James Bond, like Coca-Cola or Mercedes, is a global brand. It is a staple of international pop culture and an enduring franchise in times of cinematic recession. The secret agent known as 007 is to film what Peyton Manning or Tom Brady is to the NFL. A legend, an icon.
It is because of all this that Bond's uncertain future is so intriguing.
Director Sam Mendes injected new life into the franchise with 2012's "Skyfall," the only Bond film to cross the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office. He returned for the upcoming "Spectre," but has since announced that he will be leaving the 007 series. His departure comes at a time when the distribution rights to the series are up for grabs. That means Sony Studios, which has produced every Daniel Craig-led Bond film to date, may be losing their International Man of Mystery after "Spectre" hits theaters.
So where will Bond end up and, more importantly, whose hands will he end up in? Here are five suggestions.
1. Christopher Nolan - Warner Bros.
Just because it's obvious doesn't mean it isn't true.
Nolan has publicly stated his desire to helm a future Bond film and his existing relationship with Warner Bros. would appear to be a solid foundation on which to build. His five previous films with the studio have grossed more than $3.2 billion combined worldwide, so the box office ceiling is pretty high.
What Nolan arguably does best as a director is tell non-linear narratives. "Batman Begins," "Inception," and "Interstellar" are all big budget blockbusters that hop from one time and/or place to another with entertaining ease. "The Prestige," Nolan's most complete film, does the same on a smaller and more intimate scale (the same goes for the criminally underrated "Momento"). What better strategy to employ if Craig, 47, is replaced in the near future with a younger actor? With Nolan behind the camera, a new Bond could receive a rebooted origin story as well as a stylistic update.
The only downside of Nolan joining the Bond franchise would be the loss of his original blockbuster concepts, a dying breed in today's Hollywood landscape of comic book films, sequels and reboots.
2. Kathryn Bigelow - Summit Entertainment
Summit Entertainment hasn't had a franchise hit since "The Twilight Saga" and that series didn't exactly inspire a lot of cinematic cache for the studio. Outbidding everyone else for the rights to the Bond franchise would announce to the world that they are ready to play with the Big Boys. And who better to sheppard that vision than a Big Girl?
Bigelow's Best Picture-winning 2008 film "The Hurt Locker" was distributed by none other than Summit. Her follow up, "Zero Dark Thirty," nabbed five Academy Award nominations. Her ability to portray ground-level warfare and ambitious action set pieces make her a perfect fit for the James Bond world.
What's more, the protagonists of her recent films have all been flawed and vulnerable in one way or another. It is that same raw humanity that saw a damaged Bond enthrall fans worldwide in "Skyfall." Continuing to make 007 an actual three-dimensional character (who also happens to kick ass) instead of an emotionless killing machine will resonate with audiences and make for better films going forward.
3. Doug Liman - 20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox is really going to need another tentpole franchise if the "Fantastic Four" reboot goes south. The "X-Men" series can't be counted on as a cash cow forever, after all.
Although director Doug Liman has been a bit of a studio hopper in his day, both of his films with Fox ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "Jumper") managed to turn a profit. More importantly, Liman is capable of adding a familiar element to the future of 007.
Bond loyalists have complained that the Craig-era films lack the care free nature and humor of the original movies. While I would argue that characters and franchises need to update with the times, Liman has proven adept at providing action humor for those that want it. Last year's "Edge of Tomorrow" was one of the most underrated and under seen films of 2014. It was both funny and entertaining at the same time.
Liman could easily return the tone of the Bond series to its roots to appease the die-hards who want more comedy.
4. Gareth Evans - Sony
Let's visit a little place I like to call left field for a moment.
Sony is likely losing the distribution rights after "Spectre," but what if they didn't? What if the studio re-acquired them and bumped the young up-and-coming Evans to the big leagues from his current position at Sony Classics?
Evans, a native of Whales, is best known for the Indonesian action series "The Raid," which features some of the most jaw-dropping fight scenes in recent film history. Seriously, if you haven't seen either of the two movies yet, stop reading this and go check them out. I'll wait.
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Awesome, right?!
Evans isn't a typical choice due to his lack of filmmaking experience. But there's no doubt he'd infuse Bond with a kinetic and physical energy never before seen while also giving the character some replay-worthy hand-to-hand fight scenes.
5. Allen Hughes - Warner Bros.
Sorry to double up on Warner Bros., but Hughes's 2010 collaboration with the studio resulted in the stylish "The Book of Eli," and merited attention on this list as another curveball entry.
While "The Book of Eli" has its flaws (such as casting Mila Kunis in a serious role), it was one of the most visually ambitious action films of the last several years. It possesses a unique art house vibe despite its $80 million budget and is off-beat in a refreshing way.
Staying fresh has to be a concern for a film franchise that is 53 years old. Why not give it to a filmmaker who will at least do something different with it and likely take it in new and surprising directions?
What do you think, Bond fans? Agree with my list? Think I'm an idiot? Have suggestions of your own? Let us know in the comments section below!
