EXCLUSIVE: Amazon MGM Studios has made a major move in shaping the future of the James Bond franchise, tapping Steven Knight, the Peaky Blinders creator, to write the next 007 film. This decision comes after the studio officially confirmed Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049) as the director of the upcoming installment.
The film will be produced by Amy Pascal (Pascal Pictures) and David Heyman (Heyday Films), with Tanya Lapointe set to executive produce. Since gaining full creative control of the franchise in 2024, Amazon MGM has carefully selected its behind-the-scenes team, starting with Pascal and Heyman, followed by an extensive search that led to Villeneuve.
Insiders report that while casting speculation has swirled, the studio’s immediate priority was securing a writer. After several high-profile meetings, Knight emerged as the front-runner. A final decision hinged on a one-on-one with Villeneuve, who recently wrapped a key week of filming on Dune: Part Three. That meeting reportedly sealed the deal.
Who Is Steven Knight?
Steven Knight is a BAFTA-winning creator, best known for the globally acclaimed series Peaky Blinders starring Cillian Murphy. His writing and producing credits span across numerous successful shows, including:
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Taboo (Emmy-nominated, BBC/FX)
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See (Apple TV+)
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SAS: Rogue Heroes (BAFTA-nominated, BBC)
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A Thousand Blows (Disney+)
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This Town (BBC)
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The Veil (FX)
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All the Light We Cannot See (Netflix, Golden Globe-nominated)
In cinema, Knight wrote the critically acclaimed Dirty Pretty Things, which opened the 2002 London Film Festival and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. He also wrote Eastern Promises, Spencer, and directed/wrote Hummingbird, Locke, and Serenity.
Knight is also the co-creator of the global hit game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and is currently working on the Peaky Blinders movie and House of Guinness, a historical drama for Netflix.
Beyond Screenwriting
Knight has authored four novels and was a key creative behind the 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in his hometown of Birmingham, England. In recognition of his work, he received a CBE in 2020 and was awarded a Royal Television Society Fellowship in 2023. He also co-directs Digbeth Loc. Studios, a new TV and film complex in Birmingham.
Bond’s Future Under Amazon MGM
In 2022, Amazon completed its acquisition of MGM, including its catalog of 4,000+ films and 17,000+ TV shows. In March 2025, the studio finalized a joint venture with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, granting Amazon MGM creative control over the James Bond intellectual property.
With Villeneuve directing and Knight writing, expectations are high for the next chapter of 007. However, casting the new Bond actor will not happen until Villeneuve finishes work on Dune: Part Three and Knight completes the screenplay.
