Bond Producer Talks Developing New Film

If you’re waiting to see a new movie in the venerable Bond franchise, you’re likely going to have to be patient for three years or more.

Daniel Craig as James Bond in 'Skyfall.'

Preview

The development of the next Bond film will take the next couple of years.
Producer Barbara Broccoli talked about the challenges of finding the right tone and actor.
Reality TV competition series ‘007: Road to a Million’ kicks off next month to help fans through the quiet period.

It has been two years since Daniel Craig put down his Walter PPK and handed in his license to kill as –– spoiler alert for anyone who has yet to watch 2021’s ‘No Time to Die’ –– his take on secret agent James Bond went out in a missile-fueled blaze of glory.

So of course, ever since Craig left the gig playing one of the most famous movie characters in big screen history, talk turned to the likely candidates who will next tackle it. Names who have popped up in the past include Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston.

The people in charge of those decisions are producers/franchise shepherds Barbara Broccoli and half-brother Michael G. Wilson. And according to Broccoli, the pair are taking their time to decide on the next Bond.

Here’s what Broccoli told The Guardian on the past changes:

“I go back to ‘GoldenEye’ when everyone was saying ‘the cold war is over, the wall is over, Bond is dead, no need for Bond, the whole world’s at peace and now there’s no villains’ –– and boy was that wrong! Daniel gave us the ability to mine the emotional life of the character… and also the world was ready for it.”

And her comments on where they are with the next phase of the franchise:

“I think these movies reflect the time they are in, and there’s a big, big road ahead reinventing it for the next chapter, and we haven’t even begun with that.”

What of James Bond TV series spin-offs?

Daniel Craig as James Bond in 'Casino Royale.'

According to Broccoli, beyond one planned show (see below), there are no TV Bond series on the way (even if MGM owners Amazon might love it).

Here’s what Broccoli said:

“Our focus is making the feature films. When we get going on a Bond movie it takes our full attention for three or four years so that’s our focus. We make the Bond movies for the big theatrical screen and everything about the Bond movies is for audiences to see around the world on that format, so we’ve not wanted to do television.”

So yes… We’ll have to wait for more big screen Bond. But there is something to help tide you over…

What is the 007 reality competition show about?

Brian Cox in Prime Video's '007: Road to a Million.' Credit: Jemma Cox. Copyright: Prime Video.

While we wait for the next Bond film the producing duo are involved in a reality competition show tied to the franchise.

In the show, nine pairs of everyday people are unleashed on an epic adventure through a series of James Bond-inspired challenges, to find questions hidden around the world, all for a shot at winning a life-changing £1 million prize (roughly $1,281 million).

The Controller (Brian Cox) is the on-screen mastermind behind the game, he dictates where the pairs go, and what they must do and sets their questions. He watches on from the shadows following the pair’s every move, reveling as his often merciless and punishing plans unfold in front of him.

In total, The Controller has hidden 10 questions around the world for each pair, who each have a chance of winning a £1 million.

Find them, answer them, win £1 million… But it won’t be that easy!

To reach these questions, the pairs face gut-wrenching Bond-inspired challenges which will push their physical strength and mental reserves to the limit. Each question is worth an increasing amount of money, if answered correctly, they bank the cash and continue to the next question, get it wrong their journey is over.

From the wilds of the Scottish Highlands and the remote Chilean desert to the bustling streets of Venice and the luxurious Caribbean coastline of Jamaica. Packed with drama, epic locations, nail-biting challenges, and emotions running high, ‘007: Road to a Million’ promises a series that will have you on the edge of your seat.

‘007: Road to a Million’ will be out on November 10th on Prime Video.

James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Dr. Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) in 'No Time To Die.'

(L to R) James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Dr. Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) drive through Matera, Italy in 'No Time To Die,' a DANJAQ and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Credit: Nicola Dove. © 2019 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.