Once again, production onBond 25has been both shakenandstirred, which a gentleman will tell you is not the correct way to mix a satisfying cocktail. Just a day after word broke that MGMmoved the next installmentin the super-spy franchise from a Valentine’s Day release date to June 17, 2025,The Playlistreports script-wizardScott Z. Burnsis coming aboard to overhaul the current screenplay byNeal PurvisandRobert Wade.
Time is certainly a-tickin' forBond 25to make its scheduled April 2019 production start date. But this isn’t exactly bad news for the film, either, considering the fact Burns is fantastic at what he does. Since penningPaul Greengrass’The Bourne Ultimatumin 2007, the writer has become something of a Hollywood fixer for drafts in need of punching up. In addition to doing uncredited work onOcean’s 12andRogue One: A Star Wars Story, Burns was an early consultant toRidley Scottfor what becameBlade Runner 2049and HBO’s choice to replaceTerence Winteras showrunner onVinyl’s second season (which was eventually shelved, unfortunately). The filmmaker’s directorial debutThe Reportpremiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, a biopic starringAdam Driverthat our own Matt Goldbergcalled"an engrossing picture" working at an Oscar-worthy level.
Burns is reportedly currently in London, where he’ll put in 4 weeks of work in order to make that production start date.
Cary Joji Fukunagacame aboard the project amid similar turmoil after original directorDanny Boylebowed out with weeks left until production. The exact reasons for Boyle’s departure haven’t come to light, but reports suggest a clash with starDaniel Craigand issues with a new story pitched by Boyle and hisTrainspottingwriterJohn Hodge.
Honestly, a Bond flick directed by Fukunaga with a script from Burns has the chance to bestellar,provided, you know, everyone gets their ish together long enough to get it in the can. Until then,Bond 25is slated—for now—to hit theaters on June 27, 2025. For more on its topsy-turvy production, check out the links below:
