Conclave director Edward Berger lost Bond to Denis Villeneuve — but he still wants a shot at 007
With Denis Villeneuve plotting a new course for Bond, a former contender for the 007 chair insists he still wants the job.
If you thought the James Bond director hunt finished with Denis Villeneuve slipping into the tuxedo, you're only half right. Turns out, one of the big names who nearly landed the job is still very much eyeing a turn behind the wheel of that iconic Aston Martin.
Edward Berger—the Oscar-nominated director who did All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave—was in contention for the next Bond outing, along with a rather starry shortlist. Villeneuve ultimately got the nod, but Berger's not giving up hope.
Speaking to Screen Off Script at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, Berger didn't mince words: "Oh, absolutely […] James Bond, I've been a lifelong fan, and if they ever decided that they needed a director, that I could be a director that suited the films, I'm incredibly passionate about it."
The Current State of Bond
The next era of Bond is officially underway, and it's got some changes baked in. Denis Villeneuve is set to direct what Amazon MGM Studios is touting as a fresh chapter. And yes, for those counting—this will be the first Bond film without Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson steering from the shadows. Amazon now has creative control, which is no small shift.
The next Bond production is currently scheduled to kick off in 2027, after Villeneuve wraps up Dune: Part Three.
On the production side, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing, with Steven Knight (of Peaky Blinders fame) handling the script. Not much has surfaced about the plot or a firm release date yet, which is par for the course with this franchise.
Who Else Was in the Running?
Berger wasn't the only household name sniffing around the Bond director's seat. According to reports, the shortlist included Villeneuve, Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan, Paul King, and Berger himself. Now that the official gig's gone to Villeneuve, Berger's made it known he'd jump at the chance if the studio fancies mixing it up in future.
Meanwhile, the inevitable question of Bond casting rolls on. Rumours are swirling around Callum Turner, who's reportedly come out as the current favourite after recent screen tests—alongside contenders like Jack Lowden and Josh O'Connor. As of now, Amazon MGM Studios have stayed characteristically tight-lipped about who's replacing Daniel Craig.
- Denis Villeneuve will direct the next Bond, starting production in 2027.
- Oscar-nominated Edward Berger remains keen for a future 007 shot.
- Amy Pascal, David Heyman, and Steven Knight are on board to produce and script.
- Longtime franchise bosses Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have stepped aside.
- Casting for the new Bond is still up in the air—no official word yet.