Cary Fukunaga Set to be Next James Bond Director
By Michael Crow
That speculation ended yesterday with the announcement that Cary Fukunaga will direct the next James Bond film. So, what do we know about Mr. Fukunaga?
After Danny Boyle left the James Bond 25 project over casting and “creative differences” last month, there has been considerable speculation on who will take over. That speculation ended yesterday with the announcement that Cary Fukunaga will direct the next Bond film. So, what do we know about Mr. Fukunaga?
True Detective
Fukunaga directed the highly acclaimed first season of True Detective. Many fans of the series feel the first season was the better of the two currently available. Season one of True Detective, under Fukunaga, won five Emmy’s including Best Director. One of those Emmy’s was for cinematography which is a key to any great movie but particularly to the Bond franchise. While True Detective isn’t a Bond type of production many of the elements that made season one great can make Bond 25 great.
Other films and projects
Fukunaga also directed “Beasts of No Nation” which is interesting because Idris Elba was in the film and there has been speculation that he could be the next Bond. Daniel Craig is set to play Bond in Bond 25 but perhaps Craig has become weary of the project. It’s likely Craig stays on for Bond 25 but could this mean Elba could take over for Bond 26 (film not announced at this time)? Hard to say but the hiring of Fukunaga to direct will certainly fuel the rumors.
Fukunaga also directed “The Alienist”, the TNT TV series. Like the True Detective, The Alienist did well at the Emmy’s collecting one award and nominated for five other Emmy’s. Fukunaga also directed the recently released Netflix program “Manic” and just finish filming of “Black Lung” as a supernatural thriller.
What does this mean for James Bond 25?
Well, there was speculation that part of the reason
Danny Boyle left was over struggles with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Some thought that they might go with a lesser known director who Broccoli and Wilson would have more control over. The hiring of Fukunaga flies directly in the face of that assumption. Fukunaga left the production of “True Detective”, “The Alientist” and Stephen King’s “IT” and has admitted being very difficult to work with. Fukunaga’s temperament mixed with Broccoli and Wilson’s controlling nature could make for an interesting production. Hopefully, James Bond 25 doesn’t end up being another abrupt ending to a Fukunaga production.
dark. Next. Who will be the next James Bond?
If the production team has good chemistry, Fukunaga has produced very high-quality films and could certainly do so for Bond 25. However, given his history, it’s yet to be seen if he will be the director beyond Bond 25 but we could be in for a great installment none the less.