With a 2019 release date now officially set, James Bond producers have zeroed in their focus on three possible directors.

Earlier this week, Eon Productions confirmed that franchise veterans Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are already at work writing a follow-up to Spectre — and there are even fresh reports that Daniel Craig has signed on for one more outing as 007.

The latest rumblings (via Deadline) are that producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are eyeing a trio of directors, each of whom is fresh off a high-profile movie.

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(Yann Demange)

First up is French filmmaker Yann Demange, who already directed the military thriller '71 and is at work currently with Matthew McConaughey on the crime drama White Boy Rick.

Another option is David Mackenzie, whose CV includes the Oscar-nominated Western Hell or High Water and the prison drama Starred Up.

The final option, and perhaps the most intriguing, is Blade Runner 2049's Denis Villeneuve. One slight issue is that Villeneuve is currently attached to a Dune reboot and may also be involved in future Blade Runner sequels.

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(Denis Villeneuve)

One prominent contender apparently not in the mix is Christopher Nolan, who recently downplayed rumours of negotiations with Eon in a recent interview.

"I've spoken to the producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson over the years," Nolan told Playboy.

"I deeply love the character, and I'm always excited to see what they do with it. Maybe one day that would work out. You'd have to be needed, if you know what I mean. It has to need reinvention; it has to need you. And they're getting along very well."

James Bond 25 will arrive in US cinemas on 8 November, 2019, with an earlier opening date for the UK to be announced in due course.

From: Digital Spy