After more uncertainties about Daniel Craig returning to the role of James Bond, his appearance on Stephen Colbert finally resulted in a “yes,” from the actor’s mouth, met with of course tremendous cheers and applause. He later stated that this will probably be his last go at secret agent 007, wanting to “go out on a high note.”

Everything we know about Bond 25

While the distribution rights are still muddy and up in the air for Bond 25, due for release on November 8, 2019, we do know that our screenwriters will be Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, veteran Bond writers of the last four Daniel Craig films among others. It was even mentioned that the filmmakers were looking to bring back Adele from Skyfall (2012) to perform this next film’s title song. So aside from the additions to the cast, like the Bond women and the Bond villain, we still wanna know, who on earth is directing this thing?

According to Collider, while no official announcement has been made yet on who will helm this next 007 adventure, a director shortlist was revealed, and has some pretty unique prospects to put forward for consideration.

Bond 25 Director Shortlist

The first name on the list is Denis Villeneuve, who most recently directed the Academy Award-nominated sci-fi thriller, Arrival (2016) starring Amy Adams, and the high-octaned drama Sicario (2015) starring Emily Blunt. Both films not only look stunning but offer tremendous performances and edge-of-your-seat action. Villeneuve is also directing the upcoming Blade Runner 2049 starring Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling, hitting theaters on October 6, 2017.

The second name on the list is Yann Demange, who may not have many films to his name, but he has also proved he is a craftsman behind the camera in an action thriller like ’71 (2014). Demange’s next film will be releasing early next year on January 28, 2018, entitled White Boy Rick, starring Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Bruce Dern. We might get an even clearer picture to what Demange might bring to the table with a high-caliber, big name cast.

And last but not least the final name on the list is David Mackenzie, who recently proved his worth and abilities with last year’s crime western of sorts and Best Picture nominee, Hell or High Water (2016) starring Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges. Mackenzie is certainly another director who can handle action to a tee, and maybe give us a Bond film that earns a Best Picture nomination. Could you imagine? It’s high time… or high water… that we got one of those.

There you have it! We’ll see which of these if any of them make the final cut for Bond 25, and will be sure to keep everyone posted. You never can tell with these Bond producers.

25 Bond movies; it’s hard to believe. Let’s hope that Daniel Craig will go out with a bang and give us a humdinger of a 25th film of the franchise. This writer has no doubts.

Trivia: Out of the present 24 official Eon Productions James Bond films, there have been 11 different directors (many helmed more than one Bond film): Terence Young, Guy Hamilton, Lewis Gilbert, Peter Hunt, John Glen, Martin Campbell (The Mask of Zorro (1998)), Roger Spottiswoode (Turner & Hooch (1989)), Michael Apted (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)), Lee Tamahori (xXx: State of the Union (2005)), Marc Forster (Finding Neverland (2004)), and Sam Mendes (American Beauty (1999)).