Hollywood Buzz: Heyman and Pascal Eyed to Produce Next James Bond Film
Industry insiders are reporting that David Heyman and Amy Pascal are in discussions to produce the upcoming James Bond film under the Amazon MGM Studios banner.
Shift in Control for 007 Franchise
This potential partnership marks a significant shift for the iconic spy series. It would be the first official James Bond movie not to be produced by the Broccoli family’s EON Productions. EON Productions reportedly ceded creative control to the streaming giant following a deal valued at nearly $1 billion.
Alfonso Cuarón Rumored as Potential Director
Adding to the speculation, rumors are circulating that acclaimed filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón has pitched his vision for a “new take on 007” to Amazon MGM. The studio has reportedly already assembled a writers room dedicated to the James Bond franchise.
Cuarón’s Impressive Filmography Fuels Speculation
Cuarón is celebrated for directing critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men, Gravity, and Roma.
Having focused on his Apple TV+ series Disclaimer in recent years, the question arises: could Bond 26 be his next directorial project?
Industry Insider Weighs In on Director Speculation
Hollywood analyst Matt Belloni, on The Town podcast, offered his perspective:
- Belloni considers Cuarón a strong, informed possibility, emphasizing it is speculative but based on industry knowledge.
- He suggests that Christopher Nolan is unlikely due to his commitment to The Odyssey, implying Amazon desires a faster production timeline.
- Belloni posits that Amazon, particularly Jeff Bezos, wants a Bond film promptly, leading them to pursue producers who can expedite the process.
- The direct approach to producers like Heyman and Pascal indicates a desire for swift action.
- Belloni predicts Cuarón will direct, citing his long-standing relationship with David Heyman, dating back to Gravity and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
- He notes established talks and a presented “take” from Cuarón, indicating serious interest, although negotiations are not confirmed.
Belloni concludes his prediction is that Alfonso Cuarón will helm the next James Bond installment.
Cuarón’s Past Hesitations Regarding 007
Intriguingly, Cuarón disclosed last year that he had previously declined an offer to direct a Bond film under EON Productions during the Daniel Craig era.
Speaking to Variety, Cuarón explained his earlier reservations: “Ages ago I was offered a Bond film. And I said, ‘Yeah, cool. Maybe Bond. I am going to do one.’ And then when the process started… there was a [separate] team doing all the action scenes. It kind of felt very weird.”
He elaborated on his discomfort with the production structure, where action sequences were handled by a separate unit. This concern was solidified after a conversation with Joel Coen, who expressed enjoying Bond films as a viewer but not as a director. Cuarón stated this led him to realize some films are better enjoyed as an audience member than as a creator.
Potential Shift in Perspective for Cuarón
However, circumstances have changed. With Amazon MGM offering potentially greater creative autonomy, Cuarón might reconsider directing a 007 film. His acclaimed works, such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Children of Men, showcase a darker, more grounded aesthetic, often compared to the style of Christopher Nolan. This makes him a compelling alternative to Nolan for the next James Bond movie.