New petition calls for Bond 25 to hire a female director after Boyle’s exit

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

On Tuesday, James Bond fans were left feeling taken aback after news broke that 28 DAYS LATER and SUNSHINE director Danny Boyle was exiting the long-gestating BOND 25 project due to creative differences. Naturally, with Boyle stepping away, one question became abundantly clear: Who will replace him as the helmer of the upcoming action spy thriller? While plenty of people have their ideas as to who should step behind the camera for what's planned as Daniel Craig's last turn as the dashing super spy, one fan has recently launched a petition that calls on Craig and the producers of the upcoming James Bond film to hire its first female director following Danny Boyle’s departure.

“There are so many amazing female directors that have more than proven they could handle a big-budget action movie like James Bond,” writes Rebecca G. on her Care2 Petition, “Wonder Woman's Patty Jenkins, A Wrinkle in Time's Ava Duvernay, or You Were Never Really Here's Lynne Ramsay are just a few of the outstanding female directors that could really make this next James Bond movie special.”

“Daniel Craig and the Bond team could do something really different to make sure this movie has a fresh perspective and adds new life to the franchise — by hiring a female director!” Rebecca adds.

The email I received related to the petition also points out that according to a recent study, only 7% of the 250 top-grossing films of 2016 were directed by women. This number was down from 9% in 2015.

So far, the petition has earned 1,048 of its 2,000 signature goal. Should the document reach 2,000 supporters, that number will likely increase as to give the demand a bit more oomph. While a replacement director for the film has yet to be named, it is entirely possible that members of the studio are considering any and all directors for the job. Perhaps this petition will garner the attention of someone in charge, and they will place some female director names in the ring, so to speak.

You can take a look at the petition for yourself here. Additionally, let us know in the comments section below who you think should replace Boyle for BOND 25, male or female.