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Arriving this weekend is James Bond Day, if you weren't aware – 5 October is recognized as a worldwide observance dedicated to the world of 007, because of it marking the date of the international launch of the first Bond film, featuring Sean Connery, in the year 1962. Imagine it as a bit like the Star Wars celebration, with fewer Wookiees and Ewoks and a whole lot more tuxedoed swagger.

A Subdued Celebration Currently

Yet this time around, the coming of James Bond Day feels rather anticlimactic. It hasn't been since the filmmaker was confirmed as the director the future installment earlier this year, and not long afterwards since the screenwriter Steven Knight was hired to write the script. However, we've seen almost no indication since then of the new 007 getting unveiled, and even less sense concerning the path this iconic film series is going next. All we have is industry speculation through film industry sources implying that the producers will be looking for a relatively youthful UK performer, possibly non-white although not a woman, an established star, or anyone slightly known.

Bad News for Betting Agencies

This is, of course disappointing news for the many online bookmakers who have been making a pretty penny over recent months out of trying to convince bettors that the selection process is among Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, Theo James, Leo Woodall plus the charismatic star in Saltburn who is actually Australian.

Revisiting Unfamiliar Faces

Interestingly, the most recent occasion the movie franchise opted for an absolute newcomer occurred in 1969, as George Lazenby temporarily assumed the Walther PPK. Prior to that, Connery himself had little recognition: he had taken some small movie parts along with some stage and modelling work as well as working in fitness and milk delivery in Scotland prior to accepting the main character in the debut movie. Producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman deliberately avoided a household name; they wanted someone fresh whom audiences would believe as the actual character, instead of a star in the role.

Employing this strategy again may end up as a clever decision, just as it was during the franchise's infancy.

Director's Influence

Yet hiring Villeneuve on board indicates that there's no room for error whatsoever if this new Bond ends up as unconvincing. Increasing the over-the-top gadgets and suggestive humor is no longer an option under the guidance of is a serious filmmaker specializing in cinematic genres most famous for ponderous sci-fi epics where the dominant feature is deep philosophical tension.

A tough guy in formalwear … Daniel Craig as Bond in Casino Royale.

Fresh Approach for the Franchise

However, in numerous aspects, hiring Villeneuve reveals a great deal we should understand concerning the fresh era after Daniel Craig. It's unlikely there will be stealth automobiles or sexual innuendos, and it's doubtful we'll see the comic sheriff in the near future. All of this is, of course, quite alright if you like your 007 updated for today. Yet it fails to indicate this new version regarding the stylish official killer will distinguish itself from the 007s who immediately preceded him particularly should the next chapter opts not to set the narrative in the initial decades.

Transforming All Chapters

Craig stood out at once as a fresh version of dapper super-spy as he appeared on the scene in 2006’s Casino Royale, an aggressive figure in black tie who would never be seen in a stealth vehicle, or exchanging suggestive lines alongside Denise Richards while defusing a nuclear warhead. He caused the previous Bond's polished style who only a few years previously had been considered by some the finest agent since the original, seem like a karaoke Connery overheated and ruined. This is not unprecedented. Lazenby succeeded Connery temporarily, Then Brosnan took over from the overlooked Dalton, and cheesy late-era Roger Moore came after the intense early Moore. All franchise chapters alters the prior, yet they are all in its unique manner James Bond 007, worthy of celebration. It’s just a little weird, while we mark this year’s Bond Day, that we are asked to celebrate an agent who remains unidentified.