Who Should Be the Next Bond Director: Martin Campbell

Sam Mendes, two time James Bond director, is reportedly not returning for another film. With this in mind, we look at another choice: Martin Campbell.

Deadline has recently speculated, from an interview with the director, that Sam Mendes will likely not return for a third outing as James Bond director.

Mendes worked as director on the previous two Bond films, Spectre and Skyfall. Skyfall served as the highest grossing film in the franchise, and it was praised almost universally by critics.

Mendes is undoubtedly a strong director. However, it might be a good idea for him and the franchise to part ways.

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With the spot at the director’s chair empty, it is time to think about who could take the helm for the next Bond film.

As I have stated in previous posts, Martin Campbell could do the job.

Campbell is already a veteran Bond director, having previously directed Pierce Brosnan’s GoldenEye and Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale. Both are fan favorite Bond films.

Note also that both of these films are first outings for their respective Bond actors. Given Craig might not come back for another film, Campbell could come back to set the stage for a new Bond actor once again.

Now, I can hear what you are already saying: Martin Campbell made Green Lantern, why would we ever allow him to direct a big budget film again?

You’re right. He did direct 2011’s uber-failure Green Lantern. But we all make mistakes.

Aguably, the best films Campbell has made in his career are his two Bond films. And Campbell hasn’t returned to big screen directing since the Ryan Reynolds superhero film.

What this means is that Campbell returning to Bond could revitalize both the director’s career and the franchise itself. Campbell needs a film that can prove that he still has what it takes to direct big budget films, and Bond, upon Mendes’ exit, will be in need of someone who can continue the franchise in the right direction. Given that many consider Casino Royale to be one of the best–if not the best–Bond films in the series, Campbell may be the best fit for the job.

Next: Is Sam Mendes Done With Bond

As always, thanks for reading!