Christopher Nolan has been linked to the next James Bond film, with fans speculating that the acclaimed filmmaker could be set to produce or direct the as-yet-untitled movie.
Nolan's production company, Syncopy Films, has been listed on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) as producing "Bond 25", with both Nolan and his wife Emma Thomas, Syncopy's co-founder, listed as producers.
As Nolan has directed most of the feature films Syncopy has released, excited fans have suggested that he could be set to helm the new 007 film.
However, film site Collider has thrown cold water on the rumours, pointing out that no studio has yet been handed control of the production – and that the studio would expect to have a role in choosing the film's director.
Nolan, whose films include Inception, Batman Begins and Memento, has previously spoken about his love of the spy franchise. When asked in a 2015 Newsnight interview if he would ever direct a Bond film, he evaded the question. "It's a great franchise, and I grew up absolutely loving it," he said, before adding, "they seem to be doing fine without me."
When pushed for an answer Nolan said, "It's not a no, but it's not a yes."
Nolan is the only filmmaker to find himself at the centre of Bond rumours. Jason Bourne director Paul Greengrass, High-Rise's Ben Wheatley, and Danish director Susanne Bier (The Night Manager) have all been named as likely choices to direct the film. Daniel Craig has not yet confirmed that he will return Daniel Craig has not yet confirmed that he will return Credit: Francois Duhamel
It also remains unclear whether Daniel Craig – who has played Bond since 2006's Casino Royale – will return for the new film. Although Craig said in 2015 that he would rather "slash [his] wrists" than make another Bond film, the star has since backtracked on that statement. Last year, he told reporters, "If I were to stop doing it, I would miss it terribly."
Taboo star Tom Hardy, who has been tipped to replace Craig, has said he would like Nolan to take the reins for the franchise. "Chris Nolan – what a fantastic director for a Bond movie," he told IndieWire. "I wonder what the next installment of that franchise would become, and I think when you mention someone like Christopher Nolan, that’s a very powerful figure to bring into that world who could bring something new and create something profound – again."
The Telegraph has approached Christopher Nolan's representatives for comment
Seems like this comes up every 2 years or so when theres no info the next Bond film, same as when Craig mentions not wanting to do another. Not an incredibly informative article, and IMDb is known to host misinformation. Guess we'll see