Barbara Broccoli’s decision to bring Sing Street to London next summer is exciting news for theatre, but what does it mean for Bond 26?
The transfer of Sing Street, a musical adaptation of the 2016 John Carney film, to London’s Lyric Theatre in July 2025 is the latest in a string of non-Bond projects commanding Barbara Broccoli’s attention. With her hands deep in theatre production and other film ventures, the question on every Bond fan’s mind is: What does this mean for Bond 26?
Broccoli, long synonymous with the Bond franchise, has been investing more time in non-007 projects, including a Buena Vista Social Club musical and a film adaptation of Othello starring Daniel Craig. While these undertakings showcase her broad interests, they are inevitably raising concerns about the timeline for Bond 26, which remains in the shadows with no casting or director confirmed.
Sing Street takes centre stage
Baz Bamigboye recently broke the news that Broccoli’s Sing Street will open at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, in July 2025. The show, set in 1980s Dublin and based on a group of teenagers forming a band to escape their troubles, has already enjoyed a successful Off-Broadway run, but its arrival in London marks a significant commitment for Broccoli. The project is expected to occupy much of her focus in the lead-up to its West End debut.
This move into the world of theatre is not new for Broccoli, who also produced the Tony Award-winning Once. Yet, with Sing Street slated for mid-2025, it’s becoming clearer that Bond 26 is not her immediate priority.
A message from Amazon MGM?
The timing of a recent interview with Amazon MGM’s head of film, Jennifer Salke, has raised eyebrows. Salke reassured fans that Bond 26 is “on track,” while also urging patience. She noted that there is no set timeline for Bond’s return, stating, “We don’t want too much time between films, but we are not concerned at this point.”
Salke’s comments come just as Broccoli’s slate of non-Bond projects grows more crowded, leading to speculation that this could be a subtle nudge. While Salke emphasised that creative decisions rest with Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, her message about not waiting “too much time” could be interpreted as a reminder to Broccoli that Bond fans—and Amazon—are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of 007.
Broccoli’s other non-Bond ventures
Beyond Sing Street, Broccoli is also producing a Buena Vista Social Club musical and working on a film version of Othello, once again teaming up with Daniel Craig. These high-profile projects, along with an undisclosed film reportedly in development, are adding fuel to the fire of speculation that Broccoli’s commitment to Bond 26 is being diluted.
The next Bond film appears to remain in a state of limbo, and the longer Broccoli’s focus stays on non-Bond projects, the longer Bond fans may have to wait.
What’s the future for Bond 26?
Broccoli’s track record suggests she won’t rush Bond’s next chapter, and Amazon MGM seems content to give her the space to make the right decisions. Yet, with Sing Street and other projects dominating her time, it’s becoming clear that Bond 26 may not hit cinemas anytime soon.
Salke’s reassurance that the franchise is “on track” could be seen as more than just a message to fans—it may also be a polite signal to Broccoli. While Amazon MGM’s hands-off approach has been applauded, there’s no denying that the longer Bond stays off-screen, the more anxious fans, and possibly executives, will grow.
For now, Broccoli’s attention is firmly on other things and Bond may be left waiting in the wings while Broccoli takes a bow on the London stage.
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