Speculation has emerged amongst James Bond enthusiasts that one of cinema’s most famous faces may become a Bond Villain, as Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is confirmed as the franchise’s new screenwriter.
Knight’s appointment has sparked theories amongst 007 fans who believe they may have identified Bond’s new potential enemy, before casting announcements have even been made.
Amazon MGM, who acquired the franchise rights from long-time producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli last year, still remain tight-lipped about their plans for adapting Ian Fleming’s espionage novels.
The production will see Amy Pascal and David Heyman serving as producers through Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films, respectively.
Daniel Craig stepped away from the role after 15 years in 2021, after Bond appeared to die in a first-ever ending, in “No Time to Die”.
Despite no casting news on the new MI6 agent, fans have drawn connections between Knight’s established working relationship with actor Tom Hardy and are ruminating over whether he could join the Bond universe.
Fans flocked to X to publish their theories. One user wrote: “Writer Steven Knight has worked with actor Tom Hardy multiple times. They get on well it seems. Will Tom join the cast of the next James Bond movie? Not as 007, but perhaps as the movie’s antagonist?”
Reactions revealed divided opinions amongst Bond enthusiasts, with some embracing the villain concept whilst others advocated for Hardy to assume the lead role.
“Don’t tease,” one fan responded, whilst another declared: “If Tom Hardy is not Bond it is the biggest missed opportunity I can think of.”
Another added: “Hardy as Bond, or a villain, would be the best casting of the century. Make it happen!!”
The speculation garnered huge traction across social media, however the theories have not been substantiated.
Hardy, 47, is no stranger to action-packed films, having starred in Inception, Dunkirk, and Batman: The Dark Knight Rises.
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Knight, who authored the hit TV show Peaky Blinders, expressed his excitement at taking over the British flagship franchise on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
“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 said.
“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.”
Broccoli, who oversaw the franchise for 44 years, supported Villeneuve’s appointment, calling him “a fantastic filmmaker”.
Knight revealed he was invited to meet Amy Pascal without initially knowing the purpose, before engaging in discussions about concepts and ultimately securing the position.
The identity of the next 007 remains shrouded in secrecy, with Knight declining to reveal any details about Craig’s successor when questioned.
“That is a very, very good question” he said when asked the identity of the next Bond, “and one I can’t give you the answer to,” he stated during his BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast appearance.
Speculation about Craig’s replacement continues, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson from 28 Years Later, Theo James of The Gentlemen, and Henry Cavill from The Witcher amongst the frontrunners for the iconic role.
The franchise’s future direction under Amazon MGM’s ownership remains largely undisclosed.