Steven Knight, best known for creating the hit BBC drama “Peaky Blinders”, has officially been named as the writer for the upcoming James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed.
The film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, acclaimed for his work on “Dune”, “Blade Runner 2049”, and “Arrival”. It marks a new chapter for the Bond franchise following the departure of longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson earlier this year.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Knight shared his excitement:
“It has always been on my bucket list, and it's fantastic to be invited to do it – I can't wait to get started.”
He added that his lifelong appreciation for Bond would help him craft a story that remains true to the franchise while offering something fresh:
"I hope to create something that's the same but different, better, stronger, and bolder."
The question of who will play the next 007 remains unanswered. Daniel Craig stepped down from the iconic role in 2021 after five successful films. Rumours have swirled around potential successors, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton, and Paul Mescal. When asked, Knight declined to comment: "That's a very, very good question, and one I can't give you the answer to."
Knight’s screenwriting credits are both diverse and acclaimed. He earned a BAFTA for “Peaky Blinders”, which ran for six seasons and is being adapted into a Netflix film. His 2004 film “Dirty Pretty Things” received an Oscar nomination, and he recently created “This Town”, a BBC drama set in 1970s-80s Coventry that won a Royal Television Society award. He also wrote “Spencer” (2021), which earned Kristen Stewart an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana.
The film is being produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman. According to “Variety”, the release is tentatively planned for 2028.
