While fans almost thought that Zack Snyder had moved on from established IPs, he has expressed his interest in one of the famous franchises, James Bond. The 61-year-old franchise is at a pivotal point, aiming to develop the next generation of Bond movies after Daniel Craig stepped down from the role. Snyder also reveals his plans for the franchise, which may be something for the producers to consider.
Snyder is one of the most divisive directors in the industry, with people either loving or hating his movies. The director’s latest movie, Rebel Moon, received poor reviews from critics, but its Netflix views tell a completely different story.
Zack Snyder Reveals His Plans For A James Bond Movie
Zack Snyder has dedicated the majority of the last decade to making films in DC’s established IP. Snyder’s DC filmography includes projects like Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman, and Justice League, not to mention his famous Snyder cut of the latter. These projects weren’t everyone’s cup of tea, much like his later Netflix projects, Army of the Dead and the recently released Rebel Moon.
Snyder is now considering a new IP, as revealed in a profile interview for The Atlantic. When asked about tackling more pre-existing franchises, Snyder mentioned that he was nearly done with such projects. However, there’s at least one more franchise he wants to explore before pursuing original projects.
Snyder revealed his desire to make a movie exploring a 20-something James Bond. It would act as an origin story of sorts for the character. Snyder shared that the movie will delve into the humble roots of the character and the trauma that shaped him into a spy agent. The Watchmen director 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 plans could be the solution that James Bond needs, after the criticisms faced by No Time to Die. While the movie received positive reviews from critics, hardcore fans argue that it did not live up to the standards of a classic James Bond film. Rotten Tomatoes score for the film stood at 83% fresh, but the Critics Consensus aptly noted that “it isn’t the sleekest or most daring 007 adventure”. Luckily, sleek style and daring storytelling are all Snyder’s forte.
James Bond Producers May Not Be Onboard With Zack Snyder’s Plans
While Zack Snyder’s plans have some merit, James Bond producers were always against casting younger actors and reiterated their opinion even after Daniel Craig’s exit. Last October, producer Michael G. Wilson told Deadline that Bond only works among movie audiences because he’s “already a veteran”. He revealed that they had tried younger actors in the past, and things didn’t work out. Wilson explained to Deadline:
“We’ve tried looking at younger people in the past. But trying to visualize 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. He isn’t some kid out of high school that you can bring in and start off. That’s why it works for a thirty-something.”
During her interview with Radio Times, casting director Debbie McWilliams, who cast Craig, also agreed with Wilson. McWilliams pointed out the weaknesses of young actors in handling the role, as they lacked the gravitas, experience, or mental capacity to shoulder such a massive responsibility.
Despite speculations, no actor or director is confirmed for the next James Bond movie. No Time to Die and all other James Bond movies are now available for streaming on MGM+.
