With Denis Villeneuve set to direct the next James Bond installment, Amazon/MGM have now found the writer who will help shape the new 007. According to Deadline, “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight has been tapped to pen the script for the franchise’s highly anticipated reboot.
After several writers were of interest to Amazon/MGM, Knight finally emerged as a frontrunner in recent weeks, reportedly securing Villeneuve’s approval. That meeting finally took place last week while Villeneuve was on location shooting “Dune: Part Three.”
Casting for Bond himself remains far off, with no imminent announcements expected. For now, Villeneuve will return his attention to completing his ‘Dune’ trilogy while Knight begins scripting Bond 26.
Knight is an excellent choice for Bond. His style is very gritty, and character-driven. Many of his stories have working-class settings, and terse dialogue, but I do wonder if Amazon/MGM will allow that style to form their precious IP.
Knight is the creator of the ultra-popular gangster series “Peaky Blinders.” I recently wrote how he has “built up a considerable filmography as one of the best and most talented screenwriters in the business.” His notable film credits include “Dirty Pretty Things,” “Locke,” “Eastern Promises” and “Spencer.”
So, Amazon/MGM isn’t messing around. They’re off to a good start. Having Villeneuve and Knight as key creatives, to shape the story, is impressive. In fact, I don’t think there’s been this talented director-writer duo in the franchise in eons, maybe ever.
Production on Bond 26 probably won’t happen until next year, at the earliest, or maybe even as late as 2027 since Villeneuve will be busy in post production on ‘Dune 3’ for most of 2026.