James BondproducersBarbara BroccoliandMichael G. Wilsonmust really love screenwritersNeal PurvisandRobert Wade. The duo have been involved on the script for everyBondmovie going back to 1999’sThe World Is Not Enough, and it looks like whatever happens with the franchise going forward, they’ll be involved withJames Bond 25according to Daily Mail reporter Baz Bamigboye [viaBMD]:
As BMD points out, while the Daily Mail itself is somewhat unreliable, Bamigboye’s track record with theBondfilms has been pretty spot on over the years, which means his source is likely someone deeply involved with the production rather than someone who thinks they’re in the know.
Personally, I’m a little bummed that Purvis and Wade are returning. Yes, they have credits onCasino RoyaleandSkyfall, but they’re also credited withThe World Is Not Enough,Die Another Day,Quantum of Solace(although that was during the writers’ strike, so we won’t hold that one against them), andSpectre.They’ve had more misses than hits, and I’m not sure why the producers are so opposed to bringing in some new blood. If you want to keep Bond fresh and have interesting ideas, you don’t keep falling back on the guys who have been pounding outBondscripts for almost 20 years.
The other question is Craig, and while he’d probably like to go out on a high note (andSpectrewas certainly not a high note), it may be time for a changing of the guard. He’s played Bond since 2006 and had four movies as the character. He’ll be remembered as an above-average Bond who starred in two of the best films in the franchise. While I won’t be upset if he chooses to come back, I’m intrigued by the possibilities of who could take over should he decide its time to turn in his license to kill.
