James Bond fans will ‘have to wait three years’ for next 007 film says ex director amid legal battle

JAMES Bond fans will "have to wait THREE years" for the next 007 instalment amid ongoing legal issues. The film's former director Martin Campbell, who worked on Casino Royale and GoldenEye, said the British spy film could take as long as 2028 before it hits the big screen. The ex director said the delay is also due to the legal battles with streaming platform Amazon, who owns MGM - the film studio that makes Bond films.

Martin told The Mirror: "I think it'll be two years away, three years away. "Is there going to be another Bond? That's the question. There's this legal thing right now. And they have this problem with Amazon. It's sort of the same thing.". It was reported that the upcoming film had been put on hold amid an ongoing feud between Amazon and the film's producer Barbara Broccoli. Barbara, 64, was reportedly left furious and called those at Amazon were "f*****g idiots" saying streaming service Prime Video is not suitable for the spy franchise, according to the Wall Street Journal.

But Martin has revealed that the new movie will appear on the big screen before streaming - and there will be no TV series spin off. He said: "Barbara will absolutely stick to her guns and say this is a theatrical experience. "This is not going to go to streaming immediately. Bond is always an event picture.". There has been massive global speculation about who will play the next James Bond. And it comes just days after James Norton addressed rumours that ‘he’s set to be the next James Bond’, on the BAFTAs red carpet, after fans spotted ‘clues.’.

James spoke to TV presenter Alex Zane, and said: “Whoever is deciding on these odds needs to get a new job. It’s so weird and bemusing.”. Actor James made the comment when told he was the bookies’ favourite to take on the role of 007 next. James, 39, continued: “Yet again it's based on pure speculation. It makes for a good clickbait moment in the media but other than that, it's fun and bemusing I guess.".

He also commented on the moment fans thought they’d ‘confirmed’ that Norton was the next bond. It happened when they spotted a major clue in a TV show that James was starring in. Eagle-eyed Benedict and Hannah Townsend run a TV podcast together and they are certain James has signed on the dotted line. The couple think they stumbled upon a big giveaway clue while watching ITV new hit drama Playing Nice, which stars Happy Valley and Grantchester star James.

In the third episode of the series, James' character Pete Riley is at a gala event. But while the rest of the attendees are wearing swanky tuxedos, James is not. He is in a plain suit. Hannah asked their Talk Of The Townsends' followers on TikTok: "Are you watching brand new TV drama Playing Nice? And if you are, did you notice this?". Benedict continued: "James Norton is in the show and he has long been rumoured to be the next James Bond.

"Now, every James Bond has in their contract they cannot wear a tuxedo in any other media while they are James Bond. "There's a scene in the third episode of Playing Nice where they're at a gala and every single man in that room is wearing a tuxedo except James Norton, who was wearing a regular suit. "Now, admittedly his character is meant to be sort of humbled, so it could just be some kind of character-related wardrobe.".

Hannah chimed in: "But it could be that maybe he is going to be the next James Bond.". Benedict continued: "He might have signed the contracts already and might be precluded from wearing a tux.". He goes on: "It's only after you've signed the contract. So Daniel Craig can wear a tux now in a movie. But you didn't see him in a tux the entire time he played James Bond.". Addressing this at the BAFTAs, James said: “I mean if that's not evidence to seal the deal, I don't know what is. I mean, it has nothing to do with the fact that the character felt uncomfortable wearing a tux and felt low key.