The Secret Life of James Bond Scripts: Hand-Delivered for Top Security!
BOND-GATE: EXCLUSIVE INSIDE SCOOP ON THE FUTURE OF 007
The James Bond franchise is on the verge of a seismic shift, and we've got the inside scoop! Longtime Bond stalwart Rory Kinnear has spilled the beans on the extreme measures producers are taking to protect the franchise from leaks. In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note's Dinner's On Me podcast, the talented actor revealed that scripts are now delivered by car - yes, you read that right, C-A-R! - and any changes are also handed over in person.
This drastic security measure was introduced after the infamous 2014 Sony Pictures hack, which saw early drafts of Spectre leak online. The breach not only revealed major spoilers but also celebrity details and behind-the-scenes drama. No wonder the franchise has become notorious for its cloak-and-dagger approach - even among its own cast!
Kinnear, who played MI6 Chief of Staff Bill Tanner in four Bond films opposite Daniel Craig, spoke candidly about the script delivery strategy: "They got burnt, so I understand why they do it." The Olivier award-winning actor has been a part of the current Bond universe since Quantum of Solace (2008) and has witnessed firsthand the extreme measures taken to safeguard the franchise.
But that's not all - there's more juicy gossip! Amazon, which acquired MGM in an $8.5 billion deal, now holds the creative reins. The e-commerce giant has appointed Dune director Denis Villeneuve to take charge of Bond 26. And let's just say this Bond fanboy is promising to "honour the tradition" while opening up the franchise "to many new missions to come."
So, who will be the next 007? Casting rumors are swirling like a Bond villain's evil laugh! Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the favorite among bookies, remains in the running. But wait, there's a surprise new contender - Scott Rose-Marsh, a relatively unknown British actor with credits including Wolves of War and Code of Silence. He's jumped to eighth place on the Oddschecker leaderboard, beating out heavyweights like Henry Cavill and Jack Lowden!
Villeneuve is said to be keen on casting an actor who can grow into the role, rather than one already saturated by franchise fame. Tom Holland, Theo James, Aaron Pierre, Harris Dickinson, Jacob Elordi, and James Norton remain in the top ten. Insiders claim the director's shortlist has shifted several times since he took the reins earlier this summer.
On the Bond girl front, Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney is widely tipped to take on a lead role. A source told The Scholarly Note: "Sydney is the top name on the casting sheet for Bond. Denis believes she is hugely talented, as well as having an alluring appeal to younger generations - vital in modernising the franchise." Sydney, 27, is reportedly close friends with Villeneuve and is being considered for a central role in the upcoming film - potentially as a high-stakes MI6 agent or a powerful femme fatale to match 007 blow for blow.
Amazon is expected to officially unveil the cast later this year, with pre-production already underway and filming expected to begin in 2026. The release date is currently pegged for late 2027, though that may change depending on location availability.
Bond purists were reportedly unsettled by news that filming may not take place in London due to a Central London ban next year. But fear not! Liverpool is now a frontrunner to double for the capital - a choice previously used in major franchises like The Batman and Captain America. A source said: "This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes. But Liverpool has become a well-known alternative to London for filmmakers. That doesn't necessarily mean the story is set there — but fans will spot it."
Stay tuned, Bond fans! The future of 007 looks more exciting than ever!
