Steven Soderbergh's Ambitious James Bond Pitches: A Look Back

Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh has revealed insights into his past attempts to create a unique vision for the James Bond franchise. In a recent interview with The Playlist, Soderbergh confirmed that he pitched two distinct concepts to Barbara Broccoli, the franchise's producer, in 2008 and again after the release of "Skyfall" in 2012. His initial proposal aimed to establish a "parallel franchise" set in the 1960s, characterized by an R-rated, violent, and sexy narrative. This idea, while intriguing to Broccoli, did not progress beyond the pitch stage.

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch

Soderbergh's first pitch in 2008 was ambitious, envisioning a low-budget, period piece that would explore a fictional backstory intertwined with real historical events. He described it as a separate universe featuring a different actor and a distinct approach to the Bond character. Soderbergh stated, “It’s just another lane that exists totally separate from the normal Bond movies.” Despite initial interest, the project did not advance, as it remained merely a concept without formal negotiations.

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch

Years later, following the success of "Skyfall," Soderbergh returned with a more comprehensive proposal. He suggested a "twofer" approach, expressing his desire to direct both a contemporary Bond film and the previously pitched 1960s installment. He emphasized that he would only agree to direct if both projects were greenlit, stating, “I was like, I want to do both, I have ideas for both. But it’s all or nothing.” This assertive stance, while reflecting his passion for the franchise, was deemed overly ambitious by the producers.

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch

At the time of Soderbergh's pitches, the Bond franchise was experiencing a resurgence, having successfully rebooted with Daniel Craig's portrayal in "Casino Royale" (2006). The subsequent film, "Quantum of Solace," was set to release in late 2008, further solidifying the franchise's renewed popularity. However, Soderbergh's vision diverged significantly from the established formula, focusing on a more auteur-driven, independent style.

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In discussing his past proposals, Soderbergh acknowledged the changing landscape of filmmaking and the importance of timing. He remarked, “Because these are zeitgeist-y things, movies, you know? And so, it’s just impossible for me not to feel like that was the time to do it. Now is the time to do something else.” This sentiment reflects his understanding of the evolving nature of cinematic storytelling.

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch

As the Bond franchise transitions under the creative control of Amazon MGM Studios, with Denis Villeneuve set to direct the next installment, Soderbergh's ideas remain a fascinating footnote in the series' history. While his visions did not materialize, they contribute to ongoing discussions about the potential for innovative interpretations of the iconic character.

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch

• “I had pitched in 2008 the idea to Barbara Broccoli of a parallel franchise. Set in the 1960s, R-rated, violent, sexy. Fictional backstory to real historical events, different actor, different universe. [It would be] cheaply made, where you get people like me, who are interested in that approach, to do one of these things. It’s just another lane that exists totally separate from the normal Bond movies. They were intrigued. But didn’t move forward.” — Steven Soderbergh, Filmmaker

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch

• “So, when I got back into the conversation [a few years] later, then I was pitching a twofer. Which was, ‘Yeah, I’ll do the contemporary extravaganza. But I also want to do the other one, after. Like, I want to do both.’ To be fair to them, it really was a twofer. I was like, I want to do both, I have ideas for both. But it’s all or nothing. You’ve either got to do both of them, you can’t have just one or the other, and I think that was just – that was a little aggressive.” — Steven Soderbergh, Filmmaker

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch

• “It’s just another lane that exists totally separate from the normal Bond movies.” — Steven Soderbergh, Filmmaker

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch

• “Because these are zeitgeist-y things, movies, you know? And so, it’s just impossible for me not to feel like that was the time to do it. Now is the time to do something else.” — Steven Soderbergh, Filmmaker

Soderbergh On His Failed James Bond Pitch