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Arriving this weekend is Bond Day, if you weren't aware – October 5th is recognized as a worldwide observance honoring all things 007, because of it marking the date of the international launch of Dr No, featuring Sean Connery, during 1962. Imagine it as a bit like the Star Wars celebration, with fewer furry aliens and an abundance of sophisticated style.

A Subdued Observance Currently

But on this occasion, the coming of James Bond Day seems somewhat underwhelming. It's only been after the filmmaker was announced to helm the next Bond film earlier this year, and even less time when writer Steven Knight was hired to write the script. But there’s been little to no sign afterwards of the new 007 actually being revealed, and even less sense about the direction this long-running series is going next. All we have is industry speculation from entertainment outlets indicating that the producers are seeking a relatively youthful British actor, who could be a person of colour yet will not be female, a franchise star, or somebody remotely familiar.

Disappointment for Betting Agencies

Naturally, this is unwelcome developments for the hordes gambling platforms who have been generating substantial revenue over recent months through efforts to suggest gamblers that the selection process is involving several speculated candidates and that hunky guy featured in Saltburn who is actually Australian.

Going Back to the Unknown

Interestingly, the most recent occasion the 007 series chose an absolute newcomer was in 1969, as George Lazenby for a short time carried the Walther PPK. Earlier, Connery himself was not famous: he had taken a few minor film roles plus occasional acting and modeling gigs in addition to working in fitness and milk delivery in his hometown prior to accepting the starring part in the debut movie. Producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman specifically didn’t want a household name; they desired a new face whom audiences would see as Bond himself, instead of a star in the role.

Repeating this trick could turn out to be a clever decision, exactly as it was back in the sixties.

Director's Influence

However, bringing in Villeneuve involved means that there's no room for error whatsoever should the next 007 turns out to be wooden. Increasing the exploding pens and double entendres is no longer an option with a director like is an artistic director specializing in cinematic genres best known for thoughtful science fiction in which the most intense element is profound unease.

A tough guy in formalwear … Daniel Craig in 2006’s Casino Royale.

A New Direction for 007

Nevertheless, in numerous aspects, selecting this director provides clear signals that are essential regarding the upcoming post-Craig phase. We won't see any invisible cars or suggestive jokes, and the return of Sheriff JW Pepper again shortly. All of this is, naturally, quite alright for those who prefer your 007 with a modern twist. However, it leaves unclear the director's interpretation on Britain’s suavest state-sponsored assassin will distinguish itself from the 007s that came before him particularly should the upcoming phase doesn’t choose to set the narrative in the original time period.

Redefining Every Period

Craig was instantly distinctive as a different type of stylish operative upon his debut in the role in the 2006 film, a tough character in formal attire who would never be seen with ridiculous gadgets, or trading sex puns alongside Denise Richards 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, look like an imitation Connery left too long in the microwave. Not that this is anything new. Lazenby succeeded Connery temporarily, Brosnan came after the underrated Timothy Dalton, and the campy later Moore succeeded the gritty initial Moore. All franchise chapters reshapes the previous, yet they are all in its unique manner the famous agent, deserving of a toast. It's somewhat strange, during this year's this year’s Bond Day, that we are being invited to celebrate an agent who doesn’t even exist yet.