Should Christopher Nolan Direct a James Bond Movie?

[@PentexProductions]

*Joker voice: "...and here. We. Go!"

[@garrybartlett6853]

Batman is literal proof that Nolan can do a bond movie... almost every reason you give for him not doing it could also be the reason to do it...

[@caledonianrailway1233]

What would your ideal bond film do like plot points or stunts

[@traydaniel0403]

If he ever does direct, write ✍️, and produce a James Bond film, I really hope that Christopher Nolan casts… Henry Cavill as 007 Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Bond’s brother/ Sidekick Idris Elba and David Dastmalchian as the Villains Emily Blunt as Female Bond/ Bond’s love interest Lashana Lynch as Nomi (reprising her role from No Time To Die) Naomie Harris as MoneyPenny Tom Hardy with Robert Downey Jr Margot Robbie as Female Bond/ 007’s brother’s love interest and Cillian Murphy Ed Sheeran & Taylor Swift both should write and perform an original theme music Hans Zimmer compose the soundtrack Produced By: Christopher McQuarrie p.g.a., Christopher Nolan p.g.a. Emma Thomas p.g.a., Written By: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Christopher McQuarrie & Christopher Nolan Directed By: Christopher Nolan I also wish that film was 3hrs long like Oppenheimer, and finally get a $2B Box Office film. Production Company: New Line Cinema, Syncopy, Inc. Legendary Pictures, Eon Productions Distributed By: Universal Pictures & Warner Bros. Pictures

[@michaelprueckner32]

​@@traydaniel0403ewŵ😅

[@traydaniel0403]

@@michaelprueckner32What do you mean “ewww”?

[@domlo66]

"Nolan doesn't need Bond" that's a great point. This reminds me of when people predict a load of Hollywood A listers to play the next Doctor. When you're successful enough you don't need big IP

[@Eastwood_Ravine]

No he doesn’t, but James Bond needs Nolan.

[@chadhetzel]

​@mccoy2k so true

[@Joselitty]

@@Eastwood_Ravineagreed.

[@rottensquid]

Agreed. I think it speaks to the way people jump onto the familiar. We assume Nolan would make a good James Bond movie because he's already made five: Inception, Tenet, and the Dark Knight Trilogy. People think they want more of the same. But I think the reason people like Nolan so much is that he infuses familiar elements in a new idea. We can wrap our heads around the weirdness of his films because they give us these Bond-esque moments we can understand. They welcome us into his unique world.

[@emmanuelnaicker2067]

At this point in the cinema landscape...Bond definitely needs Nolan.

[@HussRisingYT]

The introduction to this video is brilliant. I had no idea Nolan’s movies are inspired by James Bond

[@PentexProductions]

There are a lot of thematic and stylistic parallels besides the visual ones from the intro. He clearly loves him some Bond!

[@spaceace4387]

There are a ton of references in his films.

[@GlareBoxTV]

- Batman/Bruce Wayne is a comic book version of Bond, esp in Batman Begins when he is testing gadgets with Lucius Fox (DC's answer to Q) - Inception is a Bond Film with Sci Fi /Matrix elements - Tenet was Nolan's unofficial Bond movie (and some felt it was his pitch for the Bond director's job)

[@Willzinator]

Nah, I agree. I'd rather he just create his own separate spy universe instead of joining the Bond franchise. Most of the time we talk about the Bond eras, we recognise the actor and not the director. Having a Bond movie/movies directed by Nolan would definitely be a weird conversation to have in a few decades... "What was your favourite Bond era? Mine was Connery" "Mine was Nolan." At this moment in time, it just doesn't seem right.

[@PentexProductions]

It'd be like casting someone super famous as Bond. BOND is the star who defines the films, and can do so better when there isn't another big name in the mix.

[@PUARockstar]

Not sure I entirely agree. For example, among Bond directors with multiple titles, I LOVE all Terence Young films. 2 out 3 are at the very top. While 3 out of 4 of Guy Hamilton's films are among the weakest in the series to me and to many, and the only great one, Goldfinger, is still overrated by the community in my book, I just don't like his style, even when done properly, as in that only time.

[@hansjeff9110]

that conclusion about a nolan franchise was just perfect! it is so true, the one thing nolan hasnt done is his real own franchise

[@igorbednarski8048]

by making an argument against Nolan directing a Bond movie, you have somehow convinced me that I would actually love to see a Nolan-directed Bond movie

[@ichabodnoodle9595]

I think you’re right with the Moore Era, Craig Era, Brosnan Era, Nolan Era analogy- and the comparison will be to Tenent & Inception, rather than to other Bond films. He would overshadow both the film & the franchise. Good video.

[@PentexProductions]

People would go and see it because they wanted to see the next Nolan film, not the next Bond film.

[@thecornerkid402]

I hope he has a George Lucas friend. “I think I want to make a Bond movie.” “Don’t do that. I have a better idea.” Cue one of the greatest movies ever made.

[@PentexProductions]

Exactly!

[@StickNik]

Surely that was TENET lol

[@김민성-p6q4n]

If you want to watch a 007 Nolan film. ...just watch Skyfall... Ngl it almost have every aspect on a Nolan film (almost) 1. Doing it fr (Real train crashing into bond) 2. a serious protagonist (Daniel craig's style of the character in the film) 3. A vilian that represents something philosophical about the protagonist (Silva) 4. Cool but flawed female characters (Moneypenny and Severine both have small screentime) 5. And tramatic past (The Skyfall house) The only thing i think missing is the non linear storytelling. But yeah... Skyfall is the closest Nolan film we have currently IMO.

[@PentexProductions]

The filmmakers we're very open about the influence of The Dark Knight on that film - and to be fair it worked!

[@coolcat8b]

You're absolutely right IMHO. Nolan likes to make "smart" movies. Sometimes so smart, even he gets lost in the plot (i.e. Tennet). Bond is (at its core) a good old "guys movie", where the hero is charismatic, gets all the girls, and is a certified badass. It's good fun, not a brainy exercise. We want the villains over the top, crazy action, marvelous gadgets, the perfect Bond girl, and a suave-but-efficient Bond (Daniel did it so well!) And a great intro song (I miss you Chris.)

