Now that Christopher Nolan has taken himself out of the running to direct Bond 25, MGM and Eon are looking to find a director. There was a shortlist running around last year that speculated three new directors: Denis Villeneuve, David Mackenzie, and Yann Demange were all being considered. However, they no longer appear to be contenders.

Now a new report says Danny Boyle could be one of the new frontrunners. More on the story below.

The story comes to us from Variety, who says Boyle is “high” on Eon’s list. While directors like Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), Mackenzie (Hell Or High Water), and Demange (71), were all the frontrunners last year, Eon wants a high-profile director at the helm. However, in order for Boyle to take the director’s chair, he may have to drop a film called All You Need.

Here’s a tweet from THR’s Borys Kit:

BOND 25: All the names from last year – Denis Villeneuve, David Mackenzie and Yann Demange – are no longer contenders. Danny Boyle was/is hoping to do a period musical drama this summer called ALL YOU NEED for Working Title. Would he drop that if Eon comes-a-calling?

— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) February 21, 2018

This would not be the first time that Boyle has directed a Bond project. I say project because he used the character when he directed the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremonies. In it, the real-life Queen Elizabeth was escorted by James Bond (Daniel Craig) to the opening ceremonies. So, the two have worked together before.

Variety adds that the Slumdog Millionaire director “has a keen interest in the project and has always wanted to direct a Bond film.” In fact, MGM and Eon have had their sights set on Boyle since Sam Mendes helmed Skyfall and Spectre.

This is definitely a turn of events. To go from the aforementioned shortlist of three directors to Nolan – whom everyone was hoping would direct – and then to another high-profile director in Boyle.

Daniel Craig will return to reprise his role as James Bond for the final time in Bond 25. As always, we will keep you posted on any developments should they come in.

[Source: Variety]