Peaky Blinders fans 'work out' who next James Bond villain will be after Steven Knight announcement

After confirmation that Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight has been tapped to pen the fresh James Bond screenplay, devotees of the 007 saga have developed a compelling theory regarding who might portray the upcoming antagonist.

Whilst the next actor to don James Bond's tuxedo remains unannounced, enthusiasts are already certain they've cracked who Knight and filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will pick as the villain.

Amazon MGM, the franchise's new proprietors, have kept details under wraps about their strategy for bringing Ian Fleming's legendary spy novels to the big screen. For generations, the Bond series had been guided by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli before they transferred ownership to Amazon MGM last year, creating uncertainty about what lay ahead.

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Nevertheless, recruiting Dune helmer Villeneuve alongside acclaimed writer Knight has earned widespread praise, reports the Express.

Daniel Craig last embodied Bond before stepping down from the character in 2021 following No Time to Die's release.

Leading contenders to succeed him feature 28 Years Later's Aaron Taylor-Johnson, The Gentlemen's Theo James, and The Witcher's Henry Cavill.

Upon learning Knight had been enlisted for the upcoming Bond project, Peaky Blinders supporters flocked to X, previously called Twitter, to share their enthusiasm.

"Should be epic with Knight penning it," one declared, whilst another gushed: "I cannot wait to see what he does. It'll be good and a fresh look for the movies. Good choice.

"This is mega. Well done Steven Knight," a third chimed in, while another remarked: "We're getting something here. That's a good sign."

One account also put forth an intriguing theory about the potential next villain, suggesting: "Writer Steven Knight has worked with actor Tom Hardy multiple times. They get on well it seems.

"Will Tom join the cast of the next James Bond movie? Not as 007, but perhaps as the movie's antagonist?"

"Don't tease," one fan responded eagerly, while another asserted: "If Tom Hardy is not Bond it is the biggest missed opportunity I can think of."

"Tom Hardy as the Bond villain would be great," another fan commented under the official James Bond announcement post.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Knight addressed the thrilling news, stating: "It has always been on my bucket list and it's fantastic to be invited to do it - I can't wait to get started.

"I'm hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that's the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder."

Several James Bond films, including Skyfall, Casino Royale, Thunderball and The Spy Who Loved Me, are available to stream for free on ITVX.