What If Christopher Nolan Directed the Next James Bond Film?

The Nolan Touch: Reimagining the Bond Franchise

Although it's been confirmed that Christopher Nolan won't be directing the next Bond film, Bond 26, it's still interesting to imagine what the director would have brought to the franchise. Nolan is known for the distinct style and visual language that he brings to all of his films, as well as recurring themes seen throughout his body of work. The Bond franchise has been part of the filmmaking lexicon for many years, and there is enormous pressure to both reinvent the story and stay true to its roots for every new director who takes up the helm.

The Protagonist Sitting in the Back of the Car in Tenet

Most recently, Nolan has gained notoriety for his film Oppenheimer, which told the story of the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man who invented the atomic bomb. The film generated lots of buzz for the director, but this is just the newest in a long line of unique and compelling films by the director. His next project will certainly receive lots of attention from critics and viewers alike, even if it won't be part of the Bond legacy.

Oppenheimer and Strauss shaking hands in Oppenheimer.

Non-linear Storytelling and Bond's Evolution

Nolan's non-linear storytelling approach could have reshaped the Bond narrative, adding humanity and complexity to the iconic character. His manipulation of time and plot structure, as seen in films like Dunkirk and Tenet, would have provided a fresh perspective on Bond's world. The unconventional timeline and scientific devices employed by Nolan would have raised the stakes for the next Bond, challenging the audience's expectations.

A solider looking up at the sky in Dunkirk

Bond, often portrayed as in control, would have been humanized and faced additional challenges in Nolan's hands. The incorporation of multiple timelines and bending of time would have introduced new dimensions to the Bond story, offering a departure from the traditional linear storytelling.

Emily Blunt as Kitty in front of a laundry line in Oppenheimer

A Visionary Cast and Immersive Experience

Nolan's collaborations with actors like Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Michael Caine could have brought a new dimension to the Bond universe. The compelling performances of these actors in Nolan's films, particularly in Oppenheimer, demonstrate their ability to delve into complex and emotionally intense roles.

Cillian Murphy's Oppenheimer sitting in a leather chair during a hearing in Oppenheimer.

The immersive and extreme sound design, a hallmark of Nolan's films, would have elevated the Bond experience. The deafening portrayals of explosions and effects, coupled with hypnotic scores, would have immersed the audience in the world of Bond. While dialogue may take a backseat, the action sequences would have driven the plot forward, aligning with the essence of Bond films.

Heath Ledger as the Joker sticking his head out the window of a police car in The Dark Knight

Innovative Filmmaking and Narrative Depth

Nolan's dedication to shooting movies on film, particularly in 70mm black and white, would have brought a richness and depth to the visual storytelling of Bond 26. The use of large format physical film and IMAX cameras would have created an epic scale and nostalgic appeal, aligning with the historical tradition of Bond films.

Anne Hathaway as Brand on an alien planet in Interstellar

Exploring a new type of scientist villain concerned with space travel and innovation would have added complexity to Bond's moral dilemmas. Nolan's fascination with emerging science and technology, and his ability to frame them as morally ambiguous, could have delved into the ethical conundrums faced by Bond, offering a fresh perspective on the role of the villain.

Hugh Jackman holds a lightbulb and speaks with David Bowie's Tesla in Christopher Nolan's The Prestige

Challenging Perspectives and Female Characters

Nolan's potential subversion of the spy genre and audience expectations would have delivered a dark and mind-bending shake-up to the Bond films. By reinventing how people watch spy movies, Nolan could have challenged the audience's perspective on the franchise, pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Elliot Page as Ariadne in Inception with Michael Caine and Leo DiCaprio

While women in supporting roles are a common trope in Nolan's films, the portrayal of female characters in Bond films would have required a nuanced approach. Nolan's ability to craft compelling narratives for supporting characters, while addressing the power and agency of women, could have elevated the female roles in Bond 26, aligning with the evolving portrayal of women in the franchise.

Florence Pugh crying as Jean Tatlock in Oppenheimer.