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This Sunday is 007 Day, in case you missed it – the fifth of October is recognized as a worldwide observance honoring everything about 007, due to the fact it commemorates the anniversary of the international launch of the first Bond film, with Sean Connery, during 1962. Think of it comparable to the Star Wars celebration, with fewer Wookiees and Ewoks and an abundance of sophisticated style.

A Low-Key Observance Currently

Yet this time around, the coming of the 007 celebration seems somewhat like a damp squib. Not long has passed following the filmmaker was revealed to helm the future installment back in June, and shortly after that Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight was brought on board to draft the story. Yet there has been scant evidence since then regarding the next Bond getting unveiled, and very little idea about the direction this iconic film series is going next. The only information are whisperings on the wind via the Hollywood trades suggesting that the film-makers are seeking a relatively youthful UK performer, possibly a person of colour yet will not be a female actor, a big-name celebrity, or a person we’ve vaguely heard of.

Bad News for Bookmakers

Naturally, this is a setback for the many online bookmakers who have been making a pretty penny over recent months by attempting to persuade bettors that the competition is between a shortlist of actors along with the attractive actor in Saltburn who is actually Australian.

Going Back to the Unknown

Notably, the previous instance the 007 series chose an absolute newcomer took place in 1969, as George Lazenby temporarily assumed the famous firearm. Before that, Sean Connery had little recognition: he had had some small movie parts and done a bit of stage and modelling work while also employed in fitness and milk delivery in his hometown before taking the lead role in Dr No. The film's producers intentionally rejected an established star; they desired an unfamiliar performer that viewers would believe as the real 007, rather than as a performer portraying Bond.

Trying this approach once more could turn out to be an ingenious move, exactly as it was in the early 1960s.

Director's Influence

But getting the director Denis Villeneuve means that there's no room for error in any way should the next 007 turns out to be wooden. Dialling up the ridiculous devices and double entendres is not feasible with a director like is a solemn auteur specializing in cinematic genres most famous for thoughtful science fiction where the dominant feature is the audience’s own existential dread.

A tough guy in formalwear … Craig's debut in Casino Royale.

Fresh Approach for the Franchise

However, to a large extent, bringing in Villeneuve reveals a great deal we need to know about the new era after Daniel Craig. It's unlikely there will be any invisible cars or suggestive jokes, and we probably won’t be getting Sheriff JW Pepper back any time soon. This entire situation is, of course, quite alright for those who prefer your James Bond contemporary in style. However, it leaves unclear how Villeneuve’s take on Britain’s suavest state-sponsored assassin will distinguish itself compared to previous Bonds that came before him particularly should the upcoming phase opts not to set the narrative back to Ian Fleming’s original 50s and 60s setting.

Reinventing All Chapters

Craig stood out at once as a fresh version of stylish operative as he appeared on the scene in Casino Royale from 2006, a bruiser in a dinner jacket who would never be caught dead in a stealth vehicle, or trading sex puns with co-stars during bomb disposal. He caused Brosnan's tech-dependent charmer that just a short time before had been considered by some the finest agent since the original, appear as an imitation Connery left too long in the microwave. This is not unprecedented. After Connery came Lazenby, Then Brosnan took over from the overlooked Dalton, and the campy later Moore succeeded the gritty initial Moore. All franchise chapters reshapes the previous, yet they are all in their own way James Bond 007, worthy of celebration. It feels odd, during this year's this year’s Bond Day, that we are being invited to toast one who doesn’t even exist yet.