Bond producer’s growing slate of stage and film projects continues to raise questions about Bond 26.
With her recent announcement of the Buena Vista Social Club musical hitting Broadway in 2025, alongside the Othello film adaptation starring Daniel Craig, Barbara Broccoli’s workload has sparked speculation on how it may impact Bond 26. The iconic 007 producer, known for her meticulous involvement in Bond films, seems to be juggling multiple high-profile projects that are drawing her attention away from Bond—for now.
Buena Vista Social Club is scheduled to premiere at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 19th March 2025, with previews beginning on 21st February. Telling the story behind the musical ensemble formed in 1996 to showcase Cuba’s rich musical traditions, the production is directed by Saheem Ali and choreographed by Tony Award winner Justin Peck. Broccoli has described her excitement about bringing the project to Broadway, a passion project that followed the musical’s successful Off-Broadway run last year.
But while Broccoli’s expansion into theatre and film is exciting, it raises questions about whether Bond 26 is being sidelined. This isn’t her only non-Bond venture in the works. She’s also producing a film adaptation of Othello, which reunites her with former Bond star Daniel Craig. Based on a 2016 off-Broadway production where Craig played Iago, the Othello film adds yet another major project to Broccoli’s growing list of responsibilities. While Buena Vista Social Club and Othello are certainly exciting projects, they inevitably slow down Bond’s next chapter.
The lack of movement on Bond 26 is starting to worry fans, especially as casting rumours swirl with no solid news in sight. Speculation has been rampant, particularly around Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s recent appearance, which sparked online chatter that he might be the next 007. Yet, without a director attached to the project, any casting rumours remain premature. Historically, Bond producers secure a director before moving forward with casting the new Bond, and so far, that crucial step hasn’t been taken.
The recent purchase of Bray Studios by Amazon MGM, Bond’s new parent company, could offer a potential new production base for the next 007 film. However, it’s still unclear when Broccoli will shift her focus back to the franchise that has defined her career. Until then, fans are left waiting while Broccoli continues to work on her varied slate of projects.
Can Broccoli juggle Bond and these ambitious ventures simultaneously? Possibly. But it’s clear that until Buena Vista Social Club and Othello are completed, Bond 26 remains in the wings.
Source: Variety
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