British Director Bart Layton Explains Why He Turned Down James Bond 25

During an interview with talky! media, British filmmaker Bart Layton explained why he turned down an offer to direct the 25th James Bond film.

While the search for a filmmaker to helm the 25th James Bond resulted in Cary Joji Fukunaga being tasked with directing the project, it appears British filmmaker Bart Layton was also approached for the job. Known for directing 2018’s American Animals, Layton explained why he turned down the opportunity to work on the next 007 film:

“For me, it’s too big. At this point, I don’t feel ready. I don’t want to do something on that level and, also, I feel like I wanna come in at the beginning. I would consider doing it, maybe, in the future for sure, and that would be exciting and fun. But at this point, I don’t feel like I’m ready for the pressure.”

While Bart Layton did not know who his ideal Bond would be, he did explain what he would do with the franchise:

“I think it’s time for a reinvention. I think it’s time to modernize that franchise in an interesting way.”

Production on the 25th James Bond film is set to begin on March 4, 2019, at Pinewood Studios. Details on the project are currently unknown, though it is set to be Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 after having played the character in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace,Skyfall, and Spectre.

James Bond 25 is scheduled to be released in theaters on February 14, 2020.

Source talky! media (via @jamesbondlive)