Last week, it was confirmed that Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight had secured the coveted role of screenwriter for the upcoming James Bond film, marking Amazon MGM Studios’ inaugural entry into the legendary spy franchise.
The Birmingham-born writer will craft the screenplay for director Denis Villeneuve, with Hollywood heavyweights Amy Pascal and David Heyman attached as producers through Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films respectively.
The appointment represents a significant milestone for the 007 series, which transitioned to Amazon MGM’s creative oversight earlier this year following the studio’s acquisition of MGM in 2022 and subsequent joint venture agreement with former franchise custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
Knight expressed his enthusiasm for the project in his first public comments since the announcement, telling BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: “It has always been on my bucket list and it’s fantastic to be invited to do it – I can’t wait to get started.”
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The 65-year-old writer, who has been a lifelong Bond enthusiast, outlined his vision for the franchise’s future direction.
“I’m hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that’s the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder,” he said.
When pressed about the identity of Daniel Craig’s successor, Knight remained tight-lipped, responding: “That is a very, very good question, and one I can’t give you the answer to.”
While mystery may surround Craig’s replacement, Knight’s arrival has prompted bookmakers to frantically adjust their markets regarding the next Bond villain.
That’s because Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy has become the outright frontrunner to star in Knight and Villeneuve’s Bond project.
James Leyfield of Gambling.com explained: “Knight is best known for creating and executive producing BBC crime thriller Peaky Blinders, which is led by one of the best actors in the business – Cillian Murphy.
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“So, it’s no surprise to see the Tommy Shelby star emerge as the new 11/10 favourite to portray a male Bond villain in the next suave spy motion picture. Murphy has knocked Jared Leto off top spot in the market.
“Following Cillian’s emergence, the Suicide Squad star’s price has increased from 5/4 to 11/8.”
However, Murphy isn’t the only Peaky Blinders alum who has emerged as a candidate to play the next Bond villain thanks to Knight’s appointment.
Leyfield explained: “Another actor who puts in a stellar performance in every production is This is England star Stephen Graham.
“The actor appeared in another Knight-created historical drama earlier this year when he starred as bare-knuckle boxing king Sugar Goodson in Disney+ series A Thousand Blows.
“And he is just 6/4 to bring some of Sugar’s grit and belligerence to a Bond villain role. Graham would be a huge asset to any production,” he added.
Meanwhile, the likes of Colin Farrell (2/1) and Stellan Skarsgard (3/1) are also in contention for Bond villain parts, as is 4/1 chance Jude Law, having been a producer on the Fantastic Beasts films.
Knight himself emerged as the frontrunner following extensive deliberations by Amazon MGM Studios, which conducted numerous meetings with prospective writers over recent weeks.
The selection process reached its conclusion when Knight met with Villeneuve last week, securing the director’s approval whilst he continues production on Dune: Part Three.
Sources indicate that finalising the screenwriter took precedence over casting decisions, with studio executives focusing their efforts on assembling the creative team before addressing speculation about Craig’s replacement.
Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer on the project, joining the production team as development progresses on what promises to be a new chapter for the iconic franchise.
Knight’s illustrious career spans television, film and literature, having garnered an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay Dirty Pretty Things and penning the Oscar-nominated Eastern Promises and Spencer.
Beyond creating the Bafta-winning Peaky Blinders starring Cillian Murphy, his television portfolio encompasses Emmy-nominated series Taboo, Jason Momoa vehicle See for Apple TV+, and Bafta-nominated SAS Rogue Heroes.
The CBE recipient, who co-created the global phenomenon Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, has multiple projects in development including a Peaky Blinders film and historical drama House of Guinness for Netflix. Knight previously held a Star Wars writing assignment before departing the project in October 2024.