Bond 25 hires script doctor Scott Z Burns as release date for new 007 film delayed again

The writer will reportedly spend at least four weeks working on the script

Following news that the next James Bond film has been delayed, a new script doctor has reportedly been brought on board for some course correction.

Scott Z Burns, who scripted The Bourne Ultimatum and wrote the upcoming Steven Soderbergh film The Laundromat, has joined the project, according to The Playlist.

Neal Purvis and Robert Wade have already drafted a version of the script, though studio executives were reportedly unhappy with the results.

Burns will reportedly spend at least four weeks working on the script in London. He previously doctored Ocean’s 12, The Bourne Supremacy, Widows and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, though his work went uncredited.

Bond 25 was originally scheduled to be released on 8 November before moving to 14 February 2020. Eon Productions have since delayed Daniel Craig’s final appearance as the British spy once more, announcing the film will arrive on 8 April 2020.

The film has so far had a turbulent journey, with Cary Joji Fukunaga replacing Danny Boyle as director.

While obviously hesitant to reveal any details – not least because the script is not yet complete – Fukunaga has confirmed one rather big point: the new film will bring things full circle for Craig by continuing the arc first presented in Casino Royale, his first outing as 007.

“In terms of what I can bring to change the character, Bond is on a character arc that started with Casino Royale, and I will be carrying that on," he previously said. ”There will be changes, I am sure. As in any story, a character has to change in order [to have] a narrative.”

Whether this means Bond 25 will be set before Skyfall and Spectre – or even Quantum of Solace– remains to be seen. It’s also unknown which supporting characters will be returning, though Fukunaga has been quick to shoot down any rumours the film won’t feature Q (Ben Whishaw) or Blofeld (Christoph Waltz).