CommanderBond.net

It goes without saying that one of the most-talked about things regarding QoS has been the choice of director Marc Forster, who is the first director to take on the Bond films that carried with him a certain artistic pedigree and a level of critical acclaim. In some ways, he's a director's director, with films like MONSTER'S BALL, FINDING NEVERLAND, STRANGER THAN FICTION, and THE KITE RUNNER under his belt. Upon his announcement, one news article rather snobbishly declared, "This guy's too good for Bond."

Many of us noted the pretty dramatic change in directors this signalled for the franchise. Now that EON has established that they're in the market for directors who are artists, not the typical workhorse directors of the franchise. Now they can't really go back to hiring John Glens or Roger Spottiswoodes, now can they? So who does EON go for next?

Obviously someone with some clout and critical acclaim, but I doubt EON will be looking at the huge names. I don't think we'll see Steven Spielberg or Ridley Scott doing an EON Bond film... they have busy schedules, plenty of projects of their own, and probably would want complete control, rather than having to collaborate with EON. So we're looking for directors with artistic credibility but still below the top tier.

The one suggestion that comes off the top of my head is Stephen Frears (THE QUEEN). He was already on board with JINX, and that's enough to get his hat into the ring for a future Bond film.

I must say I wouldn't mind to see Frears directing a Bond Movie. I also wouldn't mind seeing Christopher Nolan either!

id love Christopher Nolan to direct a Bond film

I wonder if Roger Michell would be asked again having turned down BOND 22 (as it was then known). I would still love to see Steven Spielberg have a crack - he's made known in the past that he would jump at the opportunity, but I think that the problems listed by Harmsway are likely to count against him.

I know fans are hot on Christopher Nolan, but honestly, I think he's not one of the more viable choices. He's very unlikely to do it. He is a Bond fan, but given that he's already wrapped up in the Batman franchise, I can't see him taking on another one.

As far as Michell? I don't know... given that things fell through once, I don't know that either party would naturally come back to the other. Michell actually said he was only really doing it as a favor to Craig, but I suppose it is possible.

I think EON will be aiming much higher, in terms of directors who have proven themselves capable of handling character pieces-- provided QOS comes off as well as it's looking like it's going to. I'd start thinking about directors that Craig would like to work with, as well as ones that have done great films lately, but don't have a huge cult following (Coens, Spielberg, Scott). I'm pretty anxious myself to see where the trail leads after Forster.

What about Matthew Vaughn? L4YER CAKE was a fantastic movie. This was actually the first Craig film I saw after he got the role of Bond. I'll always have a soft spot for it. Matthew Vaughn too. He managed to get the humour and grittiness just perfect in L4YER CAKE. I'd love to see him have a crack at Bond.

wasn't he rumored to be in contention for Casino Royale?

I'd be interested in him as a contender.

Agreed. How about Danny Boyle? "Sunshine" showed that he can direct a large-scale film (with an albeit "small" budget compared to standard blockbusters). He's directed films from original screenplays and screenplays based on novels, and his resume has a nice variety to it. Earlier work - "Shallow Grave" and "Trainspotting" show that he is adept at marrying plot with pacing. And, unlike say Nolan, he's not been near a franchise.

Vaughan was also rumoured for Bond 22. He'd be good, so I could see him being approached one day. Isn't he doing the Man From UNCLE film?
Maybe Nolan won't do Bond, but I'd love it if he did.

I could see Vaughn doing it. David Fincher actually expressed interest in doing a Bond film when Brosnan came on board, but that EON wanted too much control. Tarantino wanted to do "his version" of CR, but they said no so he's all pissy. John Woo could make a kick Bond film... but I don't know... why don't we play it by ear and let them surprise us... just so long as they don't surprise us with Uwe Boll!

Frears is just another Michael Apted.