Back in July, A James Bond piece, narrowing down the possible directing contenders to just a handful of names, mentioned Edward Berger. The Telegraph then seemingly confirmed Berger as a potential contender.
However, speaking with Deadline, Berger is vehemently denying the Bond rumors, and is pleading for publications to quit saying he will be calling the shots for the next installment: “That’s an absolute rumor. There’s no truth to it whatsoever. I would be very grateful if you put out that fire.”
There is currently no script, no title, not even a director for the next Bond. No setting has been chosen, no source material selected from the Ian Fleming novels or elsewhere. However, it’s not just Berger’s name that has been making the rounds as a potential director for the next franchise instalment.
The likes of Bart Layton, Yann Demange, David Michod, Kelly Marcel, and Martin Campbell have all been namedropped by publications.
Bond producer Barbara Broccoli will be very busy come next year with her involvement in bringing Daniel Craig’s “Othello” to the big screen. We’re likely not looking at a new Bond going into production until, at least, 2026.
Berger’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” won four Oscars, including Best International Film. His follow-up, “Conclave,” has been getting immense praise at this year’s fall fests, and is set for release this November, via Focus. He’s even already shot his next film after that one; “The Ballad of a Small Player,” starring Colin Farrell.
Oh, and Berger is being sought by Brad Pitt and George Clooney to direct “Ocean’s 14.” Suffice to say, there is currently a lot on Berger’s plate and maybe he just doesn’t want the investment that comes in helming a Bond movie.