Steven Knight Confirms First Draft of New James Bond Script Is Complete

Key points

• Steven Knight confirmed to Greatest Hits Radio that the first draft of the new James Bond script is complete.
• Knight described writing the Bond film as 'more than bucket list' and a 'duty for King and country.'
• The project is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios, with Denis Villeneuve directing and Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing.
• Knight previously hinted that he wrote the script with the chosen actor in mind, though he emphasized writing the character, not the actor.
• The next film is expected to release in 2028, potentially the longest gap between Bond films in history.

Background

This development follows months of speculation regarding the future of the James Bond franchise after Daniel Craig's departure in 2021. Amazon MGM Studios acquired full creative control of the property in 2025, ending the decades-long stewardship of the Broccoli family. Recent reports indicated that Knight had begun drafting the script with knowledge of the selected actor, though no official casting announcement has been made. The project is part of a broader strategy by Amazon to leverage the Bond IP, potentially integrating it with their streaming platform.

How outlets are covering it

Variety highlights Knight's confirmation of the script's completion as a major step forward, noting his enthusiasm for the project. The Hollywood Reporter focuses on the casting uncertainty, citing Gary Oldman's claim that a decision has been made and his hope that Jack Lowden will be chosen. The Wrap features Pierce Brosnan's comments suggesting the next Bond could be an unknown actor, contrasting with the high-profile names like Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner mentioned by BBC. BBC provides a broader overview of the casting process, noting that auditions have been underway since May and that a decision may be announced by the end of 2026. The outlets differ in their emphasis: Variety and THR focus on the script and casting rumors, while The Wrap and BBC provide context on the broader franchise strategy and audience expectations.

Why it matters

The completion of the script is a critical milestone for the James Bond franchise, signaling that the reboot is moving from development to production. It also highlights the changing dynamics of the franchise under Amazon MGM Studios, which may prioritize streaming integration and long-term planning. The casting decision, once announced, will likely have significant cultural and commercial implications, given the global appeal of the Bond character.

What to watch

The next major step will be the official announcement of the actor playing James Bond, which is expected by the end of 2026. Following that, production is expected to begin after Denis Villeneuve completes Dune: Part 3, with a potential release date in 2028. Amazon MGM Studios may also announce the film's title and release strategy, potentially leveraging Prime Video for the debut.