Christopher Nolan and James Bond films have long shared a special connection, with the acclaimed director frequently cited as a top contender to helm a future 007 adventure. Recently, Nolan discussed his personal favorites from the classic Bond series, offering insight into his vision for reinventing the storied British franchise.
Nolan’s Deep Connection to the James Bond Legacy
Whenever discussions begin about potential new directors for the James Bond series, Christopher Nolan’s name consistently surfaces. The widely respected filmmaker has openly expressed his admiration for the legacy of the British spy, often noting Bond’s significant role in shaping cinematic culture. In the United Kingdom, James Bond is a national icon, woven into the fabric of the country’s identity, much like afternoon tea and traditional fare. Nolan, an influential figure himself, is no exception in feeling the impact of the world’s most famous secret agent.
With a reputation for technical mastery and dynamic storytelling seen in films like his 21st-century hits, Nolan has proven he can deliver both visual spectacle and intricate action. Many imagine that if Nolan were given creative control over the Bond franchise, he could guide it through a bold new era—potentially exploring new depths across a trilogy, as he did so successfully with his celebrated Dark Knight series, diving deeper into the mythology, allure, and enduring style of James Bond.
The Director’s Top Two Bond Films Revealed
Though Christopher Nolan has not yet directed an official Bond film, rumors persist as the franchise prepares for a fresh era with a new lead in development. Amid this anticipation, Nolan recently shared the two Bond installments that have left the strongest impression on him, hinting at the approach he might take if ever behind the camera.
Roger Moore’s Impact: “The Spy Who Loved Me”
Surprisingly, Sean Connery’s portrayal is not at the top of Nolan’s list. Instead, Roger Moore’s third performance as 007 in “The Spy Who Loved Me,” released in 1977, stands out as a crucial influence on the director. Nolan recalled during a Q&A session:
“One of the first films I remember seeing was The Spy Who Loved Me, and at a certain point the Bond films fixed in my head as a great example of scope and scale in large scale images. That idea of getting you to other places, of getting you along for a ride if you can believe in it — in The Spy Who Loved Me the Lotus Esprit turns into a submarine, and it’s totally convincing, and it works, and you go, ‘Wow. that’s incredible.’”
—Christopher Nolan, Director
Moore’s “The Spy Who Loved Me” marked a turning point for the espionage saga, arriving at a moment when the preceding film,
“The Man with the Golden Gun,”
received a muted response. With its iconic mix of exotic destinations, dazzling gadgets, memorable villains, and glamorous ‘Bond girls,’ the film became a defining entry, achieving record box-office success in the series at the time of its release.
Lazenby’s Unique Take: “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”
The other standout for Nolan is George Lazenby’s sole appearance as James Bond in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” As the first Bond film after Sean Connery’s era, this installment introduced a new face and emotional stakes that resonated deeply with Nolan. The director told Empire:
“I think, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service would be my favourite Bond. It’s a hell of a movie, it holds up very well. What I liked about it that we’ve tried to emulate in this film is there’s a tremendous balance of action, scale, and romanticism and tragedy and emotion. Of all the Bond films, it’s by far the most emotional.”
—Christopher Nolan, Director
Bond’s Influence on Nolan’s Own Filmmaking
Throughout his career, Nolan has openly credited the creative spark he’s drawn from Bond adventures, highlighting their lasting influence on his work. He has noted:
“I’ve been plundering ruthlessly from the Bond movies in everything I’ve done, forever.”
—Christopher Nolan, Director
A direct example appears in the climactic snow-bound sequence of Nolan’s film “Inception.” The director explained that this action set-piece—with its maze-like villain’s fortress and uniformed guards—was a clear homage to the grand set pieces and aesthetics of classic Bond films. Nolan has described “Inception” as “absolutely my Bond film,” underlining the secret agent’s foundational impact on his craft.
What Nolan’s Choices Suggest About His 007 Dream
As speculation continues over whether Nolan may one day direct an official Bond film, his admiration for both Moore’s flair in “The Spy Who Loved Me” and Lazenby’s emotional depth in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” offers clues into the direction he might pursue. Should Christopher Nolan take the wheel of the Aston Martin, he could weave together the exhilarating action, striking visuals, and emotional complexity that define his favorite Bond entries—potentially reshaping the franchise for a new generation while honoring its storied past.
