James Bond movie ruled out by Danny Boyle as he reveals No Time To Die regret
Boyle was originally set to direct the 2019 movie, from a script written by John Hodge.
Acclaimed director Danny Boyle was once set to direct James Bond's last big screen outing, No Time to Die – however, after he left that project due to creative differences, he has now confirmed that he will not be returning to the franchise.
As Boyle promotes his latest film 28 Years Later, he spoke with Business Insider about Bond. When asked whether he could return to the franchise now Amazon has taken on creative control over the films, Boyle said: "That ship has sailed."
Boyle was originally set to direct the 25th film in the franchise, working from a script from his longtime collaborator John Hodge.
However, the duo both left the project in August 2018, and Cary Joji Fukunaga stepped in to direct a script which he himself wrote alongside Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Boyle went on to say that his one regret about leaving the project was that "the script was really good", adding that "John Hodge is a wonderful writer".
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The film would have reportedly revolved around a Russian villain, and would still have included the death of Bond, as the final version of No Time to Die did.
28 Years Later is Boyle's first film since 2019's Yesterday, and sees him re-team with 28 Days Later screenwriter Alex Garland. It stars Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and rumoured contender to be the next Bond, Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Meanwhile, development on Bond 26 has begun in earnest of late, with producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal working on the film together in London.
Speaking at CinemaCon, Amazon MGM's head of film, streaming and theatrical Courtenay Valenti said: "We are committed to honouring the legacy of this iconic character, while bringing a fresh, exhilarating new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy and David.
"They are both in London getting started and couldn't be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know will be an incredible partnership. Thank you, Amy and David!"
28 Years Later is coming to UK cinemas on 19th June 2025.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
