Bond Veteran Martin Campbell to Denis Villeneuve: Don't Mess With 007

If anyone has earned the right to give notes on Bond, it is Martin Campbell. The guy jump-started 007 not once but twice with GoldenEye and Casino Royale. So when he weighs in on how to launch the next era, I listen.

Martin Campbell to Denis Villeneuve: keep it simple, keep it Bond

'Don't break what isn't broken... It doesn't need to be a reboot - it just needs to be a bloody good Bond film.'

That was Campbell to GoldDerby, and the man did not stop there. He said GoldenEye or Casino Royale would still land today, and basically begged the next team not to overthink it. There is plenty of room for Bond in the world as it is; just do the thing and do it well. Hard to argue with that.

Where the next Bond movie stands right now

• Director: Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the next 007 adventure, which will be the first Bond released by Amazon MGM Studios.
• Writer: Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is on script duty.
• Timing: Villeneuve will start the search for the new Bond once he wraps Dune: Part Three.
• Casting chatter: The usual suspects have been tossed around by fans (Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and more), but Villeneuve is reportedly aiming for an unknown British actor in his late 20s or early 30s. As fun as the fantasy casting is, a clean-slate face for a long run makes sense.
• The vibe: Fans are understandably nervous about how 007 might shift under Amazon MGM, but Campbell's point is the north star here. It does not need to be a franchise-redefining, lore-heavy behemoth. Just a cool, classy, properly sharp Bond movie.

Villeneuve's take on stepping into 007

When he got the gig, Villeneuve called Bond sacred territory for him. He grew up watching the films with his dad starting from Dr. No, and he wants to honor the tradition while clearing the runway for many new missions. He framed it as a massive responsibility, incredibly exciting, and a huge honor. He also thanked Amazon MGM Studios for the trust and said he, Amy, and David are thrilled to bring Bond back to the screen. Slightly unusual name-check, but the big idea is clear: he knows he is walking into hallowed ground and is treating it that way.

My two cents: Campbell's right. Keep it sleek, keep it dangerous, and resist the urge to reinvent the wheel. And if the new 007 is an unknown with the right presence? Even better. Let Bond be Bond.