The Bond franchise is gearing up for some significant changes in Bond 25. Not only will it be Daniel Craig's final outing as the beloved secret agent, but it also seems that the most recent incarnation of Ernst Stavro Blofeld may not return as well. When Christoph Waltz was recently asked about a possible return for Bond 25, the Inglourious Basterds star said:
No, I'm sorry. I'm really sad, but that's the tradition, that there is a new...name. Sorry. I would've liked to.
This might come as a bit of a disappointment to some fans that were hoping to see more of Christoph Waltz's version of Blofeld in the next entry in the James Bond franchise. Much of his on-screen time in Spectre was spent building up his eventual reveal as the iconic Bond villain, and the film's ending was seemingly meant to set up his long-term presence as an enemy of 007. However, it looks like the powers that be are going in a different direction, and while Blofeld may return, Waltz won't be in the role (his comments about a "new name" seem like a giveaway).
While this creative decision may be somewhat disheartening for fans hoping to see more Christoph Waltz in this universe, it's still not entirely surprising. As James Bond's most well-known bad guy, Blofeld has been played by almost as many actors as the womanizing British agent -- ranging from Donald Pleasance's iconic, scarred version of the character, to Charles Gray's more down-to-Earth take.
Christoph Waltz's remarks to Talky Movie only add to the growing sense that the folks behind Bond 25 want to try and do something different this time around. Unlike Skyfall and Spectre, the film will not be directed by Bond veteran Sam Mendes, and the shortlist of possible replacements includes Blade Runner 2049's Denis Villeneuve, Hell or High Water's David McKenzie, and '71's Yann Demange. Moreover, there have also been rumors suggesting that Hollywood heavy-hitter Christopher Nolan is in the running to direct Bond 25 as well.
Aside from the behind-the-scenes changes that appear to be taking place in the world of James Bond, the currently-planned story for the sequel sounds like an exciting twist on the traditional James Bond narrative. In fact, it looks like we could be due for a loose adaptation/remake of the On Her Majesty's Secret Service, in which we see James Bond's quiet, happy life with Léa Seydoux's Dr. Madeleine Swann (a stand-in for Tracy di Vicenzo) cut short when an attack by a blind villain (and possible Blofeld lieutenant) leaves Swann dead. From there, the film may see Bond go on a Taken-style revenge rampage, in one of the most personal Bond stories ever committed to film.
CinemaBlend will keep you posted with more information related to the development of Bond 25 as new details are made available to us. Until then, take a look at our 2017 movie premiere guide and our 2018 movie premiere guide to learn more about anything and everything debuting on the big screen over the next year!
