You’re right. And, unfortunately, it didn’t put these three originals together, which Hamill later said was akin to “false advertising”.
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So if we are predicting that Bond 26 won’t start production for about 5 years and will have a whole new studio behind it then would it be fair to presume it will be another total reboot? Obviously we have no idea how NTTD is going to end or what the plan after was going to be but it was always going to be Craig’s swansong. Combine a departing Bond with the long delay and I can see the higher ups wanting a fresh start.
It’s all speculation so I’m actually not too worried, or mentally committing to anything happening one way or another at this point. We’ll just have to see what happens.
I’ve long thought that it would return to the original timeline and leave the Craig films as their own little universe. I’m personally burnt out on reboots (we’re getting yet ANOTHER incarnation of Batman on film).
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I think there has been a remark in a recent piece with Ben Whishaw that could be interpreted as a ‘farewell’ to his character. But I haven’t read it all and I may be entirely wrong. However, I suppose the Craig-verse within the greater sphere of cinematic James Bond is probably self contained and finds its closure with NO TIME TO DIE.
That would also point to a fresh start for BOND 26. But does it have to be a reboot? Not more than any previous change of tone and direction we’ve seen. It will be different, maybe very different - but surely still recognisable as James Bond.
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I sympathise on the subject of reboot burnout, I really do. I would like to emphasise that rebooting Bond isn’t something that I especially want to happen. It’s just that there was always a bit of a question mark about what kind of ending NTTD would be and when you factor in all the behind the scenes issues a reboot feels more and more like the most likely outcome.
However I feel a return to the original timeline after so long would be strange and confusing. It’s be simpler to do a fresh start with all the classic elements already in place. And please, no more redos of stories and villains we’ve seen before.
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Over the years I’ve seen the definition of ‘reboot’ become broader and broader. It used to mean a total break from the old continuity with Batman Begins being ground zero for the use of the term. But now any slight change in creative team or direction for a franchise gets called a reboot, so much so that some are now retroactively calling every change in Bond actor a reboot.
When I asked the question I was going with the original definition, that Bond 26 will not be in continuity with NTTD or any film that has preceded it. I’d prefer it not to be, I’d like them to retain what supporting cast they can and make the odd allusion to Vesper (or maybe Madeline) similar how older films referenced Tracy. But like I said, the current state of things makes me think a total reboot is the more likely path for the series.
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However one will define reboot, there won’t be another demonstration of how Bond earned his 00.
How about that for confidence?
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I read the article, it wasn’t a “I refuse to do more” it was more talking about not expecting to be asked back, as his contract, along with those of Fiennes, Harris, Kinnear and, obviously, Craig, run out with this film. Was more Whishaw being pragmatic than anything.
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It depends how NO TIME TO DIE ends, what kind of ‘future’ it leaves Bond. Basically, he’s either ready to go back into M’s office - as we’ve seen in SKYFALL - or ready to return to his cabin on Jamaica enjoying retirement.
I expect BOND 26 to pick things up somewhere in the middle of Bond’s career: an experienced operative who’s a long way from both his early and his final days. I’d further think excursions into his motivation are largely avoided, and that, whatever kind of mission he’s on, he’s giving a fairly grounded and confident impression. Not boasting with feral bloodlust but neither having Hamlet moments about it afterwards. Or in the middle. Or at all.
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We’ve had returning characters and callbacks to previous films, such as the “I had a case just like that one” remark in Goldfinger. Or even “what if I shoot you by mistake? - wouldn’t be the first time” from SPECTRE. In the case of the Craig era it’s been the overarching storyline that has been the point of difference. I wouldn’t have a problem with that approach again, per se.
I’d probably prefer to keep the callbacks contained to that new actor’s era, though, No real need to reference Craig era stuff. Keeping it current avoids any timeline discussion.
One thing is certain, at least in my opinion, and that is if we do get a Bond 26, that it will be groundbreaking in the sense that it intelligently addresses the “new normal” we find ourselves in while providing a fresh take on Bond. I for one was a fan of stepping backwards in time and revisiting a Bond from back in Fleming’s era, but I think the cards that have been dealt through this pandemic will entice the producers and writers to think otherwise. EON has alway been one step ahead, and if they can sidestep studio drama this time, I think we’ll get a fresh take on our favorite character. At least, I hope so.
Those quotes went over my head 
Could you expand on them, please?
“I had a case just like that one”
From Russia With Love
“what if I shoot you by mistake?”
“wouldn’t be the first time”
Spectre
Hope that clears things up.
I have two parents and a grandparent in the danger category of corid-19, as well as 2 children. I have the time.
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Great thanks!
“Wouldn’t be the first time” is referencing Skyfall.
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This does bear some striking parallels to the '89- '95 delay as within the long gap we’ll be getting a new Bond, probably a change in the supporting cast too and a world changing event. GoldenEye’s strength was leaning into the end post-Cold War world and where Bond fits into it. Not totally sure what espionage will look like in the wake of COVID but will be interested to see what they come up with.
Maybe all the stuff about drones they were talking about in SPECTRE will come to pass and we’ll get 2 hours of Bond working from home.
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They could have Bond having witty banter with the villain over Zoom while flying a drone around the world, blowing things up remotely. Maybe a Google Hangout with the Bond girl for a nightcap before setting out the next day for more drone sightseeing. This is perhaps a film that they could be making right now for little to no money. Truly a Bond film for our times. 
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Anyone else keeping an eye on this whole Universal Studios thing going on? AMC theaters just announced they’ll no longer be showing films released by Universal because of the company’s stance on VOD. That isn’t good.
Yeah, discussing this on the release date thread.
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