After venturing into the superhero genre and cultivating a devoted fanbase for his films, Zack Snyder has set his sights on another dream project. Snyder expressed his desire to direct a James Bond film and even revealed a pitch idea for the spy film. Interestingly, this pitch might disappoint fans hoping to see Henry Cavill in the role of Agent 007.
The Justice League director wants to explore the story of a much younger James Bond in his 20s. While Snyder’s vision for the character appears promising, the reception for his last few films, including the recently released Rebel Moon, has been largely divisive.
Zack Snyder May Not Cast Henry Cavill As James Bond If He Were To Direct It
Zack Snyder is eyeing another pre-existing IP after his work on the DC movies. The Man of Steel director is currently busy launching new franchises for Netflix with projects like Army of the Dead and Rebel Moon. These projects have received mixed to negative responses, but fans still have faith in Snyder’s visionary projects.
During an interview with The Atlantic, Snyder revealed that he wants to pursue one more franchise before venturing into original projects. The Batman vs. Superman director wants to direct a James Bond movie. His revelation comes at a convenient time since the franchise is looking for a new director and actor to overhaul the franchise after Daniel Craig departed from the iconic role.
Snyder even revealed his pitch to the news outlet, sharing that he would likely explore a storyline featuring a 20-year-old Bond entering the world of espionage. This pitch may leave Henry Cavill fans disappointed since many have rooted for the actor to take over the role ever since Craig’s exit after No Time to Die. Interestingly, Cavill was the second-in-line when Craig grabbed the role in Casino Royale.
Zack Snyder shared that his story will explore the humble roots of the spy agent. The pitch focuses on the trauma in Bond’s life that led him to choose a path with MI6. Snyder told The Atlantic:
“It’d be cool to see, like, 20-year-old James Bond. The humble roots that he comes from. Whatever trauma of youth that makes you be able to be James Bond. There has to be something there.”
Snyder’s pitch would be something new for James Bond fans, as the youngest actor to take on the role was George Lazenby, who was 29 during his single movie appearance in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The rumors surrounding the new James Bond actor continue to circulate the internet, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill being two prominent choices.
James Bond Producers Do Not Agree With Zack Snyder
James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have clarified on several occasions that a James Bond Jr. reboot is not something they find feasible. Explaining it at a BFI event in September 2022, Wilson shared that they had considered younger people in the past for the role. However, it did not work since Bond has always been conceived as a seasoned veteran with years of field and wartime experience. Wilson shared at the event (via Deadline):
“We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualise it doesn’t work. Remember, Bond’s already a veteran. He’s had some experience. He’s a person who has been through the wars, so to speak. He’s probably been in the SAS or something.”
Wilson also clarified that they were not considering any actor over 40 for the next James Bond. Casting director Debbie McWilliams was not in favor of younger actors either, as she believed that they lacked the gravitas, experience, or mental capacity to shoulder such a massive responsibility. (via Radio Times). Interestingly, McWilliams was the one who picked Daniel Craig for the iconic role.
It is up to Zack Snyder to convince the studio to cast younger actors with his pitch. No Time to Die and other James Bond movies are now available for streaming on MGM+.
