Pick Six: Best Directors to Make Bond 24

Last year’s Skyfall proved to be not only an incredible entry in the Bond franchise, but a beautiful stand alone action flick filled with countless memorable scenes. A large part of it’s success was credited, and rightly so, to director Sam Mendes, a man many didn’t think had the filmography to make a big budget Bond flick. Well, it worked and we were all excited to have him return for Bond 24. Unfortunately, Mendes is too tied up with prior commitments to sign on for the next 007 installment and will not be returning. Below is a list of six directors who I think can take over the helm of the Bond franchise.

127 Hours - European Premiere: 54th BFI London Film Festival

Danny Boyle

Danny Boyle always has been my choice for a Bond film, even before Sam Mendes. He’s flashy, full of energy, and can tell one hell of a story amid it all. He also utilizes locations wonderfully and seeing as Bond is a traveling man himself, I could only imagine what kinds of places he’d take us. Hell, Bond could make a trip to India and Boyle can recapture the vibrancy he showed off in Slumdog Millionaire. Oh, and if any of the film is set in India, I want Irrfan Khan to be the Bond villain. That guy can act. But, don’t think that it has to go to India. That’s just a thought…

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Shane Black

Shane Black is poised to be a hot commodity in Hollywood. He’s directed Iron Man 3, which will be an obvious success, and assuming Marvel doesn’t snag him up for future projects, Black will have so many opportunities to do, kind of, whatever he wants. Besides Iron Man 3, Black only has one other credit as a director- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. That film is more so my reasoning of having him on this list as he was able to recreate an intense, smart, and noir film that you wouldn’t expect to find circa 2005. Sure, we want the Bond franchise to push the limits even further, but if Bond 24 is set to be a bit smaller, tighter, and character-driven, a director who can do both big and small budget films would be the way to go.

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Peter Weir

Peter Weir is very much like Sam Mendes. His career has been driven by powerful dramas with the occasional flash of action (Master and Commander). Nonetheless, each one of Weir’s outings has proven to be memorable and if MGM wants to reproduce the style (along with the success) of Skyfall, a man like Weir would be perfect for the job.

Sherlock Holmes

Guy Ritchie

This one won’t happen in a million years, but dammit could you imagine how crazy a Bond film would be directed by Guy Ritchie? Talk about ridiculous and amazing!

"Green Zone" - Photocall

Paul Greengrass

Now before you go on about not wanting to see a Bond movie filmed with a shaky camera, there’s something you have to keep in mind. Paul Greengrass revolutionized the action genre with that technique in Bourne Supremacy and he does it incredibly well. Marc Forster tried to replicate this process for Quantum of Solace, but turned the film into a shaky mess (among other problems). Greengrass has the talent, the eye, and the filmography to make one hell of a Bond film. He’s definitely someone I would highly consider if I was one of the Broccolis.

kenneth-branagh

Kenneth Branagh

Who doesn’t love Branagh? He’s an incredible, classically trained actor and his continued foray into the world of directing has become a highlight in his career. 2011′s Thor proved he had the eye for beautiful sequences and he helped bring Asgard to life. This year’s Jack Ryan will showcase his action directing talents even further, and given the success of the film, he may be in even higher demand as well. Plus, can you get anymore classy than Branagh? Hell, he could direct and play the villain.

Honorable Mentions:

Matthew Vaughn- Maybe too pulpy for Bond, Vaughn has turned everything he’s touched into gold. He’s also previously worked with Daniel Craig in Layer Cake, a very underrated action-drama (which the Bond movies have become).

Martin Campbell- He did amazing work on Casino Royale and then of course ruined a franchise with Green Lantern. This guy needs a winner and I think his return to Bond would be very welcoming.

 

Written By Nick

Nick is a man obsessed with all things related to film. From the most obscure to the very popular, he’s seen it all and hopes to one day turn his obsession into a career that makes a lot of money so he can buy a monkey, a bulldog, and a full size Batman suit.

