Top director Boyle quits Bond film over ‘creative differences’

The Trainspotting director, who won an Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire in 2008 and directed the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony which featured a Bond cameo, was to have taken the helm for the 25th outing of the franchise.

When it was announced in May that Boyle had been hired, Wilson and Broccoli, of EON Productions, said they were “delighted” to have the “exceptionally talented” director on board.

With production due to begin in December, the split will leave the film in difficulty if it is to meet its UK release date of October 25, 2019.

Bond expert David Black, chairman of the James Bond International Fan Club, said that Boyle’s individuality may have been a problem.

He said: “They like a fresh approach at Eon Productions, but the Bond franchise is too big and [comes] with too many expectations for a truly individual approach.

“Danny Boyle might be a great director but you have to toe the line and play by the rule book with Bond.

“It’s hard work pleasing everyone. It’s one of those franchises with so much expectation from the makers and fans.”

Mr Black thought Boyle’s resignation will leave the film makers with as big a headache as they are facing in finding a replacement for Daniel Craig who has said this, his fifth outing as Bond, will be his last.

Many actors have been tipped for the role including Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Aidan Turner.

Craig starred as Bond in one of the most talked about segments of the £27million London Games ceremony. The Queen played a starring role in a pre-recorded clip where, Craig as a dinner-suited 007, walked into Buckingham Palace surrounded by corgis.

She greeted him saying: “Good evening, Mr Bond”.

Then the pair apparently boarded a helicopter that flew across London to the stadium.

Stunt doubles parachuted down to the ground, whereupon the Queen appeared in the arena and took her seat to cheers and applause.