The acclaimed horror director has no interest in joining the world of 007 — but has his eyes set on a galaxy far, far away.
For most directors, the chance to helm a James Bond film would be a career-defining opportunity — but not for Osgood Perkins. The indie horror maestro behind The Monkey and Longlegs has made it abundantly clear that he wants no part in the iconic spy franchise, thanks to its current ownership under Amazon and its controversial CEO, Jeff Bezos. Perkins’ blunt refusal came during a candid Reddit AMA, where he dismissed the idea of ever stepping into Bond’s world with a simple — and headline-grabbing — statement: “F**k Jeff Bezos.”
The comment not only reaffirmed Perkins’ fiercely independent spirit but also highlighted a growing discomfort among some creators when it comes to working with corporate media giants. While the Bond franchise searches for its next creative voice and leading man, it’s safe to say that Perkins won’t be anywhere near the famed Aston Martin. However, in the same breath that he rejected Bond, Perkins revealed a surprising passion for another iconic franchise — one set in a galaxy far, far away.
Why Osgood Perkins Wants Nothing to Do with James Bond
Perkins’ rejection of the Bond franchise has less to do with the character or the lore itself and everything to do with who’s writing the checks. In 2025, Bond’s longtime stewards, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, relinquished creative control to Amazon MGM Studios in a reported $1 billion deal. With Amazon now holding the keys to Britain’s most famous secret agent, Perkins — a director known for his atmospheric, deeply personal horror films — wants no part in the corporate machine.
His reasoning was made crystal clear during his Reddit AMA when asked if he would ever direct a Bond film. Rather than politely sidestepping the question, Perkins gave a pointed response: “No, because f**k Jeff Bezos.” It’s a rare level of candor in Hollywood, where most directors hedge their bets to keep future opportunities open. But Perkins’ disdain for Bezos — who has cozied up to political figures like Donald Trump and increasingly inserted himself into entertainment decisions — leaves no room for negotiation.
The sentiment also speaks to a broader cultural conversation about the corporatization of creativity, where independent voices like Perkins are often at odds with the glossy, risk-averse sensibilities of studio-backed tentpoles. For Perkins, the idea of sacrificing creative freedom for the sake of a blockbuster paycheck — particularly one coming from a platform he openly disdains — simply isn’t worth it.
A Love for ‘Star Wars’ — and a Dark Vision for Darth Vader
While Bond may be off the table, Perkins isn’t opposed to dipping his toes into established franchises — as long as they’re the right fit. Surprisingly, Perkins revealed that he would love to contribute to Star Wars, even sketching out a dark and intriguing concept that would fit perfectly within his eerie, cerebral aesthetic. His dream project? A collection of short stories chronicling the dreams and nightmares of Darth Vader.
This pitch — blending horror, psychological exploration, and the rich mythology of Star Wars — could be the perfect marriage of Perkins’ sensibilities and the franchise’s appetite for bold storytelling. With Lucasfilm itself on the cusp of change as Kathleen Kennedy prepares to step down by the end of 2025, there could be an opening for unconventional voices like Perkins to leave their mark on a galaxy far, far away.
Perkins’ ability to infuse even the most familiar genres with unsettling originality — evident in his work on Longlegs and The Blackcoat’s Daughter — would offer a fresh perspective on Star Wars’ most iconic villain. Whether the opportunity ever materializes remains to be seen, but Perkins’ passion for Vader’s inner torment is enough to spark excitement among fans craving darker, character-driven storytelling in the Star Wars universe.
Osgood Perkins’ Uncompromising Artistic Vision
Perkins’ reluctance to align himself with corporate-backed blockbusters stems from a deep-rooted artistic ethos shaped by his admiration for filmmaking legends. During his AMA, Perkins explained that his creative process starts with emulating his heroes — from David Lynch and Alfred Hitchcock to Stanley Kubrick — before evolving into something uniquely his own. That commitment to personal storytelling leaves little room for the committee-driven constraints of a franchise like Bond.
Interestingly, Perkins has already felt the weight of comparison when it comes to his own work. Longlegs, his breakout horror hit, was frequently likened to The Silence of the Lambs, an association Perkins firmly rejected. “Longlegs is to Silence of the Lambs as Warhol is to soup,” he quipped, emphasizing that while both deal with serial killers, the comparisons end there.
Whether he’s crafting intimate horror stories, teasing abstract biopics, or dreaming up neo-futuristic westerns, Perkins has carved out a space where his voice remains singular — unfiltered by corporate influence or mainstream expectations. It’s that commitment to authenticity, coupled with his willingness to openly challenge the powers that be, that makes Osgood Perkins one of the most compelling filmmakers working today.
A Director Unafraid to Walk His Own Path
In an era where directors often jockey for the chance to helm major franchises, Osgood Perkins stands apart. His blunt dismissal of Bond — and the billion-dollar corporate machine behind it — serves as a reminder that not every filmmaker is willing to trade independence for the allure of IP-driven prestige.
Yet, even as he rejects the spy world, his imagination soars in other directions — whether reimagining Darth Vader’s psyche or envisioning surreal biopics and futuristic westerns. Perkins’ career is proof that the most exciting stories come from those who refuse to compromise, who are willing to carve their own paths, and who understand that true creative freedom is the ultimate prize.
For Osgood Perkins, the name’s not Bond — and that’s just the way he likes it.