Now that Daniel Craig has all but bowed out of the title role, with director Sam Mendes following his fellow Englishman out the exit door, a flurry of rumors have swirled around MGM’s as-yet-untitled Bond 25 and, specifically, the talent that will steer the latest installment in the prestigious spy franchise into production.
Over the weekend, news emerged that The Avengers and High-Rise star Tom Hiddleston had reportedly opened talks to supplant Craig as 007, while Jamie Bell of the Fantastic Four was also tipped as one of the frontrunners. But according to the Radio Times, it is the former actor who is much closer to sealing the deal, potentially reuniting with Susanne Bier (The Night Manager) in the process.
Should a deal fall into place – the outlet cautions that Bier is one of a “handful” of filmmakers being considered for the plum gig by series producer Barbara Broccoli – the Dane would become the first female director to take the reins of a James Bond movie, a milestone that is not only long overdue, but could herald some much-needed fresh blood being pumped into MGM’s flagship franchise.
What’s more, the potential appointment of Susanne Bier at the helm would certainly tip the scales in Hiddleston’s favor, who has emerged as one of the primary frontrunners for the coveted role alongside Bell, Idris Elba and, it seems, Gillian Anderson.
For now, though, Susanna Bier has shouldered her way onto MGM and Broccoli’s director shortlist. Best known for Things We Lost in the Fire, the Danish director also has an Oscar-nominated feature under her belt with 2010’s refugee drama, In a Better World. Will Bier be adding Bond 25 to that résumé next?