[@gusfring9194]

He made Insomnia, Dunkirk and Oppenheimer.All three of those are less steeped in the tropes of the "Smart Movies" of which you speak.He also made superhero films.

[@yundichen8332]

​@@gusfring9194insomnia was not his script and Dunkirk went away from conventional war movies

[@mohammedashian8094]

“The hero is charismatic, gets all the girls and is a certified badass.” You’re right about that last part but not the first two. Fleming’s Bond is not like that in the novels dalton’s bond is how he was like. He was not a manwhore

[@Love-Sensibility]

​@@mohammedashian8094It took years to get the real Bond. And when we do, they don't appreciate it. I do think others played their roles well, but Dalton just took it to the next level

[@JonathanRodriguez-nz9nw]

In a video where you state why you would not want Nolan as a Bond director, you make a Nolan-directed Bond trilogy very, very appealing. Literally touched on all the reasons why I want him to direct Bond 26! Henry Cavill to star with Nolan directing would be a dream, two men who respect the source material, it has the potential to be some of the best Bond media

[@Ian-ky5hf]

So true!

[@conleykeyes4097]

I think this is exactly why we shouldn't get a Nolan/Cavill film! I'll admit that I also get a bit excited about the idea, but I'm worried about bond films becoming indistinguishable from every other franchise, as noted by the author. I think Bond needs to retain the casting of a up and coming mid-30's guy, and a director that is competent and hungry. We need to create new movie stars and directors, not just recycle the hits to minimize risk. If it happens i won't be too mad, but I think just the fact that we all already know what a Nolan bond film would look like is a bad sign. I agree with @pentexproductions

[@JonathanRodriguez-nz9nw]

@@conleykeyes4097 Nolan was very respectful to Batman, i would imagine even more to 007. The most characteristic thing about Nolan is solid writing and good action. He is not Michael Bay

[@fastertove]

Rewatch the video if you think that.

[@JonathanRodriguez-nz9nw]

@@fastertove no, i understand, but his arguement against is much weaker than his devil's advocate one for it

[@joshmaida4744]

My favorite bond films are where the character development is focused on the villain and Bond is a sort of an avatar of the British Empire whose story arc is larger than the frame of the film. If Nolan took that approach, count me in.

[@jimd385]

That was excellent, an extensive, informative and totally enjoyable collection of thoughts and ideas about cinema’s most influential director currently working coupled with a tremendously well edited showreel of Bond highlights. I think you are correct that Nolan making a 007 film would completely overshadow everything else, but that being said I’m still kinda curious to see how it would all turn out. Star Trek, Star Wars and Superhero films have all gone terribly, badly wrong over the last few years, but there is still something special about a new Bond film, I sat in the theatre (as I have done for decades) to watch the most recent adventure ‘No Time To Die’ and thoroughly enjoyed it, even the ending, which pissed-off a lot of fans, seemed right for Daniel Craig’s interpretation of the character, and the fade out featuring an Aston Martin blended with the Louis Armstrong masterpiece that is -‘We have all the time in the world’ is a fitting tribute to everything that has come before. I’ll be interested to see which way Bond goes in the future, and whatever the producers ultimately decide, I will be there to watch and appreciate. Great video as always bro.

[@aidangreen7006]

TENET is literally already Nolan’s James Bond movie. It’s a fun, globetrotting secret agent film with a hammy Russian villain threatening nuclear annihilation and has the unique time manipulation twist to put Nolan’s signature on it. I don’t think he needs to retrace his steps by making an even more basic secret agent movie with a direct 007 adaptation. I’m with you. I’d be excited if he did it, but I won’t be disappointed if he doesn’t.

[@LucasBenderChannel]

"20 dollars? 🤨"

[@zaidlacksalastname4905]

Bro wanted those 20

[@davidjames579]

Nolan has to do it now. He needs 20 Dollars.

[@PentexProductions]

You should watch the full interview - the interviewer is like "what do you want, $100? I'm a working man!"

[@JoshMartin123]

So…I’m mixed on this. On one hand, I would LOVE to see Nolan helming a Bond film and would be there Day 1. On the other hand, I would like to see new, diverse, and upcoming directors take a stab at the character. Like imagine an Emerald Fennell-directed Bond film, Nida Manzoor-directed, or a Gina Prince-Bythwood-directed Bond film. Also, I’m with Pentex here and I would love to see Nolan use his influence to create the next cinematic equivalent to Bond and Indy and Star Wars. As for where the character should go next. Well, one only has to look at the Mission: Impossible (and to a certain extent John Wick) franchise as they’ve managed to balance being stand-alone entries as well as having an overall story. Either way, great job on the video Pentex!

[@PentexProductions]

Thanks for watching! I wouldn't mind loose continuity between the Bond films - they kind of already have that within each actor's tenure. I just want each story to be standalone, and not rely on having seen previous installments. But I would much rather a lesser-known director take on Bond, and for Nolan to give us something extraordinary.

[@WhizPill]

Money is money mate gotta do what you gotta do

[@Lorenzo957080]

Apart from the fact that I'm not a big fan of Nolan's films, I totally agree with your opinions and your points. Nolan has already influenced the last Bond movies with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. As a big fan of 007, I need to see new Bond films similar to the ones pre-2002. Make 007 films funny again!

[@chrispalmer9838]

I walked away when they (mis)cast Craig and submerged 007 in gloom and drunken navel gazing while claiming his films were supposedly more "intelligent" I don't hold much hope for the real James Bond coming back, sadly...

