Werner Herzog

Past form: Grizzly Man, Rescue Dawn

Why he could be great: He’s an expert in his craft and while he’s usually to be found directing documentaries, he has proved he can make strong fictional drama to boot.

Rescue Dawn was a solid, harrowing film which ratcheted up both the tension and the action.

Sample Bondage: Daniel Craig versus bears. VERSUS BEARS. Come on, tell us you wouldn’t watch that, filmed cinema verite style.

We just hope the Bond team’s insurance is up to date.

Michael Mann

Past form: Miami Vice, Heat

Why he could be great: It’s Michael Mann, for crying out loud. His work is sleek, intelligent and massively entertaining.

And he’s been pushing the envelope on digital filmmaking, producing interestingly shot pics like Collateral.

Sample Bondage: Mainlining the malaise that has crept into the franchise since Casino Royale, Mann goes for neon noir Bond.

And Daniel Day Lewis as the villain. Because Mann could convince him to do it.