Casino Royale director Martin Campbell has the distinction of directing two Bond films that are considered by most fans to be some of the best of the franchise. Campbell introduced Pierce Brosnan as 007 in 1995’s Goldeneye and the director got to introduce another new version of the character when he took on helming duties on Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s first foray with the Bond franchise. When it comes to this franchise, Campbell seems to magic touch and now he’s revealing if he would return to direct another installment.
Our very own Chris Bumbray interviewed Campbell about his upcoming film, The Protege and he was asked if he’d ever direct another Bond film. In response, Campbell said, “Oh yeah, I would, because it’s a new James Bond”, adding “if they ever ask me.” Judging from Campbell’s track record with the franchise so far, there is a strong case for Campbell to step behind the director’s chair once again for another Bond project.
Let’s start with the fact that Campbell has successfully launched two men as James Bond in both of the films that he directed. Since the next installment will feature a new actor in the role as Daniel Craig is done after this year’s No Time To Die, MGM would be remiss not to notice that Campbell certainly brings fresh energy to the brand and he seems to be a good luck charm ushering new actors into the iconic role.
Goldeneye came after a six-year hiatus in the series which was caused by legal disputes resulting in Timothy Dalton resigning from the role as the legal mess was settled. Brosnan was then cast as Bond, having been prevented from succeeding Roger Moore in 1986 due to his commitment to star in the TV series Remington Steele. By the time Goldeneye was released in 1995, it was proven that the franchise was still critically and financially viable. Goldeneye grossed $350 million worldwide and received solid reviews from critics, holding a 78% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Campbell found even more success with the franchise following the release of 2006’s Casino Royale. The film takes place at the beginning of Bond’s career as Agent 007, as he’s learning his license to kill. Following Die Another Die, Brosnan’s last turn as the prolific character, there was a need to reboot the series a bit and go in a new direction with a new actor. Daniel Craig was ultimately chosen to play the role, which resulted in a fair share of controversy when it was announced in October of 2005. Craig ultimately proved the naysayers wrong and his take on the character drew great praise from critics and fans alike. Casino Royale grossed $606 million globally and proved to be even more critically lauded than Campbell’s first turn with the franchise as it currently stands with a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Do we need any more proof that Campbell should be considered to direct another installment?
Would YOU like to see Martin Campbell direct another Bond installment?