[@ZedEdge]

Fantastic pitch. You somehow made a one-sided argument sound like a discussion you were having directly with the viewer - providing extensive and specific evidence without getting lost in a rabbit hole. And I love that your stance has such a focus on longevity - that obviously a Nolan Bond movie would be exciting in the moment, but would it be appropriate in the long run? I'd say the extra work you put into this script and editing absolutely shows. As a minor note, a spoiler warning for Bond and Nolan movies wouldn't hurt. Maybe it goes without saying based on the title, but this video covers such a breadth of films - it's possible someone hasn't seem them all. Anyway, amazing work!

[@PentexProductions]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed. You're right, and I actually usually do include spoiler warnings at least for recent movies. I just figured that anyone watching a video essay on KZbin about Christopher Nolan would have seen Oppenheimer, but yes that is a spoiler that should have been flagged in the video.

[@smergthedargon8974]

On the topic of Bond, I think some great bands for the next Bond theme would be Phantograms ("Mr. Impossible"), CHVRCHES ("How Not to Drown"), and - for a wild card which'd almost certainly never accept the gig - Red Vox ("Reno", "Choking on the Spite").

[@thefinalball]

Great video! I think you answered your own question in a way though... Tenet was Nolan's bond film. I believe in an interview a while ago Nolan even admitted that he made Tenet because he was curious about the world of bond but rather wanted to make his own version rather than direct a Bond movie specifically. Nolan is also on a solid track record right now of creating original (mostly) movies and I feel like that's where he thrives the most. I don't really expect him to revisit a massive franchise like he did with Batman.

[@brianegendorf2023]

The funny thing is, the opening sequence in Tenet absolutely feels like a bond film opening. And it REALLY gets your pulse racing. But the rest of the movie...not so much. I think Nolan has the artistry to make a really good Bond film, but I also think he is a little too "brainy" for it. Even the best action sequences in Tenet fall a little short of bond films..cause its less about the fight and surviving the moment, and more about understanding that there is a bigger fight going on that has some sci-fi aspects to it. Bond is a blunt instrument. The Protagonist is more of a scalpel. Bond faces a villain head on. The Protagonist had to figure out who the villain is, and then adapt to new physics to undermine their plan.

[@luckyday465768]

This goes in line of why I don't want Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, or Zack Snyder for that matter to direct a Star Wars movie.

[@davidjames579]

Snyder's now doing his own Star Wars with Rebel Moon. His rejected script with the SW refs renamed.

[@d.jparer5184]

Star wars is ruined now and Zack Snyder is a shitty director so I think you're ok.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Nolan himself has said he wouldn’t want to make a Star Wars film, not because he doesn’t like Star Wars, but because of how much he loves it. I mean, Star Wars is the main reason he wanted to direct films as that truly enraptured his imagination so much he began to make films with his dads camera and from that point on, all he wanted to do was make films and he’s achieved that goal.

[@PetersonZF]

​@@davidjames579 That's pretty similar to how Babylon 5 and StarCraft came about, both great franchises.

[@davidjames579]

@@PetersonZF And Indiana Jones and Kingsman

[@caledonianrailway1233]

Her majesty’s secret service is arguably the best one

[@RobertK1993]

No one never got made with Sean Connery is in 1967

[@forcesensitive6371]

Nolan is the perfect fit for 007. However. I think he's beyond franchises. Batman may be the last franchise he ever does. Clearly Nolan loves Bond and he has used the character as a template for some of his protagonists already. As well as the influence of previous Bond films in his movies. His movies are his own version of the 007 genre. My favourite pick would be Danny Boyle.

[@rottensquid]

I'm not sure I agree he was need to, or even want to, make a run of films. In fact, I'd say he'd be more comfortable making a one-and-done. Not just as a director, but with a Bond actor. That's one thing the series has never done, except by accident. And that accident happened to be Nolan's favorite Bond film. So it would stand to reason that he'd want to create his own version of Bond for a single film, with the implicit understanding that this actor wouldn't ever play the character again, nor would any other films by anyone else act as "sequels" to his. This would give Nolan the chance to do exactly what you don't seem to think he should, make a Nolan film with Bond rather than a Bond film in his style. I actually think that would be a great idea, not just for Nolan, but also to breath fresh life into the Bond franchise. As Film Critic Hulk once pointed out, Bond films thrive by contrasting what came before rather than simply copying it. When a Bond film goes too far over the top, the next tends to tone down, and then ramp-up the absurdity again. Roger Moore's gentlemanly elegance was a response to Connery's suave muscle-man, and then Dalton's roughness contrasted Moore's delicacy. Brosnan played the aging veteran Bond, while Craig played the character at his inception. And Craig's run was celebrated for the very reason that it was a departure, a stand-alone reboot, progression, and end of the character. That's something they'd never tried before, and it breathed new life into the series. I think making a stand-alone Bond concept film by the world's most celebrated director, who has a clear understanding and love for the character and the series, would be nothing but a shot in the arm for the series. If it doesn't work, it doesn't matter, because it wouldn't be a long-term commitment to a new direction, just an audacious experiment. It doesn't need to be traditional Bond. I could be a deliberate departure, just like the rest of Nolan's films, using elements that we love from the series in new and interesting ways, and then handing the character off to the next phase. I think we've become so used to film franchises, we forget that the point of a film is the film in front of us, not what it could one day turn into. The potential of a film series should never be the main point of a film. That's how you get Marvel Phase 4. I don't want a new Bond series, I'd just like to see the most creative blockbuster filmmaker to take a crack at a blockbuster series that has a tendency to get stale and repetitive. We don't really need another "Bond film." We've seen plenty of those. I think we need Christopher Nolan film about Bond. That's something we've never quite seen before. And as for your point at the end, that Nolan should invent a new Bond-like character, he's already done that three times, with Inception, Tenet, and the Dark Knight.

