Nolan Rejected for Bond, Chooses Oppenheimer

Following the shocking news that Amazon has taken full creative control over James Bond, with long-term 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stepping back, a new report has shed light on the next steps for the franchise—and a surprising revelation about one high-profile director who was snubbed.

Amid speculation that Amazon may opt for a Bond TV series, Variety reported that a new Bond film remains the "top priority." As for what's next, Amazon will first seek a producer for the franchise. David Heyman, known for his cohesive vision in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, is reportedly the type of producer Amazon is looking for.

Meanwhile, the report alleges that Christopher Nolan "expressed interest" in directing a Bond movie following Tenet. However, Broccoli insisted that no director would have "final cut" while she was in charge of the franchise, and she turned him down. Nolan subsequently directed Oppenheimer, which grossed nearly $1 billion globally and won the best picture and best director (Nolan) Oscars.

Who'd You Pick as the Next Bond? --------------------------------

Henry CavillTom HardyJames McAvoyMichael FassbenderAaron Taylor-JohnsonIdris ElbaSomeone else (tell us who in the comments!)

AnswerSee ResultsFans are particularly eager to discover who will play Bond next. While some advocate for actors like Tom Hardy from Venom, Idris Elba from the MCU, James McAvoy who played Professor X, Michael Fassbender known for his role as Magneto, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was previously rumored to be a top contender, the clear fan-favorite is Henry Cavill, known for his roles as Superman and in The Witcher.

According to Variety, Amazon cannot hire anyone for Bond until the closure of its Broccoli-Wilson deal, which is expected sometime this year. This news follows an explosive report that alleged the future of the James Bond franchise was "on pause" amid what was described as an "ugly" stalemate between the Broccoli family and Amazon.

The behind-the-scenes battle between Barbara Broccoli, who had retained creative control over Bond and decided who played the iconic British spy, and Amazon, which acquired the rights to release Bond movies after purchasing Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in a $8.45 billion deal back in 2021, had left Bond "trapped," according to the Wall Street Journal.

Amazon and Eon have yet to issue a comment.