EXCLUSIVE: James Bond Writers Reveal Twist That Has Left New Creators With 'Huge Headache' When It Comes to Resurrecting the Super-Spy for Amazon

The on-screen demise of James Bond has left the writing team grappling with what insiders call a “massive creative headache.” Questions abound as Amazon MGM Studios considers how to resurrect the iconic spy in the upcoming film.

The dilemma originates from No Time to Die, the 2021 movie in which Daniel Craig, at 57, marked his exit by portraying a Bond who meets a fatal end through the poisoning of nanobots and a catastrophic missile strike—an unprecedented portrayal of the secret agent’s death in the 60-year legacy of the franchise.

This narrative twist, initially celebrated as groundbreaking, has become a significant hurdle for the new creative team, led by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. A close source revealed, “Writers are struggling intensely. Bond’s demise was graphic; he was literally blown to pieces. Everyone agrees it was a colossal misstep as Bond is meant to be eternal. Now, they’re trapped trying to concoct a plausible means of bringing him back—a nearly insurmountable challenge.”

Concerns echo widely in the literary sphere. Anthony Horowitz, author of three official 007 novels for the Ian Fleming estate, raised similar issues. “The last portrayal of Bond left him poisoned and blown into oblivion. How will they navigate the fact that he is indisputably dead? It feels like a mistake, as Bond represents a timeless figure. If I were to draft a script tomorrow, I’d face an impasse. A resurrection scenario like ‘waking up from a dream’ wouldn’t suffice.”

Horowitz also revealed he has never been approached for input by producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, who previously managed the franchise before its creative transition to Amazon earlier this year. “I’ve never been asked, nor have I desired involvement. You need resilience for that industry. I’m more content stepping back.”

Sources indicate that Knight is collaborating with acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, along with prominent producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, recognized for their work on the Harry Potter and Paddington franchises. The next 007 film—the 26th in the official series—is anticipated to arrive in 2027 or 2028.

Furthermore, insiders noted, “The conundrum isn’t limited to the script. Until they resolve the issue of Bond’s death, casting the next actor is on hold. This decision influences every aspect, from the story’s tone to the timeline they pursue. At this moment, the answer remains elusive.”

Speculation around who will succeed Craig as the next James Bond continues to gain momentum. Notable names like Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have emerged as potential contenders. Dame Helen Mirren and former Bond star Pierce Brosnan have publicly stated that the character should remain male.

Yet, until a resolution is found to address what a studio insider referred to as “the Bond corpse problem,” the franchise may find itself at a standstill. “They’ve killed an unkillable legend,” the insider commented. “Now, they must determine how to reverse it without undermining the history that has defined Bond.”