James Bond: "Peaky Blinders" Creator to Write New 007 Movie

The new "Bond" film is making further progress: After recently securing a big name in Denis Villeneuve as director, a renowned screenwriter has now also been brought on board for the new 007 film. As Amazon MGM officially announced, the script will be written by Steven Knight.

Knight is best known as the creator and showrunner of the hit series "Peaky Blinders". He also developed the historical drama series "Taboo" starring Tom Hardy. But he has also made a name for himself in the film industry: among other things, he wrote the screenplay for David Cronenberg's gangster thriller "Eastern Promises".

One thing is clear: The choice of director and screenwriter is certainly promising. However, one big question still remains: Who will be the next James Bond? For years, fans have been calling for Henry Cavill to take on the role. More recently, "28 Years Later" actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson and "Rebel Ridge" star Aaron Pierre have also been linked to the iconic spy role. At the moment, we can only speculate. But with the announcement of Knight as the screenwriter, another step in the movie's production has been taken. And since both the director and producers are now confirmed, hopefully it won't be long before we finally learn who the new 007 will be.

What Can We Expect in the New James Bond?

With Villeneuve and Knight now confirmed, the two most important creative roles behind the scenes are set. So what kind of "James Bond" film can we expect? Knight's previous films and series have often focused on anti-heroes or morally grey characters. His most popular anti-hero is probably Cillian Murphy's Thomas Shelby from "Peaky Blinders". With "Eastern Promises", he delivered a brutal, atmospherically rich thriller. His film "Locke", starring Tom Hardy, focuses heavily on psychological tension.

These are all factors that could play a role in the new "Bond" as well. After Daniel Craig's version of the character already opened the door to a more emotionally vulnerable and layered 007, Knight could very well take that further. Instead of over-the-top gadgets and glossy action, a "Bond" film written by Knight might be grittier, more political, and quieter – but no less intense. Viewers can likely look forward to sharp, pointed dialogue, a moody atmosphere, and real character depth.

Denis Villeneuve as Director

This could well suit Denis Villeneuve. In recent years, the Canadian director has established himself as one of the most important filmmakers of our time. Ever since "Arrival", "Blade Runner 2049" and the "Dune" series, he has been regarded as a master of sophisticated blockbuster cinema. However, his (Hollywood) career began with intense, psychologically dense films such as "Incendies" and "Prisoners", a disturbing kidnap thriller starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.

"Sicario" also deserves a special mention: A lead-heavy, morally ambivalent thriller about the drug war on the US-Mexican border. Much of Villeneuve's directorial style is already evident here: claustrophobic tension, sophisticated visual compositions, major themes such as power, violence, ethics – and characters who get lost in an opaque moral labyrinth. Villeneuve does not rely on fast cuts, but instead favors long takes and a heavy atmosphere, giving each scene space to breathe – or occasionally creating moments that make us hold our breath.

What Does This Mean for James Bond?

A "Bond" movie directed by Villeneuve could move away somewhat from the classic patterns of the series. We can expect a darker and more serious interpretation of the character. His production will probably focus more on suspense and atmosphere than on continuous explosions – think of the coldness and precision of "Sicario".

A "different James Bond film" doesn't have to mean anything bad – on the contrary: "Casino Royale" with Daniel Craig impressively demonstrated back in 2006 how well a stylistic and narrative new beginning can work. His Bond was more vulnerable, raw and emotionally tangible – a new, fresh interpretation. It will be interesting to see what Villeneuve and Knight's vision actually looks like – and who will star as the new Bond.