James Bond’s latest theme song is poised to break away significantly from the franchise’s traditional mournful ballads, according to producer Barbara Broccoli.
Broccoli, 62, who oversees the Bond franchise alongside her half-brother Michael G. Wilson, is still searching for the perfect artist to succeed Daniel Craig as 007. However, she has reportedly been exploring fresh ideas for the theme song.
Recent Bond films featuring Craig, 56, have been accompanied by poignant ballads. Yet, Barbara is reportedly eager to “shake things up” to attract new fans to the spy series.
“Barbara is keen on having the next Bond theme be more lively, more pop-rock, and less melancholic compared to the recent themes,” a source told DailyMail.com.
The source added that while Broccoli admires the work of pop icons Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, and Adele on past Bond tunes, she is looking for something different. “It would be easy to follow that path again, especially given their Oscar wins,” the source continued. “But this next Bond needs to switch it up and return to a song like Duran Duran’s ‘A View to a Kiℓℓ.’”
According to the source, the Bond theme should be an anthem—upbeat and capable of resonating with both existing and new fans of the series.
“Barbara believes someone like Bruno Mars or The Weeknd could create something lively, or a band like the Foo Fighters or Adam Levine, solo or with Maroon 5, could produce a catchy and enjoyable theme,” the source speculated.
The insider noted that Broccoli understands that being offered a Bond theme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any artist. She is eager to enlist a younger star for the coveted position.
“It’s a huge honor to be part of this legendary series,” Eilish said in a statement after becoming the youngest person to perform a Bond theme in 2020.
While Lana Del Rey revealed she wrote a theme song for “Spectre,” it was ultimately rejected in favor of Sam Smith’s “Writing’s On The Wall.”
Eon Productions reportedly planned to begin filming the next James Bond film in 2024, although no official announcements have been made regarding the cast.