The future of James Bond remains shaken — not stirred — as newly appointed producer David Heyman confirms that there’s still no timeline for the British superspy’s next big-screen mission. Heyman, who is producing the next Bond film alongside Amy Pascal, told Screen Daily that, while development is underway, the project hasn’t yet locked in a release date, director schedule, or even its new 007. The film marks the first in the franchise’s history to move forward without the direct leadership of longtime custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, as Amazon MGM Studios takes the reins of the billion-dollar series.
“The only thing that I have control over to a degree is finding projects and working with great, talented people who I believe can have the possibility to make something extraordinary. It wasn’t always the case. When you start off, you don’t have that opportunity… and now I’m in a very privileged position.”
While Heyman confirmed his involvement in steering the next era of the James Bond franchise, he made it clear that fans shouldn’t expect a new film — or a new Bond actor — anytime soon.
“No timeline has been set on when the first feature in the relaunched franchise will be made or released. Denis [Villeneuve] is still filming Dune 3.”
Why Is David Heyman Producing James Bond?
Amazon MGM’s acquisition of the James Bond rights earlier this year marked the end of an era for Eon Productions, which had controlled the franchise since its cinematic debut in 1962. The studio reportedly clashed with Broccoli and Wilson over the pace of development and the idea of expanding Bond into a multimedia franchise with television spin-offs. Heyman’s appointment represents both a creative reset and a test of how the iconic character can evolve in a post–Daniel Craig world. Craig’s final outing, No Time to Die (2021), closed out one of the most character-driven eras in Bond history — and left the role wide open for reinvention.
For Amazon MGM, Heyman’s résumé makes him a natural choice to revive 007. As the founder of Heyday Films, he’s responsible for producing the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, the Paddington films, Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity, and, most recently, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. Together, those titles have earned over $10 billion worldwide and established Heyman as one of the industry’s most trusted creative forces. Heyman is also producing HBO’s new take on Potter.
Stay tuned to Collider for updates on the next James Bond movie as development continues.
Release Date
October 8, 2021
Runtime
163 Minutes
Director
Cary Joji Fukunaga
Franchise(s)
James Bond