LATEST NEWS
Exclusive: Nicolas Winding Refn Could Be Directing the Next Bond
by Alex Billington
May 28, 2013
"I love Bond… I love him." I might have landed a pretty big scoop, if a big smile is any kind of confirmation. At the end of the Cannes Film Festival, I was invited to interview Danish writer/director Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson, Valhalla Rising, Drive), who was there with his divisive new film Only God Forgives. At the end of the interview (being posted soon), I asked him about a project I heard he might be involved in - the next James Bond movie. His reaction is very interesting to watch, as his body language and big smile seem to indicate he might be a top contender, however he doesn't actually say yes at all. View the clip below.
I had been tipped from a trustworthy source that Refn has been connected to the new Bond, as it sounds like EON is meeting with quite a few unique directors (including Chris Nolan, Danny Boyle, J.A. Bayona). So I asked him if he's considering doing Bond coming up. "Where did you hear that?" was his immediate response. I pushed him a bit more and tried to get confirmation, but alas "I love Bond… I love him," is all he said. Check out the smile when I hint that perhaps we have to wait for an announcement coming up. Watch:
Watch his response and make what you will of it. On one hand, I think he could be messing with me, totally playing along. On the other, I think there was something behind his responses, with the way he replied. It may not mean he is set, and could just be one of the many directors they're talking to, but I'm sure we'll find out more soon. I would be intrigued in seeing a Nicolas Winding Refn James Bond, especially after Skyfall and how much Mendes pushed and rejuvenated the Daniel Craig Bond again in such a dark way. But could he even make a PG-13 Bond? Refn's violence is so brutal, though they could cut it in the right places. Either way, I'm curious, and hopefully not the only one who now thinks he's very interested in making this move.
My full 22-minute interview with Nicolas Winding Refn will be posted later this week. Oddly enough, the topic we had discussed just before this Bond question involved Hollywood and how he "wasn't willing to give up [his] creative freedom" for the studios. I was intrigued to hear him jump from saying those things to possibly being interested in making Bond 24, but we'll have to see what happens. Refn's Only God Forgives arrives in theaters starting July 19th this summer. Stay tuned for the full video. So what do you think?
Update! As expected, the Hollywood trades have chimed in. Variety wrote a post mentioning our scoop and followed up adding three more big names into the Bond 24 director mix: Shane Black, Ang Lee and Tom Hooper. In addition, Jeff Sneider of The Wrap confirmed in a tweet at least this much: "Nicolas Winding Refn makes moves about men of action & few words. James Bond is cut from that mold. Refn may not get it but he's in the mix." Only time will tell, but Refn is in contention with others. We will be watching closely.
22 Comments
1
Wow... that's an awkward reaction hahahaha. It would be a great scoop, Alex, congratulations.
Emilio Doménech on May 28, 2013
2
This is a joke, right?
Ryan on May 28, 2013
3
Will the bad guy plan to get caught?
OfficialJab on May 28, 2013
4
Now there's an original idea!
axalon on May 28, 2013
5
Great scoop, Alex. That would be MAJOR if Refn directed Bond 24.
whoa on May 28, 2013
6
I really hope this is not true. I can't think of a worse director for Bond.
Matt Peloquin on May 28, 2013
7
C'mon. A director Refn's caliber directing a huge film like Bond would be exciting. We haven't even seen Refn with a budget over $13 million. Imagine him with $150 million.
whoa on May 28, 2013
8
I just don't like any of his films and Bond holds a special place in my heart so I'm afraid he'd mold Bond to his style more than molding his style to Bond. I know a lot of other people will be excited for this, but I subjectively think it would be a bad idea. I would like to see Nolan take a shot over Refn.
Matt Peloquin on May 28, 2013
9
"Mold Bond to his style more than molding his style to Bond" sounds like the best way to approach 007 movies when we're at #24. I wish that happened every time. Disclaimer: I have no idea who this guy is.
OfficialJab on May 28, 2013
10
For reference, Tarantino would be considered PG compared to this guy.
Matt Peloquin on May 28, 2013
11
No problem here, it's not like Sony/MGM would allow it to be an R-rated bloodbath anyway. I'm more interested in who's writing it, really. I just hope the director chosen doesn't make it a CGI shitshow like Spider-Man.
OfficialJab on May 28, 2013
12
Lol no, no & no. Tarantino's movies are far more bloody & brutal then Refn's. Nice try though.
Nick on May 29, 2013
13
Are you serious? Have you seen Bronson, Drive, or Valhalla? Hell, even the trailer for Only God Forgives is way more violent than anything Tarantino has done.
Matt Peloquin on May 29, 2013
14
I love lamp... I love lamp.
Brick on May 28, 2013
15
That would be kind of cool and all but his body language came off more as a guy who is bored and been taking a lot of questions than a guy who is trying to hint to you that he's a top contender for an installment in a legendary film franchise. "Big smile"? He barely smirked...
Chiroptera Exsanguination on May 28, 2013
17
Just No!
thechillerdewd on May 28, 2013
18
It would be an interesting pick for sure.
DAVIDPD on May 28, 2013
19
can't imagine a PG-13 Refn film...
HB on May 28, 2013
20
Can't see him going through with it. The producers are notoriously protective of their golden goose, which will cause someone like Refn, to eventually leave over creative differences. He even said himself he doesn't like giving up control.
Mellowie on May 28, 2013
21
Refn wouldn't have enough creative control. It would end up being too cookie cutter. Scrap that idea immediately unless you leave the guy alone to work.
racquetman on May 28, 2013
22
Awkward reaction? Yeah. Anything remotely close to a response that would affirm the question? No.
Chazzy on May 28, 2013
New comments are no longer allowed on this post.
FEATURED POSTS
FOLLOW FS HERE
Follow Alex's main account on Twitter:
Add our posts to your Feedly › click here
Get all the news sent on Telegram 
LATEST TO WATCH