The world’s most iconic spy is getting a gritty new chapter, courtesy of the acclaimed British screenwriter and creator of the BAFTA-winning series Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight. In a major announcement that has sent a jolt of excitement through the film industry, Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that Knight will pen the next installment of the James Bond franchise, a move that signals a bold new creative direction for 007.
The news comes as the 26th Bond film moves into a critical development phase, with Academy Award-winning director Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Arrival) already attached to helm the project. The pairing of Knight’s dark, character-driven storytelling and Villeneuve’s stunning cinematic vision has instantly sparked speculation that this new era of Bond will be a departure from the sleek, high-octane spectacle of the Daniel Craig era.
Knight, a prolific writer whose credits include the Oscar-nominated screenplays for Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises, and Spencer, has long been a fan favorite to take on the 007 universe. In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, he confirmed the long-held ambition, stating, “It has always been on my bucket list and it’s fantastic to be invited to do it – I can’t wait to get started.”
He also offered a tantalizing glimpse into his vision for the new film, teasing that he hopes to “produce something that’s the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder.” This suggests a desire to both honor the franchise’s legacy while infusing it with his signature blend of moral complexity and sharp dialogue.
Knight’s appointment marks a significant step forward for the Bond franchise following a period of creative limbo since Daniel Craig’s final outing in 2021’s No Time to Die. The new creative team, led by producers Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) and David Heyman (Harry Potter), alongside Villeneuve and Knight, is expected to reshape the character and the world of 007 for a new generation.
While the new film is not expected to hit theaters until at least 2028, fans are already debating who will be cast as the next James Bond. Knight remained tight-lipped on the topic, stating that he “can’t give you the answer” to that question, leading to a fresh wave of casting speculation. Names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, and even Tom Holland have reportedly been floated as top contenders.
Knight’s background is a testament to his versatility. Beyond the gritty drama of Peaky Blinders, he is also the co-creator of the international game show phenomenon Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? His ability to craft compelling narratives for both television and film, from historical epics to tense thrillers, makes him a compelling choice to reinvent a character with a 60-year cinematic history.
The hiring of Steven Knight, a writer known for his ability to craft flawed, compelling antiheroes, signals that the next James Bond may be a more introspective and complex figure. As the creator who brought the Birmingham underworld of the 1920s to life, Knight now has the formidable task of bringing a new, yet familiar, version of the world’s most famous spy to the big screen.