The latest installment in the James Bond franchise is slowly approaching, with the as-yet-untitled film set to hit screens November 2019. Which means that the next two years will be filled with rumour, speculation, and official announcements about Bond 25.
So we’re collating every worthwhile Bond 25-related news story here in one easy-to-bookmark place, with the most recent story at the top of the article.
Daniel Craig Says “Yes” to Bond 25, Reveals it Will Probably be His Last
TONIGHT: Daniel Craig makes an announcement that will leave you shaken, not stirred. #JamesBond #LSSC pic.twitter.com/gaSgVs3LkN
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) August 16, 2017
August 16, 2017 – Daniel Craig has been refusing to commit to Bond 25 of late, at least in public, but last night he finally announced his involvement on Stephen Colbert’s talk show. “I have been quite cagey about it. I have been doing interviews all day and people have been asking me and I think I’ve been rather coy. But I kind of felt like if I was going to speak the truth I should speak truth to you” he told Colbert. Then when asked directly if he would return as James Bond, Craig simply said “Yes.”
He then added that it would probably be his final outing as 007, stating “I just want to go out on a high note and I can’t wait.”
Daniel Craig Says “No Decision Made” Concerning His Return in Bond 25
August 15, 2017 – In an interview with Boston radio show Morning Magic 106.7, Daniel Craig has said that nothing official has been set in regards to his return to the character of James Bond.
“No decision has been made at the moment, there’s a lot of noise out there and nothing official has been confirmed and I’m not, like, holding out for more money or doing anything like that. It’s just all very personal decisions to be made at the moment…I know they’re desperate to get going and I would in theory love to do it, but there is no decision, uh, just yet.”
Craig is almost certain to return for the franchise’s twenty-fifth installment, but it sounds like there are still a lot of behind-the-scenes dealings going on before that can happen. Does it have to do with scheduling, story issues, or certain personnel? Nothing is confirmed at this point but you can bet we’ll get a big announcement about the film before the end of the year.
TV Show Delayed so Bond 25 Can Shoot
August 12, 2017 – We’re yet to receive concrete confirmation that Daniel Craig will play 007 in Bond 25, but a TV executive has given us something close to it. Craig was due to appear in a TV show called Purity later this year. But Showtime CEO David Nevins – speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour – said the show was being pushed back because “he’s doing Bond first.” Craig will still apparently appear in “most” of Purity, though the show may not air until 2019, when Bond 25 is also due.
Daniel Craig Might Star in OHMSS Remake
August 8, 2017 – According to The Sun – so as ever take this with a pinch of salt – Daniel Craig has signed up for two more James Bond movies, the second of which will be a remake of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Producer Barbara Broccoli has been “spearheading negotiations”, with an insider revealing “There was plenty of talk about who would be the next Bond but Barbara has managed to talk Daniel into two films.”
The unnamed source added “The deal is almost done and the idea of returning to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service for the 26th movie is really exciting.”
Bond 25 Probably Won’t be Based on Never Dream of Dying
I know nothing; haven't spoken with any Mirror journalists, can only assume that article is fabrication. Would be wonderful if it were true.
— Raymond Benson (@RaymondBenson) July 30, 2017
July 30, 2017 – Author Raymond Benson posted the above response to rumours that Bond 25 would be based on his 2001 novel Never Dream of Dying. So for now expect the forthcoming instalment to be an original story.
Bond 25 Might be Called Shatterhand
July 29, 2017 – According to British tabloid The Mirror, Bond 25 will be loosely based on Raymond Benson’s 007 novel Never Dream of Dying. The newspaper claims “The film has the working title Shatterhand and the plot sees Daniel Craig’s spy battle a blind supervillain.”
The Mirror reckons scenes will shoot in Croatia, France and Japan. Though based on the source, this may well be a big fat lie.
The Directors Wanted For Bond 25 Are…
July 26, 2017 – With Sam Mendes vacating the director’s chair for Bond 25, Deadline is reporting that the three current frontrunners are Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Arrival), David Mackenzie (Starred Up, Hell or High Water) and Yann Demange (’71 and the forthcoming White Boy Rick). We’ve got thoughts on why all three would do a good job, which can be read here.
Daniel Craig IS (Probably) James Bond
https://giphy.com/gifs/5KBNl9gPCEDle
July 24, 2017 – Although the official ‘Bond 25’ statement didn’t say who would actually be playing 007, it sounds like Daniel Craig is once again getting the nod. The New York Times got the scoop, stating:
“Mr Craig’s return is a done deal, according to two people briefed on the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid conflicts with Eon and MGM.”
Back in October Craig told Time Out: “I’d rather break this glass and slash my wrists” than play Bond again, so this is a dramatic about-turn from the actor.
James Bond Returns November 2019
July 24, 2017 – We’ll ignore the days, weeks, months and years of speculation about Daniel Craig’s ongoing involvement in the James Bond movies, and kick off with the big news – 007 is returning in November 2019. The 25th film in the franchise will hit U.S. screens November 8, 2019, with U.K. audiences getting the movie a week earlier.
Neal Purvis and Robert Wade – who wrote Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and SPECTRE – will again pen the script, though there’s no word yet regarding a director.