Why it’s time for James Bond to move on

In a surprising turn of events, Danny Boyle has exited Bond 25, which had been scheduled to begin production in December for a November 2019 release. Citing creative differences, producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, along with star Daniel Craig made the official announcement Tuesday afternoon.

The road to Bond 25 has been a long one. After a long search and much deliberation by Eon Productions, Oscar winner Danny Boyle (2008’s Slumdog Millionaire) signed on to direct and write (alongside John Hodge) in March. Though the short production schedule was somewhat worrying, it seemed promising that Boyle would be able to bring something new to the franchise and place Craig’s Bond in a position he hadn’t been in before. Although the star seemed by numerous media appearances to be burned out on Bond, hiring Boyle seemed like a reinvigorating move that would allow this iteration of 007 to go out on a high note. But with the director decamping, and increased rumors and speculation about who will step into the tuxedo and Aston Martin next, maybe it’ll be better for everyone if we admit that it’s time to let Daniel Craig’s Bond re in peace.