Nolan Made Oppenheimer After Bond Reject

Following Amazon's surprising acquisition of full creative control over James Bond – with veteran producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping aside – new reports reveal the franchise's next moves, including a shocking revelation about a renowned director being rejected.

Despite speculation about potential Bond TV series, Variety confirms a new Bond film remains the "top priority." Amazon reportedly seeks a franchise producer first, with Harry Potter architect David Heyman emerging as their ideal candidate.

The report discloses Christopher Nolan expressed interest in directing a Bond film post-Tenet. However, Broccoli reportedly rejected his pitch, maintaining no director would receive final cut approval under her leadership. Nolan subsequently directed Oppenheimer, which grossed nearly $1 billion and won Best Picture and Best Director Oscars.

The next Bond casting remains hotly debated, with fans favoring Superman and The Witcher star Henry Cavill over other contenders like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and rumored frontrunner Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Variety notes Amazon cannot finalize any Bond hiring until its Broccoli-Wilson deal closes later this year. This follows reports of an "ugly" stalemate that temporarily halted the franchise's development.

The Wall Street Journal revealed the power struggle between Broccoli – who previously controlled Bond's creative direction and casting – and Amazon, which gained distribution rights through its $8.45 billion MGM acquisition, had effectively paralyzed the franchise.

Neither Amazon nor Eon Productions has commented publicly on the situation.