“No Time to Die,” aka James Bond 25, has wrapped production in the UK. The finished film, starring Daniel Craig and directed by Cary Fukunaga, will debut in April 2020. This is probably Craig’s last adventure as James Bond, and the pressure is on to deliver a movie as big and important as Bond 23, “Skyfall.”
This is particularly true after Disney and Marvel delivered the historic “Avengers: Endgame,” and the Lucas Film folks are bringing “The Rise of Skywalker.”
So what would tie “No Time to Die” to “Skyfall” in the best way? Why, “Adele” singing its theme song. Her title song for “Skyfall,” was pure James Bond genius, the best Bond theme song in ages. She performed it at the Academy Awards, and won Best Song in a movie.
At the time, “Skyfall” the song was a few months behind the release of Adele’s blockbuster album, “25.” It wasn’t on the album, but followed as a single and will turn up one day on her greatest hits. “No Time to Die,” with the timing, could be on Adele’s new album, or follow again as a single. The new Adele album or a new single could be coming before the end of the year.
At first I was told by sources, no way, Adele didn’t want to repeat herself. But lately I’m hearing that she may indeed be the choice by Bond producers. She’s certainly won the poll I’ve been running on this site.
The last Bond song, “Writing’s on the Wall,” by Sam Smith, from “Spectre,” won the Oscar, too. But I don’t think there’s a groundswell for Smith to return. A number of current artists like Beyonce and Ariana Grande have never done a Bond song. Neither have big rock stars like Sting or Keith Richards. But Adele’s return would be a signal to fans of hers and the movie franchise that all is good, and “No Time to Die” is a big deal.
So we wait and see. My money’s on Adele doing doing it.