The next James Bond steps up to a new milestone. Steven Knight has confirmed he’s finished an initial draft of the screenplay for the film to be directed by Denis Villeneuve for Amazon MGM Studios. The feature, commonly known as James Bond 26, still has no official title or release date.
Asked about the progress of his work, the creator of Peaky Blinders quietly told journalist Zoe Ball that the first draft is complete. Steven Knight also framed the project as an honor and said he’s really enjoying writing the return of agent 007. The remarks were reported on September 11, 2026 by Variety.
Completing this first draft does not mean the screenplay is final or that filming is about to start. This version now needs to be reviewed and may still evolve through discussions among the screenwriter, the director, and the producers. No official information has been released about the story, the filming locations, or when production will commence.
Denis Villeneuve, the director of Dune, will helm this new chapter, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing. Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer. It will be the first film in the franchise developed since Amazon MGM Studios took creative control in 2025, in a joint venture with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who remain co-owners of the rights.
The hunt for Daniel Craig's successor officially kicked off in spring 2026, led by casting chief Nina Gold. Amazon MGM Studios, however, has not announced any actor to portray James Bond. The names floated in the press and on social media remain, to date, mere speculation.
This new film will follow No Time to Die, released in 2021 and Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007. Five years on, Steven Knight’s first script gives shape to this new era, while still withholding the face, the mission, and the return date of the British spy.
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