Report: Christopher Nolan Wanted to Direct James Bond 26 After ‘Tenet'

A few years ago, when I reported that Christopher Nolan was talking to Barbara Broccoli about directing the next James Bond, the internet blew up. Nolan wanted to direct two Bond films, and set them both in the ‘60s. I did add that the main issue was the amount of creative control Nolan would need if he were to make the film.

Amazon/MGM was also pushing hard for Nolan to direct, but, alas, talks eventually failed. Broccoli, known as a real nitpicker when it comes to micromanaging the franchise, refused to give Nolan the freedom needed to make the film.

Now, a Variety report says that Nolan wanted Bond to be his follow-up to “Tenet,” but was snubbed by Broccoli. Nolan would go on to direct “Oppenheimer,” and the rest, as they say, is history. It was the right decision to make. “Oppenheimer” grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide and swept the Oscars.

Broccoli was too cautious and exerted outsize control — to the detriment of Bond. Sources say Nolan expressed interest in directing a Bond movie following the release of “Tenet.” But Broccoli made clear that no director would have final cut while Bond was under her purview.

Variety adds that every Hollywood agency is pitching its top writers, directors, and actors for Amazon/MGM’s ‘Bond’ movie — even though it’s not in production yet.

Now that Amazon/MGM has full control of Bond, I’d be shocked if they don’t reach out to Nolan. Hell, I’d be surprised if they don’t give him final cut. What this franchise needs is an automatic moneymaker, and with Nolan at the helm, they would be getting just that.

Nolan himself has long suggested he’d be down to direct a Bond film.

“The influence of those movies in my filmography is embarrassingly apparent,” Nolan told the Happy Sad Confused podcast in July 2023. “And so there’s no attempt to shy away from that. I love the films. You know, it would be an amazing privilege to do one. You wouldn’t want to take on a film not fully committed to what you bring to the table creatively. So as a writer, casting, everything, it’s a full package.”

Another filmmaker who has expressed great interest in the past to direct a Bond movie is Denis Villeneuve. A self-admitted Bond connoisseur, Villeneuve has stated that it would be a dream for him to direct a movie in the franchise, if he were ever asked: “The answer would be a massive yes. I would deeply love to one day make a James Bond movie.”

In recent years, Nolan and Villeneuve have become close friends. The most predictable outcome for all parties involved, especially Amazon/MGM, would be for both filmmakers to team-up and revive this franchise, laying the ground for the next phase in 007 history.