Peaky Blinders creator to write next James Bond film prompting fan speculation
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been officially announced as the screenwriter for the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios confirmed. The announcement marks a significant step in the ongoing reinvention of the long-running spy franchise.
Knight's hiring follows the transition of creative control from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson handing over creative control to Amazon, after the tech giant acquired MGM in 2022.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Knight shared his excitement: "It has always been on my bucket list and it's fantastic to be invited to do it, and I can't wait to get started."
He continued: "I'm hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that's the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder."
In June, it was announced that Dune and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve would be directing the project. The film will be produced by Amy Pascal (Pascal Pictures) and David Heyman (Heyday Films), both of whom are known for their successful work across blockbuster franchises.
The producers have emphasised that casting for the next Bond will follow only after a director and script are in place.
The question of who will step into the iconic tuxedo remains unanswered following Daniel Craig's final outing as 007 in 2021's No Time to Die. Fan speculation remains high, particularly after Knight's involvement, with many pointing to Peaky Blinders star Tom Hardy as a potential frontrunner for the role.
Fans have taken to X, formally Twitter to express their thoughts on Knight writing the film, with many believing Tom Hardy will become bond. One fan expressed: "With Steven Knight writing the next Bond film, surely Tom Hardy or Cillian Murphy will be taking the role?"
With another stating: "I hope Tom Hardy is James Bond, he would be incredible."
Although others disagreed, claiming both Tom and Cillian are too old, as one said: "As much as i'd like either of them to take it, aren't they too old?"
Knight is one of Britain's most respected screenwriters and show runners. In addition to Peaky Blinders, his other works include This Town (BBC), Netflix's All The Light We Cannot See and A Thousand Blows.
He also serves as executive producer on Built In Birmingham: Brady and the Blues, a new docuseries tracking the transformation of Birmingham City Football Club, which now counts former NFL quarterback Tom Brady among its key investors.
Knight is also involved in several different upcoming projects, including the long awaited Peaky Blinders film and the historical drama series House Of Guinness.
His contributions to drama and entertainment were formally recognised in 2020 when he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the arts and to the Birmingham community - the setting for Peaky Blinders, which stars Cillian Murphy as hard-drinking gang leader Tommy Shelby.
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