Nolan's Oppenheimer Choice After Bond Rejection

In a surprising turn of events, Amazon has assumed full creative control over the James Bond franchise, marking a significant shift as long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson step back. This development has sparked intense speculation about the future direction of the series, with a new report from Variety shedding light on the next steps and revealing a notable director who was passed over.

Despite rumors that Amazon might opt for a Bond TV series, Variety confirms that a new Bond film remains the "top priority." The first order of business for Amazon is to find a new producer, with David Heyman, known for his work on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, being the type of visionary they are seeking.

In a surprising twist, acclaimed director Christopher Nolan had expressed interest in helming a Bond film post-Tenet. However, Broccoli's insistence on retaining final cut control led to his rejection. Nolan subsequently directed Oppenheimer, which not only grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide but also clinched Best Picture and Best Director Oscars.

Who’d You Pick as the Next Bond? --------------------------------

Henry CavillTom HardyJames McAvoyMichael FassbenderAaron Taylor-JohnsonIdris ElbaSomeone else (tell us who in the comments!)

AnswerSee ResultsThe question of who will next don the iconic tuxedo of 007 is on every fan's mind. While names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (rumored to be a top contender) are circulating, the fan favorite appears to be Henry Cavill, celebrated for his roles as Superman and in The Witcher.

However, Variety notes that Amazon cannot proceed with any hiring for the Bond project until the Broccoli-Wilson deal is finalized, expected sometime this year. This news comes on the heels of a report describing a contentious standoff between the Broccoli family and Amazon, which has left the franchise "on pause."

The struggle for control stems from Amazon's acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $8.45 billion in 2021, granting them the rights to release Bond films. This acquisition led to a clash with Broccoli, who had long held the reins on creative decisions, including casting the legendary British spy.

As of now, neither Amazon nor Eon Productions have issued any official statements regarding these developments.