[@barry4649]

I’d love to see him direct the next James Bond film given there hasn’t been a great Bond film in over a decade and I think he’s absolutely perfect for the job of directing Bond. Ideally I’d like to see a new Bond in either Cillian Murphy or Tom Hardy signing on for 2-3 films or someone like Paul Mescal if they plan on the next Bond having more longevity in the role like Daniel Craig with the films being set in the time when the books were written but maintaining the grittiness of Casino Royale and Skyfall and starting with Bond already as an established agent unlike Casino Royale and Nolan signed on for multiple films

[@x340x]

the problem tho is exactly that. He would do the same mistake as Craig trilogy did. He would go too deep and thats not what Bond is about. It would be great Nolan movie but very bad James Bond movie.

[@jamiegreenberg8476]

me and the homies trying to convince pentex to make a giant heath ledger video

[@PentexProductions]

He might just have to settle for a guest appearance in every single video from now on!

[@shashwat0khurana]

Why don't you just rewatch all the other Bond movies and let us all enjoy something new and exciting. You know why was Avengers such a big hit - because for the first time it brought so many characters that we had seen seperately together. I think Nolan directing a Bond series will do the same behing the camera.

[@jainee4507]

Nolan knows what he is doing. He won't fall into the obvious traps.

[@hsynsrky]

If Nolan does James Bond yea he is gonna do it in his way ofc. It is a matter of if you wanna see a bond film as it is or directed by an author which means the film will have his/her signiture.

[@Tehstampede]

I love Christopher Nolan's movies, but they lack a certain warmness or human element that's hard for me to describe. It's like a movie directed by an engineer; structurally well-made and nice to look at, but there's a warmth that's missing. His style of moviemaking would not be appropriate for a Bond film.

[@fastertove]

Well said!

[@SighManP]

Agreed - though I suspect Michael Caine is no retired due to health, so it’s unlikely we’ll see him in any more Nolan movies (am happy to be wrong on that though) Alternative idea Bond by Jon Favreau…. He’s done franchises (Mandalorian), action (Iron Man), stand alone sequel (Iron Man 2), character and redemption (Chef), even comedy (Elf)

[@Adones09]

I would say that every NEW Bond was a soft reboot, not retelling the same story/villain. Daniel Craig's Bond showed us that there always was a 007 and when that person "goes" a new one steps in, as in the last movie with the Female 007, who took over when "left"... and came back, in the movies story. They even put in a black & white "memory" when he got is assignment "done", to earn his 007 status, I forget which movie that was in for Craig. The line "the first one is the hardest, the next one will be easier", then the bad guy reaches for a hidden Pewpew (YT friendly) and Craig pulls the trigger, "yes, it is easier", paraphrasing. Christopher Nolan can have HIS 007 agent already established, a few missions already underneath his belt or an Agent getting his feet... "Wet" (if you know you know). Have his story arc or just set it up. Nothing says that he has to give life and knockoff HIS 007, another director can come in, the new Bond can stay. Okay, I'm done yelling into the darkness that is YT. Edit: at 13:36 is when the memory is spoken of. I paused and typed my Manifesto, above, around the 9 minute mark Edit II: 15:11, HILARIOUS

[@jacknotwest1200]

I’m only half way through so you might mention this but it’s hard enough for him to make a bond film, because Sam mendes basically copied Nolan’s style for sky fall

[@RetroCrisis]

Long time Bond fan here. Personally I wasn't a fan of Craig series (other than Casino Royale). I found his series so miserable. I'd want the series to return to individual stories. I'd love Nolan and other big directors do one-and-done movies.

[@LucasBenderChannel]

Great Video, Pentex! You've really become one of my favorite channels on here. No fluff, no unnecessary screaming, just well-articulated points in a well-edited video. 😊👏 However, I strongly disagree with the point, that showing James Bond's origins would be detrimental to the movies. That's because I think there's a sweet spot between a full-on origin story and the traditional, almost origin-less Bond character. Both are extremes, that I'm either convinced wouldn't work or that I am tired of seeing. So here's how I'd do it: Instead of an origin story, I'd want there to be origin scenes, sprinkled throughout the movies. In pivotal moments, we'd get brief glimpses into his past, that might show the well-educated orphan, who after his parents died, became a streetsmart loner, beating up blokes outside a pub. It could emphasize his rage, his moral compass, it would give us more appreciation for the James Bond of the present, lay out a reason for why he's doing the things he does. At the same time, I share your concerns that a cheesy origin would take away from the character, instead of adding to it! Let me be clear: I wouldn't want a Last Crusade type title sequence, where a teenage James finds his Walther, a suit and tie and discovers his love for martinis. Blergh! No! Definetly not! But a scene in the navy, that explains to us his motivations, the reason why he's willing to put his life on the line for the country? Is there even a sense of justice or loyalty, that guides him? Or maybe his motivations are more selfish! Is he just desperate for the excitement, the near-death experience of it all? Now that would be an interesting tease! So I want the films to explore Bond - briefly and without ever giving us the full insight into the mystery of the man. Done well, it would make Bond a richer, more interesting character, instead of a shell that's there to move the plot along. Frankly, I'm tired of seeing it.

[@PentexProductions]

Fair enough, and each to their own. As I say in the video, I think Nolan would do it well. It's just that I am very wary of introducing new aspects to such a long-standing character. It has to be done very carefully (I am still fairly burned by The Timeless Child from Doctor Who), and there is still plenty of room to give Bond a satisfying emotional arc within the confines of the story itself without having to delve into his backstory. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

[@DutchBondFan]

Finally got the time to sit and watch this video that was on my watchlist for a while! First off: Brilliantly edited and well articulated! - I have never made it a secret that I have been in the camp of wanting Nolan for Bond, probably been stating that in my videos since 2016. - I have to say, while I don't agree with everything you said, you really got me thinking. Your argument of it being a Nolan movie first and a Bond movie second, hit home mostly when you brought it up again the second time by the end of the video - You're right ! We would probably compare it to his other films - Whether that is a huge concern for me - I really have to arrange my thoughts on that. - Which I guess is the biggest compliment I can give you for this video - You really got me thinking!

[@PentexProductions]

Thanks for watching Jeroen, glad it gave you some food for thought! Good on you for going into it with an open mind. I guess we'll wait and see, but as I say in the video I think it's unlikely that it will actually happen.

