Amazon MGM Studios has enlisted notable talent for the upcoming James Bond film, having secured Denis Villeneuve as the director and now identifying acclaimed writer Steven Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders, to craft the screenplay.
The project is being produced by Amy Pascal of Pascal Pictures and David Heyman of Heyday Films, with Tanya Lapointe serving as executive producer. Amazon MGM has been proactive in establishing a robust creative team since gaining full control over the Bond franchise earlier this year. Following auditions for various directors, Villeneuve was chosen to helm the film.
While speculations continue about the next actor to embody the iconic role of 007, the immediate focus has been on finalizing the script. Knight’s placement as the frontrunner for the writing position became solidified after a significant meeting took place recently with Villeneuve, who is currently engaged with the production of Dune: Part Three.
Knight brings a wealth of experience, having created and produced several critically acclaimed series, including the BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinders and Emmy-nominated Taboo. His filmography includes notable scripts such as Eastern Promises and Spencer, both of which garnered Oscar nominations. Knight’s artistic contributions extend beyond television and film; he has published four novels and participated in the creative direction of the 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in his hometown, Birmingham.
In addition to the James Bond project, Knight is also engaged in upcoming works, including a Peaky Blinders film and a historical drama series titled House of Guinness, slated for Netflix. Recognized for his contributions to the UK television landscape, Knight received a CBE and a Fellowship from the Royal Television Society in 2023.
Since its acquisition of MGM in 2022, Amazon has gained access to an extensive library of intellectual properties, strengthening its foothold in the entertainment sector. The successful collaboration with Bond’s original producers ensures that the next film in the series is set for a promising development phase.