Steven Knight is known for his striking work on BBC smash hit Peaky Blinders, but while he’s no longer writing about Tommy Shelby, his next project is a lot more well-known
Screenwriter Steven Knight is going all Peaky Bonders after being chosen to write the next 007 film.
The Brummie Peaky Blinders creator has been hired by Amazon MGM Studios to pen the screenplay. He said: “It has always been on my bucket list and it’s fantastic to be invited to do it – I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that’s the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder.” He recalled meeting producer Amy Pascal and “very quickly discovered what it was about and became very, very excited and hopeful”.
“And then a process is followed where you do some meetings, you discuss some ideas, and then you find out you’ve got it,” he said. He accepted it was a “high pressure” job but said “you’ve just got to do what you do, do it as well as you can”.
But he refused to be drawn on what actor will replace Daniel Craig as the suave spy. The 65-year-old said: “That is a very, very good question, and one I can’t give you the answer to.”
Dune’s Denis Villeneuve will direct the film, it was announced in June. The director said: “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007.
“I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan.
“To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.”
Steven has already had a long and well-appreciated career as a writer and a producer, having helped to create iconic gameshows including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? His own directing skills have seen him conquer Hollywood after he was able to direct the 2013 film Hummingbird, starring Jason Statham and Vicky McClure.
But as a screenwriter, Steven made his major marks on the TV industry, helping to produce the likes of an adaptation of Shutter Island, as well as Locked Down, starring huge names in the acting scene, including Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor. He also helped to write the screenplay for other big Netflix blockbusters, including Spencer – starring Twilight legend Kristen Stewart.
However, not every project has worked out well for the stellar scriptwriter. In March 2023, it was announced that Steven had been brought on to write for upcoming instalment of the Star Wars franchise; but by October 2024, it was announced that Steven had left the team.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
