![A roll of movie film, much was has been used for the 'Bond' films. [Image via Skitterphoto - Pixabay]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/9/21/660x290/b_502x220x82/a-roll-of-movie-film-much-was-has-been-used-for-the-bond-films-image-via-skitterphoto-pixabay_2101609.jpg "A roll of movie film, much was has been used for the 'Bond' films. [Image via Skitterphoto - Pixabay]")
James Bond made his debut in the 1953 novel "Casino Royale." In it, he was tasked with bankrupting the villain in a high-stakes game of baccarat. For several years, author Ian Fleming would put the character through various dangers, adventures, and twists. Some smaller and lesser-known adaptations of the 'Bond' novels have been produced over the years. But it's the series of film that begins with the adaptation of 1958's "Dr. No" that has become iconic.
This series has featured six actors playing the British spy. Eleven different directors have taken charge of the films.
Danny Boyle was set to have been the 12th. However, as CNN reports, he dropped out, citing 'creative differences.' The director chosen to replace him marks a notable first.
An American is to direct a 'Bond' movie for the first time
Oakland native Cary Fukunaga has been announced as the new director of the next film to feature James Bond. It is scheduled to be released in 2020. A title for the new film has yet to be announced.
Fukunaga won an Emmy Award for his work on the television series "True Detective." He has since been nominated for another one for "The Alienist." His cinematic credits include directing "Sin Nombre," "Jane Eyre," and "Beasts of No Nation." Fukunaga was an unexpected choice for the job.
As The Hollywood Reporter suggests, his had not been being mentioned among top contenders before the announcement.
As is to be expected, the choice of Fukunaga has also been a source of concern. He has a reputation for clashing with other of the creative visions of projects. This has led to his departure from productions in the past.
It could be specially noted, as it was apparently creative decisions that led to Boyle's opting to leave.
In addition, to be the first American, Fukunaga is also the second minority director to be chosen. The first was Lee Tamahori, who directed 2002's "Die Another Day."
The future for the franchise is uncertain
It was questionable as to whether or not Daniel Craig would return to start in the next film.
Though it seems he will, it's likely that it would be his last movie of the 'Bond' series. Certain themes of the films are likely also to change. Things like the violence and the treatment of women have long been a source of controversy. But the mistreatment of women has become spotlighted around the world since the most recent movie came out. The character's womanizing ways would likely be viewed in a different light than some had seen them before.
Doubts have been raised in the past about whether the franchise could continue. All of Fleming's novels featuring the character have been adopted, but original scripts have been used for several years now. During the lengthy gap between "Licence to Kill" and "GoldenEye," some wondered if the films had reached an abrupt end.
But it has gone on for several more hit releases.
The most recent entry in the series was "Spectre." Should the next movie make its scheduled release date, it would be roughly a five-year gap. That would be almost as long as the one previously mentioned. As the tastes of movie lovers continue to evolve, it remains to be seen if the franchise can continue again.
