Royale (2006).

After the 2x Golden Globe-nominated actor ended his five-film run as the MI6 agent with 2021’s No Time to Die, Craig recently gave a blunt reply when asked about the future of the franchise. “I don’t care,” he said about who he hopes takes on the role next.

Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios global head Jennifer Salke recently gave an update on the next film as the UK’s EON Productions continues to maintain majority of creative control over the franchise.

“There are a lot of ideas [about potential actors] that have popped up that I thought are interesting,” she told The Guardian last month. “I think there are a lot of different ways we can go. We have a good and close relationship with Eon and Barbara [Broccoli] and Michael [G. Wilson]. We are not looking to disrupt the way those wonderful films are made. For us, we are taking their lead.”

Salke added, “The global audience will be patient. We don’t want too much time between films, but we are not concerned at this point.”