Amid Amazon’s creative takeover of the James Bond film franchise, several stars and directors continue to be linked to the beloved action series as the studio figures out its future. Oscar-winning helmer and Conclave brainchild Edward Berger is one such name, confirming his interest in directing a James Bond entry, though he admits the takeover has “changed” his thought process.

Speaking with Variety on the 97th Academy Awards red carpet, Berger addressed reports he held talks about potentially directing James Bond 26. While denying the talks happened, Berger revealed his interest in making a James Bond film. However, with long-time producer Barbara Broccoli out of the picture, Berger’s interest in leading a franchise installment has cooled. “Barbara Broccoli is no longer doing it, and she is at the heart of this project, so I think it’s something different,” Berger said. “I don’t know. Things have changed. We will certainly miss her very much.”

Berger confirmed he was “100%” interested in directing a James Bond film when Broccoli and her half-brother, Michael G. Wilson, were at the creative helm. However, Amazon’s acquisition has now led to a “different equation,” leaving his dreams of leading a Bond flick uncertain. “I don’t know what the future is going to look like. I am going to think about it if anyone calls me, but Barbara is at the heart of this. If she is no longer there it becomes a different thing,” he said.

Berger is coming off his critically acclaimed 2024 political thriller, Conclave, which stars Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow and Stanley Tucci. The feature-length adaptation of Robert Harris’ titular 2016 novel, which chronicles the election of a new pope and exposes the secrets involving the election’s top candidates, earned eight Academy Award nominations, including a Best Adapted Screenplay win for writer Peter Straughan. Conclave also won big at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the BAFTAs while becoming a box-office success, earning $105.1 million against its $20 million budget.

Amazon announced its takeover of the James Bond film series in February, with Broccoli and Wilson’s Eon Productions conceding creative control, though they will remain co-owners of the property. The move stunned many in Hollywood, including some James Bond franchise alums such as Live and Let Die‘s Jane Seymour and former 007 Timothy Dalton.

Along with speculation about whom the next Bond will be, the successor to Daniel Craig‘s iteration of the savvy spy, several directors have been linked alongside Berger in the race to become the franchise’s new director. The favorite for many is another Oscar-winning helmer, Christopher Nolan, who has long been a fan of the film series and expressed his interest in directing a James Bond movie when Tenet premiered. However, Broccoli refused to let Nolan or another director have final-cut privileges. Meanwhile, Longlegs director Osgood Perkins has been linked with the franchise. However, Perkins has no interest, primarily due to his disdain for Amazon owner Jeff Bezos.

Fans can stream Berger’s Conclave via Peacock.

Source: Variety

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