It’s a huge twist worthy of any Bond blockbuster.
Danny Boyle has only just been officially confirmed as the director of the 25th Bond outing – and the final film for main star Daniel Craig.
Now, just weeks before filming was officially due to begin, a formal statement has revealed that Boyle has gone.
What happened? The statement cryptically hints why.
A joint statement was released earlier today by the producers and the leading man.
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It said: “Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Daniel Craig today announced that due to creative differences Danny Boyle has decided to no longer direct Bond 25.”
The timing is extraordinary with numerous recent statements and comments enthusiatically asserting how excited cast and crew were to work with the Slumdog Millionaire director.
Moneypenny actress Naomie Harris said: “He’s extraordinary. I think he’d have an amazing twist.”
There has certainly been a twist and it’s one that nobody saw coming.
Production on the eagerly awaited movie was due to begin in December and Bond 25 was scheduled to hit UK cinemas in October 2019.
This was already a remarkably short turn-around for such an immense project. Could something as well-oiled and meticulous as the James Bond franchise be in trouble?
Anticipation was particularly high not only because the movie marks Craig’s swan song in the role, but also to see how and where the film will leave the franchise for his successor.
Fans were also intrigued to see Byle and Craig reunited after teh 2012 Olympics.
Boyle masterminded the opening ceremony, which amously included a humourous short film featuring Craig as OO7 escorting the Queen to the stadium.
After recent comments from former Bond Pierce Brosnan that the modern incarnation was too serious, Boyle was expected to bring a confident touch to mixing modern demands with iconic Bond touches.
The most recent movie, directed by Sam Mendes, was criticised for a rather uneven tone and unsatisfactory ending.
Craig had been very vocal about not wishing to return to the role and SPECTRE offered some form of ‘happy ending’ for his character.
However, after the movie received mixed reviews, it could be seen that Craig is determined that Bond 25 will provide a fitting and definitive end to his reign as the world’s most famous spy.
Were the “creative differences” between Boyle and Craig?
The unusual inclusion of the star’s name in the statement seems to confirm that Craig has an input into the film’s production far beyond being the leading man.