Phil Roberts 
Steven Knight will write Denis Villeneuve’s new James Bond movie, promising a film that’s better, stronger, and bolder.
Come in, 007, your next assignment awaits. Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Steven Knight, the writer behind Peaky Blinders, has officially signed on to write the next James Bond movie. Although the new 007 has yet to be cast, Amazon has moved quickly to secure Knight’s services after securing Denis Villeneuve as the film’s director. While the job comes with its pressures, the writer is eager to assure fans that he will deliver something special.
This morning, Steven Knight joined BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast to discuss his appointment. Surprisingly, he thinks his passion for the James Bond series will be a key factor in delivering a successful script.
“It has always been on my bucket list and it’s fantastic to be invited to do it – I can’t wait to get started. 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.”
“I was invited to a meeting with [producer] Amy Pascal, didn’t know what it was about, and very quickly discovered what it was about and became very, very excited and hopeful. And then a process is followed where you do some meetings, you discuss some ideas, and then you find out you’ve got it. So I found out a while ago…”
RELEASE
This is exceptional news. Steven Knight is easily one of the best writers to bring James Bond’s new adventure to the screen. He is a lifelong fan of the property, and his passion for the character is evident. I’m eager to see what Knight brings to the table, but he faces a significant challenge in winning over all Bond fans. Many fans are disillusioned with Amazon wrestling the creative rights to the character away from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. But with Villeneuve in the driving seat and Knight writing the screenplay, surely their appointment will appease even the most die-hard fan.
But now, the burning question is, who will be the next James Bond? Anything other than a straight white male will undermine Ian Fleming’s original masterwork; therefore, if Amazon intends to bring a legitimate version of the character to the screen, their casting call should adhere to the established criteria. However, if they plan to cast a wider net and dilute the author’s original vision, who will play the next James Bond is anyone’s guess.
My money is on Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Come in, 007, your vacation is over!
Are you happy with Steven Knight’s appointment as the writer of the new James Bond film? Drop a comment in the chat below.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