[@colbycoles6983]

I wasn't convinced until the end when I started thinking about the possibilities of Nolan making an original spy-esque franchise

[@PentexProductions]

"Never be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling."

[@markhazard3176]

Great essay! So who would your pick be for directing the first movie of a new Bond? How would you pick up the series? Following your arguments, the likes of Guy Ritchie doing a Bond movie wouldn’t be a fit either I suppose? Dennis Villeneuve would be too established? For the next Bond I would suggest the following: 1. Do not reboot at all, but reconnect to the original “timeline”. Break the 4th wall during the pretitle sequence with a cheeky reference akin to “this never happened to the other fella”. 2. Go for standalone movies indeed, but do not shy away from loose connections with either putting in easter eggs or short references to the original “timeline” and have the likes of SPECTRE/SMERSH/GRU/FSB lurking in the background. 3. Bring back previous Bond girls and show some (emotional) connection. Fleming wrote about how Bond was still in touch with Honey Ryder for instance through writing letters. Tanya Romanov from FRWL could have gone undercover as she betrayed her country and now will always have to look over her shoulder for the FSB. Same goes for Natalya from GoldenEye. 4. Use actual geopolitical events as an element for storytelling, albeit indirectly. There is too much happening in the real world that cannot be ignored by a fictional MI6. 5. Don’t do a period piece. It’s too expensive and today’s social standards will not properly hold up with those of 50’s and 60’s. 6. Do bring some gadgetry. Even Fleming did write about some concealed weapons. It should be done modestly however and don’t go over-the-top with unrealistic technology. 6. Bring back David Arnold. The man breathes Bond music and is the heir to John Barry. Hans Zimmer was a big letdown. 7. Get new writers. Neal Purvis and Robert Wade seem out of ideas with the endless double crossing and the endless MI6 mole hunts. Perhaps Charlie Brooker would have some interesting input? 8. As put at the end of this video essay: put the gun barrel at the start and stop experimenting. It’s the opening that literally shoots the audience into the world of Bond. It’s iconic.

[@x340x]

Denis Villeneuve is way too cinematic. Guy Ritchie would be pretty good, but he is too "gangster" imho, like in none of his movies are the characters ever subtle gentlemanly posh like Bond, they are always too "street" lol. And he likes to do a bit much of fun editing, non linear stuff, montages, etc, which would also not fit Bond i think. But with some strict rules not to do certain stuff i think he could pull it off. The men from UNCLE were amazing after all.....But those are pretty good points, even tho i would love 50's-60's setting.

[@onetwothreeBRJ]

It's a good day when Pentex uploads a new video

[@PentexProductions]

It means I get about 15 minutes of mental rest before I start work on the next one!

[@armandovalmont9762]

The best Bond movies were the ones made by directors, who know their work, but don't have ambitions to put their personal stamp onto them, like Lewis Gilbert, John Glen and Guy Hamilton.

[@philippeflores6672]

and Martin Campbell and Sam Mendes.

[@CosmicPotato]

@PentexProductions Sorry if you addressed it in another video, but why don't you like Insomnia? I get that it's probably the least "Nolan" movie since it's a remake, and it feels like a relatively standard thriller, but the performances lift it up enough that I have watched it at least 3 times. Personally, I still like it more than Following. Robin Williams is absolutely great as the villain.

[@PentexProductions]

Each to their own, glad you like the movie. To be fair I haven't seen it for years, I just remember not being that into it. Always nice seeing Robin in a dramatic role though, maybe I should give it another shot.

[@michelb8432]

In my opinion, Nolan’s bond movie was Tenet. It’s not a bond movie but watching it I partially got that vibe, especially with Pattinson.

[@PentexProductions]

Tenet is very much a Bond movie

[@modelcitizendj]

I disagreed with almost all of your points - until the last one. A brand new Nolan spy movie and character would be epic.

[@depthcharge123]

Rumours going around of him in talks to direct the next two Bond films. You nailed the timing of the video, true or not. 😂

[@PentexProductions]

There's always a rumour!

[@ClearCritique]

Solid points. Maybe Nolan can just make a spy film unrelated to Bond. It's a little frustrating sometimes that certain genres essentially don't exist outside of one franchise (spies, pirates, etc...) and I don't see why Nolan can't make a spy film, with those influences, that's still his own thing.

[@PentexProductions]

Exactly - I'd love him to create something new and expand the genre

[@MotoPasjeKamila]

Hey! Hello from Poland again! I couldn't agree more with You! A standalone Bond film is what we need to get with a new Bond actor. And I would really want to get a serious Bond in style of Dalton.

[@PentexProductions]

Thank you for watching!

[@glockparaastra]

I still haven’t watched Craig’s last Bond movie. I didn’t like the series style and agree that stand alone Bond movies are the way to go.

[@fastertove]

I agree, and me neither.

[@ClassicTor]

Chrisopher nolan and henry cavill for the new james bond will be magnificent

[@davidjames579]

On the understanding that it will be as stark a change to the Bond film style as OHMSS was (not necessarily ape-ing that film, just as different as it), I say let him have it. A self-sealed trilogy would be fine. I can't see Nolan doing one in his style, then someone else directing the next with the same cast. As much as I want a change in style to something akin to Octopussy (as does Pentex apparently), I can wait 10 years for that. To me this seems a one-off chance. Nolan at the height of his career and power. He's said he'll only do a Bond if he can reboot and cast, he won't join someone else's, so do it now, rather than waiting another 10-15 years.

[@PentexProductions]

If Nolan did take it on, then I would want him to fully commit to a trilogy. Even if it wasn't for me, it would at least be something distinctive. I'd be more wary of him doing just one film, then someone else trying to pick up the story halfway through. If they are going to do a story told over 2-3 movies, I'd want it planned out from the start and led by the same creative team throughout so that it at least has some consistency. The benefit with doing it that way is that we might get a new film every 2 years or so, which would be nice!

