It’s now official: Steven Knight will write the script for the upcoming James Bond movie, which is being directed by Denis Villeneuve for Amazon.
Knight, best known for creating Peaky Blinders and Taboo, had previously been rumored to be involved. The announcement confirms that the new 007 project is moving forward with a fresh creative team and new direction following Daniel Craig’s exit from the role.
“James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers,” Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said Thursday during the company’s June financial quarter conference call. “We cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”
Knight said in an interview with BBC Radio, “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 continued, “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.”
Knight added when asked who might star as the new 007, “That is a very, very good question, and one I can’t give you the answer to.”
Steven Knight to pen next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios. pic.twitter.com/JrIzD1WJxN
— James Bond (@007) July 31, 2025
No Taron Egerton for Bond
Meanwhile, Taron Egerton has publicly ruled himself out as the next Bond. In a recent interview, Egerton said he hasn’t auditioned and doesn’t see himself as a fit for the role.
“I think I’m too messy for that,” Egerton told Collider. “I think I’m not [the right fit]— I really love James Bond and particularly Daniel Craig’s tenure. But I think I wouldn’t be good at it,” he continued, “and I think there’s so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it. I think it would be wasted on me, probably.”
With Egerton out, attention continues to focus on names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson (they heavy favorite), James Norton, Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi, and Harris Dickinson. Sydney Sweeney is also rumored as the next Bond girl.
Villeneuve and Amazon Shaping the Franchise
With Villeneuve directing and Steven Knight now officially onboard to write, Amazon is putting its stamp on the James Bond franchise. Casting remains unconfirmed, though recent reports suggest Amazon is eyeing a younger, under-30 British actor for Bond, which would rule out older fan favorites like Henry Cavill and Idris Elba.
No release date has been announced yet. Tanya Lapointe, Villeneuve’s wife and producing partner, is executive producer, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing.
