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The Name’s Demange…Yann Demange

By David Pegram

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Director Yann Demange attends the '71' Premiere during the 52nd New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall on September 27, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Director Yann Demange attends the '71' Premiere during the 52nd New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall on September 27, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images) /
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Though Bond 25 is over two years away from a release, news is heating up about a potential director. Variety is reporting that a “front runner” to direct Bond 25 is relatively unknown Yann Demange.

Many fans may be asking “Who is this guy?” Perhaps in similar fashion as to when Daniel Craig was announced as the next James Bond in 2005. But like Craig, Demange’s work has drawn attention within the film industry. His first feature film, 71, about a British solider left stranded in strife-ridden Belfast in 1971, was a critical success. In his review of the film, Peter Travers called it a “hard-charging debut.”

Demange parlayed the success of 71 into a high-profile job: directing White Boy Rick, starring

Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Jason Leigh, currently in post-production. The film is based on the true story of former FBI informnat Richard Wersche, Jr. Prior to working on 71, Demange directed a number of British TV series, including Top Boy, on which he also served as Executive Producer.

However, Demange is not the only director being considered.  Variety’s report states that David Mackenzie and Denis Villeneuve are also being considered.

Mackenzie is a veteran director who helmed the Oscar-nominated Hell or High Water last year. But Mackenzie’s schedule appears too busy to take on Bond. He is currently in preproduction on three separate projects, inlcuding Outlaw Kings, starring Chris Pine and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Villeneuve’s name is the most recognizable. He has built an impressive resume:

  • Prisoners (2013), starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal
  • Sicario (2015), starring Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro
  • Arrival (2016), starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner

Villeneuve’s latest film, Blade Runner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling, is due out later this year.

No matter who the “contenders” may be, Daniel Craig might have considerable say in who directs the film. Craig not only served as Executive Producer on Spectre, he played in instrumental role in wooing Mendes to direct the film, as well as its predecessor, Skyfall.

Be sure to check eyeonbond.com and @eyeonbond for updates.

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