[@davidjames579]

​@@PentexProductions Thanks for taking things on board, that might not have been in your wheelhouse. I agree, one Nolan film and done is pointless. Nolan said on the Dark Knight Trilogy that they didn't plan it out in advance, and he never was 100% he'd return for each one. (even with that Joker sting in Batman Begins or asking if the Batsuit is Cat-proof in TDK). I think that showed in TDKR (having to remove the Joker continuation story after Heath Ledger's death didn't help). This time if he plans it out in advance with def story points across three films would be brilliant, and as you say the possibility is they can get them out quicker. Scripts done, shoot every 2 years (I wouldn't recommend back-to-back). Then if people don't like them, we can get to that 21st Century Octopussy film quicker.

[@LR316]

I think inseption should have been his bond franchise... more missions in the dream world

[@MrMojoman1976]

I would love a Bond movie directed by Nolan starring Henry Cavill as Bond. However , I would love an original spy series with the same combination even better .

[@ZRovas117]

22:00. Agreed, one hundred percent. I'd rather see Nolan try and make a trilogy about a spy inspired by James Bond, and how that person would operate in a modern contemporary setting. James Bond as a character is a product of his time--primarily being based around the Cold War.

[@banest0]

I think apart from creative control, one of the main aspects why Nolan would not direct a Bond movie is purely money. EON would not want to share with hefty percentage Nolan is used to receive from the movie gross. That's basically the reason he's not working with Leonardo di Caprio anymore as he's also demaning on that percentage and then they would need to share.

[@k2sworld]

I would love a new Bond series directed by Nolan, a la, The Dark Knight Trilogy, which are three of my favorite films of all time.

[@Ubermensch-t1j]

There should be new James Bond franchise like the og Dark Knight franchise directed by Christopher Nolan and Henry Cavill should play the James Bond in it.

[@andrewoldham3675]

In the past, I would have SALIVATED at the idea of a Nolan-directed Bond film. (Admittedly, there is a SMALL part of me that still does.) However, after he has struggled in his post-Inception career with films such as The Dark Knight Rises (my personal favorite of the franchise, but it had its detractors who were disappointed with it), Interstellar (which I liked, but can see why Nolan's work was showing its seams by then), Dunkirk (which I personally didn't care for, despite the Best Picture and Best Director Oscar nominations for it and Nolan) and Tenet (which I really liked, but think Nolan dropped the ball on insisting it be released theatrically during the height of the pandemic, and I am saying that as someone who braved COVID to see it in IMAX), and he is just now getting his groove back with Oppenheimer, I can see how the liabilities would have outweighed the benefits. The only way I could have seen Nolan directing a Bond film would have been if we lived in an alternate reality where, in the early 2000s, had Nolan taken a meeting with MGM/Broccoli and Wilson for Bond instead of the fateful meeting he took with Warner Bros./DC Comics for Batman Begins and pitched a Bond film for them. This would have been BEFORE Bond was rebooted with Daniel Craig and Casino Royale, when pretty much anything would have been on the table. At this point, as Nolan had not yet made The Dark Knight and become the household auteur name he is now, he probably would have been open to Broccoli and Wilson keeping him on a leash, seeing how Nolan was still for the most part in the "starving artist" phase of his career at this point. Whether or not it would have worked is anyone's guess.

[@benjackson103]

I have to say I completely agree with your analyzation of this. It’s incredibly well thought out, and I believe to be correct.

[@jerogomezrobledo]

If the Bond producers had called Nolan back when he made Following, Memento and Insomnia, he would have been a great choice to make Bond , but WB called to do Batman.

[@PentexProductions]

Yep, he'd have been a great pick earlier in his career.

[@MonkeyBanjo7]

Nolan would unfortunately use real missles and the Villian would end up killing or destroying part of the planet because Nolan doesn’t like CGI

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

Ten years ago would have been a perfect time for Nolan to direct a Bond movie, but now their would be to much of a creative impasse between Nolan and the studio.

[@stephenconroy5908]

Well done, you've tempered my enthusiasm for Nolan-Bond, especially the end argument that it will be probably be better for Nolan to create his own legacy. Bond will be fine without him.

[@albertoamoruso7711]

Another great video I completely agree with, although I think that Nolan wouldn't be a good pick to direct action scenes either, I don't like his style of editing for those. I just hope they'll make a trilogy next, because the pyramid must ne completed.

[@PentexProductions]

The pyramid MUST be complete! The best argument for a Nolan trilogy.....

[@closeben]

I don’t want Nolan to direct a Bond movie because I want him to make another space movie instead. Recently saw Interstellar in IMAX and it reshaped my experience entirely. I already held the film in high regard, but this watch elevated it to my favourite of all time. I am glad you bring up how he deals with relationships between parents and children. This story in Interstellar is what really makes it so impactful. He also does a good job with that in Inception between Cillian Murphy’s character and his father. Idk how he could explore that in a compelling way as part of a major studio franchise film.

[@goldiegrace]

„Nolan doesn’t need Bond“ just as „Taylor Swift doesn’t need the Superbowl“ but some people still decide to be ignorant when it’s so glaringly obvious 🙃 A wonderfully mapped out reasoning you delivered here, thank you

[@roderick8167]

Yeah personally I don't want Christopher Nolan to direct the next James Bond movie , I would rather see Martin Campbell come back and direct Bond because he gave us arguably two of the best James Bond movies ever of Goldeneye and Casino Royale so he knows how to do Bond, so for me I would rather Martin Campbell return or they should get an entirely new director a brand new voice for the James Bond character.

[@PentexProductions]

He's getting a bit old sadly but yes I'd love to see him have a crack at a third Bond movie. He's a great example of someone who understands that Bond is the star, not the director. He doesn't have an especially distinctive style unless you're really looking for it - he just focuses on clear storytelling and putting Bond at the heart of the film. He knows it's about Bond, not him, and I think that's one of the reasons he has been such a consistently strong Bond director, and why bringing in someone like Nolan is a risk to the series.

