It’s looking more and more likely that Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón could be behind the camera for the next James Bond movie. During a recent talk at the Paris Cinéma Club, Cuarón mentioned that he's in talks with Amazon and MGM about a project that he’s interested in handling “in his own way.” While he didn’t say the words “James Bond,” the hints were strong enough to spark serious buzz.
Amazon is wasting no time. After securing the rights to the Bond franchise in a major £800 million (₹8,400 crore) deal, the studio is keen to relaunch 007 with fresh energy. The producers, including David Heyman (Cuarón’s collaborator on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) and Amy Pascal, are reportedly assembling a new creative team. Writers are already on board, and a director is the next big piece.
Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón, known for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and GravityGetty Images
Cuarón’s name has been circulating for weeks. Industry insiders had already tipped him as a top contender, especially given his track record with big-budget action and intimate storytelling. Gravity, Children of Men, and Roma speak for themselves.
Interestingly, this isn’t Cuarón’s first connection with Bond. Years ago, he turned down an offer when he found out action sequences would be handled by a separate unit. It didn’t sit right with him. “It felt very weird,” he said in a past interview. A conversation with Joel Coen helped him realise that not every film is meant to be made, and some are just meant to be watched.
But the landscape has changed. With Amazon at the helm, there's a chance the production process might evolve, giving directors like Cuarón more creative control. That, perhaps, is why he’s now reconsidering.
There's still no word on who will step into Bond’s shoes next, but with Cuarón potentially in the director’s chair, the franchise could be heading into an exciting new chapter, something more grounded, more personal, and likely more daring.
For now, it’s all talk. But if this deal goes through, Bond 26 could mark the start of a new era, one shaped by a filmmaker who doesn’t just direct blockbusters but almost redefines them.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.