On 20 September 2018, Cary Joji Fukunaga was announced as the new director for the next 'James Bond' movie. This comes as a surprise, especially as Joji Fukunaga's previous work is neither extensive nor action-orientated. It seems certain that this creative decision - and new direction - will have a profound effect on the 'James Bond' franchise.
Joji Fukunaga was not the first choice for 'James Bond' director
The latest 'James Bond' Film is already surrounded by mystery, controversy and chaos, and that was before filming had even begun.
Joji Fukunaga was never meant to get the job.
Danny Boyle was originally announced as the director of the franchise's latest instalment. Boyle was an exciting choice with a filmography full of hits, including 'Transporting', 'Slumdog Millionaire' and the 'London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony'. It seemed certain that any 'James Bond' movie created by Boyle would be hugely successful.
That was until August 2018, when Boyle shockingly quit and walked away from one of the most iconic projects in history. Rumours as rife as to why he made this surprising decision. Reports suggest that perhaps his script was too politically and socially topical, his casting choices were unpopular, or that he refused to kill off 007. Whatever the reason, 'creative differences' led to Boyle walking away, and the production was thrown into chaos.
Joji Fukunaga was announced as Boyle's replacement two weeks later, and he has stepped into a role that is already a difficult one.
Joji Fukunaga has big shoes to fill as a 'James Bond' director
Many were surprised by Joji Fukunaga's announcement due to his apparent lack of relevant directorial experience. Traditionally, 'James Bond' directors are renowned, with a track record of box office success and/or experience in creating action-packed adventure movies.
Sam Mendes, director of 'Skyfall' and 'Spectre', had previously directed 'Revolutionary Road' with Kate Winslet and Leonardo di Caprio, and cult classic 'American Beauty'. Before taking the helm of the franchise, Marc Forster, director of Quantum of Solace, had directed 'Finding Neverland' and 'The Kite Runner'.
John Glen had worked on three 'Bond' films before directing all five released in the 1980s.
Joji Fukunaga's previous work does not seem to have the same weight. He has directed 'Jane Eyre' in 2011, the first series of TV series 'True Detective' in 2014, critically acclaimed but box office flop 'Beasts of No Nation' in 2015, and Netflix series 'Maniac' in 2018. Whilst this is most definitely a success directorial filmography, Joji Fukunaga may lack experience with projects of the size or genre of 'James Bond'.
The pressure's on for Joji Fukunaga
Joji Fukunaga certainly doesn't have an easy job.
Much like the Queen, tea and the NHS, 'James Bond' is a national treasure. As director of the latest instalment, his work will be scrutinised heavily, and compared to the 24 films that have come before it.
It's impossible to please everyone, and I'm sure that people will either love or hate his take on the project.
The drama surrounding 'James Bond 25' already is unusual - you expect this from the cast, not pre-production. The pressure is already on for Joji Fukunaga, and we will wait to see if he's able to create a successful 'Bond'.