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15 Readers Commented

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  1. The Seer
    Reply
    on March 8, 2013
    Depending on how Danny Bowles latest 'Trance' turns out could be a good shout... In fact your top three would all be interesting but I would have no interest in seeing a bond film by the bottom three, maybe could be persuaded to see it if it was Greengrass...
    • Nick Author
      Reply
      on March 8, 2013
      No love for Branagh?
      • The Seer
        Reply
        on March 9, 2013
        No didn't think he did anything specials with Thor is was more by the numbers than anything tho with Jack Ryan he could possibly change my mind.. Someone that I would like to see be given a chance in movies would be Paul McGuigan, because his tv stuff is excellent... And after seeing Parker I wouldn't mind Taylor Hackford have ago...
  2. 70srichard
    Reply
    on March 8, 2013
    Danny Boyle and Kenneth Branagh are interesting choices. I think Boyle has gotten better with each film he has made and his eye would bring a unique perspective to the franchise. Branagh should be a better fit because of his classical acting background and the more traditional storytelling that Skyfall has set up. I'd love to see him putting Bond through a briefing with M, and a verbal smackdown with a villain. If Greengrass were required to buy a tripod, and then forced to use it, I might still have reservations. Bond is a character with a backstory and a set of touchstones that need to be attended to, I've seen nothing to suggest Mr. Greengass can manage that. Black is too Jokey for this, but let me see Iron Man 3 before I say no. Has Weir worked in the last decade? Richie has already screwed up Sherlock Holmes, I don't think we need his touch to reduce Bond to slo-mo stop frame action scenes. Campbell has rescued Bond twice, I have confidence in his ability with this property.
    • Nick Author
      Reply
      on March 8, 2013
      I see my pick of Greengrass angered you lol. No worries though, he was a toss up. I'm glad you like my Boyle and Branagh picks though, especially Boyle as he's my go to guy for the franchise if I had the power and influence to make such a thing happen. I was hesitant about Weir after looking at his IMDB page because I'm not sure if the man has actually retired, but I love him for a choice so I had to include him.
  3. TheVern
    Reply
    on March 8, 2013
    I would love to see Sofia Coppola do a bond film. Her visual style is very unique and would be a nice addition for 007. Gaspar Noe would be another choice because I want his insane filmaking style in a franchise
    • Nick Author
      Reply
      on March 8, 2013
      Interesting to bring up the idea of a woman director making a Bond film. Coppola's a bit too... odd, I think, for 007 though. As for Gaspar Noe, unless Bond 24 plans to feature rape, hallucinations and sorts of f**ked up-ness, then I don't think he'll be a good fit lol. Would be very interesting though.
  4. Ryan
    Reply
    on March 8, 2013
    Boyle would be great. Whoever does take the next Bond has big shoes to fill as far as matching the same look as Skyfall. I think Boyle could do it, his films have always looked gorgeous.
    • Nick Author
      Reply
      on March 8, 2013
      Thank you! Boyle needs to do one. I'm pretty sure he's shown heavy interest in doing Bond as well in the past. Plus, he did do the opening ceremony for the London Olympics, which featured Bond (just saying).
  5. Lights Camera Reaction
    Reply
    on March 8, 2013
    Kenneth Branagh would be a great choice! He's such a versatile director. I wouldn't pick Guy Richie though.
    • Nick Author
      Reply
      on March 8, 2013
      He was my throw in the mix just because choice.
  6. fernandorafael
    Reply
    on March 10, 2013
    Cool post! Definitely would love to watch a Bond flick by Boyle or Ritchie.
  7. filmhipster
    Reply
    on March 11, 2013
    M. Night Shyamalan for the win!
  8. Shane
    Reply
    on March 11, 2013
    I'm not a big Bond guy, so I apologize if this is offensive... but I would see a Bond flick by Joe Carnahan. Just take the best things from Smokin' Aces, A-Team, and The Grey and I think he could do a solid 007 flick. Obviously, I like Shane Black the most.
    • Nick Author
      Reply
      on March 11, 2013
      Carnahan is proving more so that he's a quality director and would be interesting for sure!

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