Though it was only on the air for two seasons, “Fleabag” is one of the very best TV series in recent memory. And that’s thanks, in no small part, to writer-creator-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Her success with two short batches of “Fleabag” episodes has now made the filmmaker one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood. And it would appear that she already has her follow-up figured out.
But before she gets to her next big project, Waller-Bridge has made a quick detour into the realm of blockbuster filmmaking, being hired to “punch-up” the script for the upcoming “Bond 25,” the final film in the run of star Daniel Craig. And in a new interview with THR, it’s revealed that her brief work on the feature has landed her a reported $2 million. But don’t take that dollar amount as proof that ‘Bond’ is now a Waller-Bridge production, as she is quick to point out that the film is still director Cary Fukunaga’s baby.
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“A lot has been made of me coming on board because I’m a woman, and that’s wonderful. But also I can’t take credit for the movie that was written. It’s Cary’s movie,” said Waller-Bridge.
Still, $2 million is quite a bit of money for something she is reluctant to take credit for. However, even if she just did a glorified “punch-up” of the script, focusing on the dialogue and female characters, as has been previously reported, then we’re still excited to see what influence Waller-Bridge has on the franchise.
Regardless of her impact on ‘Bond 25,’ the real question that plagues fans of “Fleabag” is what the writer has up her sleeve next. Apparently, according to Waller-Bridge, she’s going to move into the world of feature film, with a project she is writing, with an eye to direct and possibly star in.
“The day I wrapped ‘Fleabag,’ I went to bed thinking, ‘I’m never going to have another idea again. Oh shit.’ I woke up with the vision of this film,” she said.
According to the interview, there are three must-have requirements for this new project. The first being that she won’t look for distribution until the film is finished. Second, she wants a “meaningful” theatrical run, which eliminates those streaming services with the fat wallets. And third, though she’s flexible on this one, Waller-Bridge says she doesn’t want to star in the film.
Regarding that last bit, she said, “I blatantly will end up in it.”
No word on when she’ll begin work on the film, but considering her work on “Fleabag,” you better believe we’ll be keeping an eye out for this.