It looks like Denis Villeneuve’s vision for the next James Bond film might include one of the most intriguing screenwriters of the moment.
Sources tell me that Justin Kuritzkes, best known for penning Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and “Queer,” is currently on the shortlist to write the script for Bond 26, Villeneuve’s anticipated take on 007.
Robert Wade, who co-wrote the last seven James Bond movies, alongside Neil Purvis, recently confirmed that he would not pen Bond 26, and neither would Purvis. It sounds like Villeneuve has been tasked to choose the writer.
Kuritzkes has quietly built a reputation in Hollywood as a go-to name for cerebral, emotionally textured scripts. His “Challengers” script landed on the Black List and became one of 2024’s most talked-about films, showcasing his knack for intimate character studies within high-concept ideas.
In the meantime, Kuritzkes’ ongoing collaborations with Guadagnino and his recent work on big IP—including the Don Winslow adaptation “City on Fire” and a —delayed?— “Sgt. Rock” have upped his stock.
With Villeneuve now officially signed on to direct, Amazon MGM are now waiting for him to finish his work on “Dune: Part III,” with pre-production on Bond 26 set to begin shortly after.
A final decision on the screenwriter is expected by the end of the year. For now, Kuritzkes remains one of a small group of writers being seriously considered.