[@roderick8167]

@@PentexProductions oh yeah I forgot Martin Campbell is getting really up there in age so they most likely won't bring him back sadly but I'm sure they will get a very great up and coming director for Bond I'm excited to see who they choose to be the director

[@PetersonZF]

ACTIUUUUN!!!!

[@doubleehseven]

Totally right! Nolan is a brillant director but his style is what separates him from the rest. Bond needs a versatile director that can juggle between action, romance, humor and can, and i mean it in a good way, blend with the other directors of the other movies. It needs to stay a Bond movie and not become a Nolan movie. If only he was willing to write one and let someone else direct it, which would never happen, I'm sure we could get a solid Bond movie. Great work! Keep it up!

[@wallygator92]

I agree he's better off making original non franchise movies.

[@jamesatkinsonja]

3:37 While it's accurate that Sam Mendes is not a director known for blockbusters prior to Bond, he was grated a lot of creative control including supervising the script writing, choosing the crew etc. He had won an Oscar before ['American Beauty'] so was well respected in the film industry. The eventual director of NTTD did get a writing credit and Martin Campbell was part of the process of choosing Daniel Craig and was consulted during scripting so there is precedent for Bond to given more creative control to directors in more recent films.

[@jamesatkinsonja]

6:13 Serialisation is a big part of modern franchises, particular in the binge watching/streaming era. Mission Impossible has had more serialisation as it's gone on [to the extent 5+6 is one larger story as is 7+ the upcoming part 8]. This was starting to creep in in the Brosnan era as 'World is not enough' builds on the Bond-M relationship from the prior two films and Robbie Coltrane returns from Goldeneye [there was a proposal to have Wai Lin in 'Die Another Day' which didn't materialise too].

[@stuartpenman6387]

a video worthy of a EfAP, very thought-provoking

[@fromchomleystreet]

The “young directors early in their career” point is questionable. Sam Mendes, for example, directed his first Bond film thirteen years after winning both best director and best film at the Oscars for American Beauty.

[@PentexProductions]

After I say that bit about young directors my very next point is "The exception to this is Sam Mendes" and there's also an on screen caveat for Terence Young and Guy Hamilton because they were the first directors to helm Bond so a pattern hadn't been established then.

[@fromchomleystreet]

@@PentexProductions Yes, I subsequently saw your caveat and thought I’d deleted my comment.

[@PentexProductions]

No worries, thanks for watching

[@charlielewis3261]

I love your summery that we need and epic new franchises and Noland is the person for the job, good call 🤙

[@graveyardshiftfilms2076]

Absolutely 1000% agree with pretty much all the points. Great video.

[@shawnparker2692]

Good video that Christopher Nolan needs to see, make notes and then make a Bond Movie.

[@Birdsummit39]

Greetings from across the pond. I needed no convincing of this to start with. Big props on the sleek video essay. One thing though: But the Broccoli’s didn’t dream up Bond. Ian Fleming did. The Broccoli’s good taste picked Fleming’s idea and showed off its brilliance. What’s needed is another company cultivating something with as much commitment and whatever else it takes to ride a series 60 years.

[@Mclenchie]

this is so well edited and directed. Amazin job. This channel is going massive very soon.

[@maxdiamond2693]

I do hope that you are right and that Oppenheimer sweeps the Oscars.

[@PentexProductions]

I think Murphy for Best Actor, RDJ for Supporting, and Nolan for Director are all strong contenders.

[@TheDebattam]

What about Martin Campbell as an established director....he directed 2 great bond movies and Zorro etc. Etc.

[@PentexProductions]

The best of them - he's introduced two new Bond eras flawlessly - but he's getting on a bit these days, sadly. Not sure he has a third Bond film in him.

[@TheDebattam]

@@PentexProductions Absolutely true...two bonds with so much gap in between, still two of the best bond movies I have seen.I hope he has too...he introduced Zorro to me...though I will never forget his misfire with introducing Green Lantern 😔

[@Barot8]

I agree. Nolan did a few scenes in Inception that were almost a preview of what he could do. That said neither scene belonged in Inception. Both felt artificiality inserted.

[@Pasta-la-pizza-baby]

Nolan normally does story we’re he’s complicated confusing and time style works but he can easily do straight up action movie franchises like this. The dark knight feels like a Nolan movie but he uses the right styles. I think Nolan’s bond movie would be nothing like tenet and much more a complete style chance like he did for the dark knight

[@toothbrushfromnisemonogatari]

I don’t love Nolan but when he said he’d do a period piece that’s faithful to one of the original novels, I got kinda exited. I think that would be really interesting, could turn out to be my favorite Nolan movie if it sticks the landing.

[@zenthous9568]

I would still love to see one

[@DaveMcRee]

Very well said. Particularly the comparison point of view. Centerpiece is and should always be Bond, not remembered as 'this directors movie'.

[@willhemmings]

I agree with you on this. I admire Nolan's work more than I like it. The aesthetic is cold and distant, a bit soulless and his characters don't smile easily. The Craig era Bond films were about the same. I don't want to see more of that. If Bond is to return; and I am not convinced he should, then I think each film should be helmed by a different director, scripted by a different screenwriter; and star a different leading character. I think OHMSS set the perfect template and Lazenby was the perfect undercover secret agent. He's there, then he's gone

[@mrsticky005]

I want a Live and Let Die reboot directed by Antonie Fuqua. Take out all the silliness from the Roger Moore adaptation and instead give us something more gritty and macabre that is closer to the tone of the original novel by Fleming. Cast James Bond--- Daniel Radcliffe Solitaire --- Alisha Wainwright Mr. Big --- Djimon Honsou Felix Leiter--Tyler James Williams John Strangways--Wentworth Miller Quarrel--David Reivers Quarrel Jr--Corbin Bleu M--Timothy Dalton Miss Moneypenny--Emilia Clarke Tee-Hee Johnson--- Denzel Washington Whisper--Forest Whittaker

[@christopherscottcarpenter]

If he wants to, Nolan should absolutely direct the next Bond film. Next question.

