She’s in high demand and already juggling multiple projects, but Phoebe Waller-Bridge is showing no signs of stopping. The creator, writer, and star of critically acclaimed BBC tragicomedy Fleabag, and head writer on smash-hit spy-thriller Killing Eve, has reportedly been asked to bring her trademark “wit and quirkiness” to the latest film in the Bond series.
According to multiple sources, James Bond himself, that is, Daniel Craig, is a fan of Fleabag, which wrapped its second and final series last week, and has specifically requested that Waller-Bridge help “liven up” and “polish” the latest Bond screenplay. Her undeniable writing talent in writing and off-beat humour have been speculated as the main reasoning behind this appointment, especially as Craig apparently believes Bond 25 needs more jokes.
He may not be wrong there – the film has encountered more roadblocks than Fleabag’s love life. Following the tepid critical response to Spectre, and the many gruelling hours spent filming it, Daniel Craig was initially rumoured to leave the role, boldly saying that he would rather “slash [his] wrists” than play Bond again. However, he was later confirmed to return to the role, with Trainspotting’s Danny Boyle set to direct. Boyle then left the project in August last year, citing “creative differences”, and the film is still yet to enter principal photography, six months after its original release date of October 2018.
Perfectly adept at writing spy-thrillers judging by Killing Eve’s critical success, Phoebe Waller-Bridge may just be the miracle that Bond 25 needs. Psychological introspection, cat-and-mouse intrigue, and a healthy dose of witty, wry humour could make the latest 007 adventure the best yet, and who knows? Maybe Fiona Shaw’s Carolyn Martens is set to crossover and take up Ralph Fiennes’ position as M. Although I wouldn’t put too much money on Bond chatting to camera about his sexual exploits anytime soon.
Words by James Nash