Nolan Rejected Bond for Oppenheimer %v

Following the surprising announcement that Amazon has assumed complete creative control of the James Bond franchise, resulting in longtime 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping aside, a new report details the franchise's next moves. It also reveals a notable director who was reportedly rejected for the project.

Despite speculation that Amazon might develop a Bond television series, Variety reports that a new Bond film remains the "top priority." The next step, allegedly, is for Amazon to first seek a new producer for the franchise. The report indicates Amazon is looking for a producer with a vision akin to David Heyman, who provided a cohesive direction for the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series.

Furthermore, the report claims that Christopher Nolan "expressed interest" in directing a Bond film after making 'Tenet.' However, Broccoli, while still in charge, reportedly insisted no director would have "final cut" privileges and turned down his involvement. Nolan subsequently directed 'Oppenheimer,' which earned nearly $1 billion worldwide and won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director for Nolan.

Fans are especially eager to learn who will be the next James Bond. Public suggestions include stars like 'Venom's Tom Hardy, the MCU's Idris Elba, 'Professor X' actor James McAvoy, 'Magneto' actor Michael Fassbender, and 'Kraven's Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was previously rumored to be the frontrunner. However, the clear favorite among fans is 'Superman' and 'The Witcher' star Henry Cavill.

Variety adds that Amazon cannot hire anyone for the Bond role until its deal with Broccoli and Wilson concludes, which is anticipated later this year. This follows an earlier explosive report claiming the James Bond franchise's future was "on pause" due to what was described as an "ugly" stalemate between the Broccoli family and Amazon.

A behind-the-scenes conflict between Barbara Broccoli, who held creative control over Bond and selected the iconic spy's actor, and Amazon, which gained Bond movie rights after its $8.45 billion acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2021, had left the franchise "trapped," according to The Wall Street Journal.

Neither Amazon nor Eon Productions have issued a statement.

Nolan Rejected Bond for Oppenheimer

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