As a lifelong Bond fan, it’s amazing to think there have been 25 films over 59 years! Even with all the different actors playing 007 and the changes in his character, a lot of what makes a Bond film Bond has stayed the same, even through Daniel Craig’s run. But the latest one, No Time to Die, really shook things up. It did something no villain had ever managed before: actually kill Bond. And honestly, that’s going to create some serious story problems for where they go next.
Safin infected Bond’s loved ones, Madeleine and Mathilde Swann, with a technologically advanced virus called Heracles. This virus was designed to target specific people, meaning Bond couldn’t be near them without putting their lives in danger. He decided to stay at Safin’s base as it was destroyed, guaranteeing the virus couldn’t spread further. His death was clearly shown, within the limits of a PG-13 rating, and now the future of the Bond series is uncertain.
No Time to Die Ended James Bond’s Character Arc
Prior to No Time to Die, James Bond’s story never truly finished. Even with different actors playing the role, it always felt like he could continue having adventures after each movie ended. Before Daniel Craig became Bond, the films were mostly self-contained, showing just another mission in the life of the famous spy.
James Bond has always survived in the original novels and movies. Though author Ian Fleming once hinted at Bond’s death, he ultimately revealed Bond was still alive in Dr. No. The recent film, No Time to Die, broke with this long-standing tradition by killing Bond off, which creates a difficult situation for future films. Author Anthony Horowitz, who has written official James Bond novels since 2015, recently discussed this challenge.
In an interview with Radio Times, screenwriter Paul Horowitz questioned how the James Bond franchise will address Bond’s death in the previous film. He felt killing Bond was a mistake, arguing that the character is iconic and should be timeless. He stated he wouldn’t know where to begin writing a new script, dismissing the idea of a ‘it was all a dream’ scenario. Horowitz believes there are three potential paths forward, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
How Will the James Bond Franchise Proceed After No Time to Die?
The next James Bond movie could either start the series over completely or connect back to the older films made before Casino Royale. There’s been talk of previous Bond actors potentially reprising their roles, even if only for a single film, which would signal to viewers that Daniel Craig’s films were a separate storyline within the larger Bond universe. However, because Craig played Bond for so long, many fans would be upset if everything that happened over the last twenty years was ignored.
Another option would be to bring Bond back in the next film by explaining he somehow survived, perhaps using futuristic technology. However, this would require viewers to accept a highly improbable scenario and could feel like a disappointing trick, undermining the powerful themes of loss and sacrifice in No Time to Die. If Bond were to return after being seemingly destroyed, it would eliminate the sense of real danger from all future James Bond movies.
Perhaps the most surprising possibility for the next film is that James Bond could die, and a new 007 would emerge. To ease the transition, the filmmakers might choose a new lead who shares many characteristics with Bond – a choice that would also support a popular fan idea about multiple agents having held the 007 designation.
Alternatively, to really refresh the series, the filmmakers could introduce a new lead character who is quite unlike James Bond – perhaps finally embracing the idea of a different, long-discussed spy taking the lead. While this approach would be the easiest story-wise, it’s also the most daring, as Bond is a huge reason the films are so popular.
The Next James Bond Film Faces an Uphill Battle
Whether you prefer one direction or another, interest in James Bond might decline after No Time to Die. The film gave the character a clear ending, which could make viewers less invested in future installments. We saw something similar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Avengers: Endgame was such a huge finale to the first ten years of Marvel movies that later films haven’t captured the same level of excitement.
As a huge Bond fan, I know we’ve all been waiting a while for the next film! It’s been tough, and honestly, it’s already been six years since No Time to Die – that’s a new record if another film doesn’t come out soon! The last time we waited this long was between Licence to Kill and Goldeneye. Unfortunately, I’m hearing they don’t even have a finished script yet, so I don’t think we’ll be seeing the next Bond movie in 2027, and that record will likely be broken.
New James Bond movies are guaranteed to happen eventually, no matter the challenges. Amazon now fully owns the Bond franchise and is excited to start making new films. In the meantime, fans can get their fix of spy action with the upcoming video game, 007 First Light. Even though Daniel Craig’s time as Bond has ended, the character will continue to live on.
Found an error? Send it so it can be corrected.
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Stephen Colbert Jokes This Could Be Next Job After Late Show Canceled
- Is XRP ETF the New Stock Market Rockstar? Find Out Why Everyone’s Obsessed!
- 7 Home Alone Moments That Still Make No Sense (And #2 Is a Plot Hole)
- 10 Great Netflix Dramas That Nobody Talks About
- All 6 Takopi’s Original Sin Episodes, Ranked
- Best Werewolf Movies (October 2025)
- DCU Nightwing Contender Addresses Casting Rumors & Reveals His Other Dream DC Role [Exclusive]
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD version 1.1.0 update now available, adds Dixie Kong and Switch 2 enhancements
2026-01-30 21:20