Fans have spent the past few years arguing about who should be the next James Bond after Daniel Craig announced he would not continue in the role.
However, as fans wait for the next chapter of the Bond saga to unfold, the choice of locations has become just as debated as the character himself.
With that in mind, read on as we look at three places we believe would provide the perfect backdrop for the next movie in the Bond series.
Wynn Resorts – United Arab Emirates
The breathtaking Wynn Al Marjan Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could be the perfect location for a Bond showdown.
Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah is a gorgeous work of art steeped in luxury and sophistication that could provide a playground of opulence and excitement for Bond’s next adventure.
Numerous Bond films have had a casino element in them and the UAE could offer filmmakers the opportunity to break new ground in the Middle East.
The Emirates recently awarded its first commercial gaming licence, and Wynn is one of the first operators to apply for one. This will have a knock-on effect on the online platforms featured on casino.com/ae/en/, many of which offer Bond-themed games to Arab players.
Filming a Bond movie in the region would be a game-changer for gambling, as it would serve as a showcase for the opulence people can enjoy in a casino.
The Wynn Resort has several other captivating features including a 300-metre tower with scenic views of the Arabian Gulf. This could be the setting for a thrilling showdown in the next Bond movie.
The Cathedral – Nigeria
Apart from Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Bond has never been to the African continent in any of the other movies in series.
This could be changed with a visit to the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, where the majestic Cathedral Church of Christ stands proudly.
The stunning architectural masterpiece pierces high into the skies with spires and stained glass adorns the exterior. It would make a dramatic backdrop for one of Bond’s clandestine meetings.
Imagine 007 meeting a rogue nuclear weapon specialist hiding beneath the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings, and both men exchange information with nothing but the echoes of history around them.
One of the most paradoxical aspects of the Cathedral is how the solemnity inside juxtaposes with the absolute chaos that is Lagos State – it is almost cinematic on its own.
At the entrance of the Cathedral is a buzzing market that doesn’t sleep. Down the road, massive financial institutions with skyscrapers are sandwiched. There is boisterous marine life around, and at the corner is one of Lagos’ most aggressive intersections.
The Cathedral is an exciting canvas for Barbara Broccoli, who controls the Bond franchise, to consider. The Anglican church showcases the essence of the nation and is guaranteed to captivate audiences.
Casa Batllo – Spain
Bond tracking down leads to the whimsical wonderland that is Casa Batllo in Barcelona is another intriguing option.
Famously dubbed the House of Bones, it is a masterpiece of modernist architecture designed with organic shapes and mosaics.
One of the most unforgettable shots of the Bond franchise is Craig at the top of the Ponte Madonna della Stella in the southern Italian town of Gravina in Puglia. They could create something similar to that iconic frame in Spain.
Bond could glide into one of the glamorous soirees held in the architectural wonder where elites mingle, looking to contact a facilitator while taking in Gaudi’s artistic brilliance.
The building has flowing lines and intricate details that are perfect for a typically stylish Bond heist, where he steals something precious and glides through hidden passages and secret rooms to outsmart the enemies chasing him.
Bond could escape through the roof designed in the image of a dragon’s body, emerging into the breathtaking view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The rich culture of Barcelona would enhance the movie’s narrative, converging art, history and high-octane action.
Each scene would be a visual feast while tapping into all the other subtle niceties we have come to love about the iconic Bond franchise.
