Rumoured next James Bond director puts speculation to an emphatic end

As a seasoned film enthusiast and connoisseur of cinematic history, I find myself drawn to the intrigue surrounding the James Bond franchise. The latest name to be tossed into the rumor mill is that of director Edward Berger, who has proven his mettle with psychological thrillers like Conclave.


The latest name to be drawn into fervent speculation over the future of James Bond has attempted to put a stop to the “absolute rumour”.

Director Edward Berger’s latest project, titled “Conclave,” is causing quite a stir. It’s a gripping psychological thriller adapted from Robert Harris’ book, where a cardinal uncovers a startling truth during the process of choosing a new Pope.

The movie, featuring Ralph Fiennes (previously known for his role as ‘M’ in Spectre and No Time to Die), is predicted to be a strong competitor during the upcoming award season. Some speculate that this could potentially position Berger as a candidate for the next James Bond role.

Indeed, during an interview with Deadline, the filmmaker dismissed those claims as unfounded, instead praising former Bond director Sam Mendes (of Skyfall and Spectre fame) and consistent producer Barbara Broccoli for their work.

He emphasized that the rumors about him being a part of Bond 26 are completely unfounded and without any basis in reality. He kindly requested that the speculation be quelled.

On Mendes, Berger added: “He’s a great filmmaker. But Barbara Broccoli is a wonderful producer. She will know what to do at the right time, and it’s her family legacy.

It’s her responsibility to safeguard this, and any decision she makes will undoubtedly be the appropriate one for upholding the reputation of that particular genre.

In March, there was a significant stir in the gossip circles about James Bond, as it became public knowledge that Aaron Taylor-Johnson (known for his role in The Fall Guy) was said to have been placed at the pinnacle of Broccoli’s desired cast list.

The performer, recognized from movies like Kick-Ass, Nocturnal Animals, and Avengers: Age of Ultron, chose not to directly address the speculations, instead expressing to Esquire that he’s carving his own way forward and keeping his focus on what lies ahead.

In simpler terms, when asked about the rumors by Jonathan Ross, Sam Taylor-Johnson, his wife and director (known for Back to Black), declined to confirm or deny the speculation, instead suggesting that fans should continue guessing. She also mentioned that Aaron would make a good fit for the role.

The talk about who should play Bond has simmered down over the past few months, but a whisper can still spread fast, as we’ve seen with the recent chatter about Berger potentially taking on the role.

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2024-09-09 13:34