[@vittoriacolona]

Amazon would have to get Broccoli out of the way.

[@obelix703]

What I’d really like from the series is if they brought back Sylvia Trench. I love Bond brooding over lost loves, but it’d be nice seeing him cut loose with a regular FWB.

[@PentexProductions]

I wouldn't mind seeing the odd recurring character like that.

[@RichardBown]

You have totally convinced me, watched the video skeptically and fully wanting to support a Chris Nolan James Bond movie, but you're right. Star Wars came about because Lucas couldn't do Flash Gordon, Indiana Jones because Spielberg couldn't do a Bond movie. Bone would be too restrictive for Nola because of the formula, and expectations. Do something new, do something fresh, the talent is certainly there to.

[@PentexProductions]

Thanks, and good on you for going in with an open mind! Glad to have been able to give a new perspective on things. My best outcome is a new Bond film AND a new Nolan film (just not the same film!)

[@jaspervanheycop9722]

Tenet's take on the "blank slate protagonist" shows Nolan could do Bond. No backstory or fridged woman/parent, just a cool character that doesn't need any further introduction. Given that it is also, as you said, the most "Bond" Nolan movie that's pretty worthwile to point out. And I think that Nolan could also do a good anti-Bond, like Quantum tried (and failed) to give us. Where it really leans in on how he is basically a sociopath who is also kinda just... bad at his job (a flamboyant and recognisable spy should be an oxymoron and he also does literal treason at the flip of a coin). Basically do Archer but a bit less sarcastic and cartoony.

[@spaceace4387]

As much as I love Christopher Nolan the answer is NO. He’s way too ambitious of a director and James Bond shouldn’t as deep as Nolan’s films are.

[@rrconway9908]

I definitely think Christopher Nolan should direct Bond 26, and I honestly I actually really like the kind of story that you have theorised. I’m a little bummed it probably ain’t going to happen. I’m still absolutely excited for Bond 26!

[@YoursAnonymously]

I agree on Tenet that it's about as close as we'll get to a Nolan style James Bond movie, and I can't say I liked it all that much to be honest. The opening scene in the Opera was awesome tho.

[@MrStoyan5]

22:00 Yeah... he already did, like that was *exactly* what Tenet was to the T. It even set up a larger universe to explore. Yeah it's a bit more mind bending sci-fi and existential crisis causing dilemas, but that's just the Nolan touch after all

[@TheFatGandalf]

Yes, if it’s a retro piece like I’ve been hearing. He could do a lot with it under a 1950’s-1960’s setting.

[@joshcampelo]

My brother in Christ, you have actually done it. You convinced me. I’m on your side. I wouldn’t want Nolan to direct Bond.

[@SinJinSmythe815]

I'm tired on sequel's and needing to watch a bunch of movies before needing to see the next one. When you look at bond 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 they are all standalone but sequels at the same time. You didn't need to watch the previous to understand the next but if you did then you got slightly more out of it, but it doesn't really matter in the end. When you watch a sitcom, they don't really require the audience to see all the pervious episodes to understand the next episode, so if they can do that with James Bond moving forward that would be great!

[@edoardoruini199]

I get these kinds of worries based on his movies, but i'm not sure it would be the same thing for Bond. His reverence for 007 is so profound and it shows. I don't know the man of course, but i feel like he would be very weary about leaving too much of his fingerprints on that franchise specifically. I've read recently that he is in talks to direct three movies and that he's fighting for adapting Fleming's original novels in their 50s-60s setting. I don't know if its true, but that's exactly what i would expect him to do. Tenet already feels a lot like a modern bond movie, so in order to refresh both himself and the bond franchise he probably would have to reset bond completely. And one thing about Tenet that reminds classic bond films even more than Daniel Craig's movies do, is the semplicity of the Protagonist as a vehicle for a self-contained spy story. We never know anything about him, not even a flashback to his past, just like it was in classic bond movies. So i can see him mantaining that same approach with bond himself in that regard, and if he really decided to adapt the novels, there is no doubt that the movies would be self-contained stories. All this to say that after some consideration, i believe there is some chance of him doing something really great here, and just knowing that he loves those movies so much tells me that whatever his bond movie would turn out to be, he would really go all in with it, and that's already an exciting proposition.

[@fromchomleystreet]

It’s two years now since the last Bond film was released and Craig’s tenure ended. According to the schedule that was standard for the first 25 years of the series’ existence, we would be seeing the next completed film NOW. And yet, we haven’t even reached the point of an official short-list for the role. I think it’s time to consider the possibility that we might not be getting a new Bond film at all. The Bond films are unique in terms of the power that is concentrated in two people’s hands. Obviously, the studio would want a follow up. But if Babs and her brother aren’t interested in doing one, it’s entirely up to them. They certainly don’t need the money, so the only reason they would do one is if it interests them. And after working on the same series for so long, it’s entirely possible they want to spend the next stage of their lives doing something else.

[@x340x]

i think its because there was a bit of oversaturation with Bond and action movies in general. Also, Spectre was pretty bad, and i think people were overall fed up with the Craigs portrail and the "continuity". They are probably just trying to decide how to best approach it without even further damaging the IP.

[@michaelmeffert5722]

Great video and as fellow die-hard Bond-Fan (as well as a Nolan Fan) , I am torn whether I would like him to direct Bond movies. What could work: Nolan takes one of the so far not faithfully adapted Fleming Novels. For example Moonraker adapted to modern times in a similar way to how Casino Royale was adapted and updated as well as expanded upon the novel.

[@PentexProductions]

I agree that adapting the stories of the Fleming novels that haven't been done directly - like Moonraker - is a good basis for the future films, rather than trying to come up with a story from scratch.

[@James-nl6fu]

I didn't think they could have destroyed the Bond Franchise better. I could still be surprised how stupid, stupid can really go. Go for it. Cheers! Lmao!