Boyle whose works include Slumdog Millionaire, The Beach and Trance is walking away from the project due to creative differences. The director who had co-written a script for the film alongside his longtime collaborator, John Hodge, was set to direct what is expected to be Daniel Craig’s last appearance as the British intelligence agent, 007.

Boyle had taken over from American Beautydirector Sam Mendes who directed the previous two installments of the James Bond series Skyfalland Spectrewhich had grossed $1.1 billion and $880 million respectively.

Daniel Craig as James Bond (Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

Set to begin production in a less than four months with a US release date of November 8, 2019, little is known about the plot of the film and how far back this decision could set back production.

However, it is possible that the previous draft as written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who penned the films Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre could come into play. The film is set to play an important role in the franchise as it will lead up to who may take up the mantle next.  In the past, the iconic role has been portrayed by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan.

The film is set to be released in U.K. on October 25, 2019, with Universal and MGM alongside Eon Productions (the franchise’s production house) set to handle distribution.

Who would you like to see direct the next Bond film? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter