Steven Knight teases update about new James Bond movie

Screenwriter Steven Knight has confirmed that he's finished the first draft of the script for the next James Bond film, offering the clearest sign yet that Amazon MGM's long-gestating reboot is genuinely moving forward. 

Speaking to Zoe Ball on the UK's Greatest Hits Radio, Knight was asked directly whether the draft was complete, responding simply, "I'm nodding silently."

Knight, best known for creating Peaky Blinders and writing films including Eastern Promises and Spencer, described the opportunity to write Bond as something far beyond an ordinary career milestone. 

"More than bucket list," he called it, adding that he felt he was "doing my duty for King and country by taking this thing on." 

He went on to say, "I'm absolutely loving doing it. It's an honor to be asked. And believe it's going to be so good. I really do believe it's going to be amazing."

Knight also addressed speculation over whether he wrote the script with a specific actor already in mind for 007, telling BBC Radio 4's Today program earlier in the week, "It's a bit of both. It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor." 

That comment adds another layer to the ongoing casting frenzy surrounding the untitled 26th Bond film, with names including Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson continuing to circulate. 

The remarks follow closely on the heels of Gary Oldman's own recent comments suggesting the studio had already made its casting decision and expressing hope that his Slow Horses co-star, Jack Lowden, would land the role. 

Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the film, with producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman overseeing the project and Tanya Lapointe also attached as a producer.