Geoffrey Moore criticizes Hollywood for relying on recycled comic books

Geoffrey Moore, the son of the late James Bond actor Roger Moore, told Fox News Digital that modern cinema has become overly dependent on recycled comic book material and high-budget spectacle at the expense of original storytelling. The actor, who stars in the British spy thriller Knightfall, argued that the industry needs to prioritize strong storylines and meaningful dialogue over constant action sequences.

Moore cited the influence of social media as a primary driver for this shift in filmmaking. He stated that many people are now having conversations based on what they read or heard on TikTok rather than engaging with literature such as Hemingway. "I think that today, it's too much TikTok," Moore said. He added that the art of storytelling must maintain cultural value, criticizing studio executives for deciding what is right rather than listening to what audiences want to hear or see.

Although Knightfall features guns and fight scenes, Moore emphasized that the film does not rely on over-the-top action to maintain audience attention. Instead, the production leans on a strong narrative and sharp dialogue. "You don't have to have constant action to keep the person's attention going," Moore explained. "You also need action in the storyline, in the words." He noted that the film was deliberately kept short to accommodate contemporary audience attention spans, arguing that viewers today lack the patience for lengthy sagas.

For Moore, starring in a spy thriller marks a personal milestone as he approaches the age his father was when filming his final James Bond movie. Moore began acting as a child and was present on set for all of his father's Bond films, including the 1973 debut Live and Let Die. He described his current role as a natural step rather than a forced career move, noting that Knightfall is an independent British production not dictated by major franchise executives. The filming conditions were physically demanding, with rewrites occurring on set and a schedule that required significant physical exertion.

Despite playing a spy, Moore is not seeking to become the next James Bond. He believes the next actor in the role should be a reflection of the times and relevant to modern audiences. The James Bond franchise has undergone significant changes in recent years, with Amazon MGM Studios gaining creative control in 2025 after forming a joint venture with longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The transaction closed on March 24, 2025, leaving Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson, and Broccoli as co-owners of the franchise.

Several actors have been linked to the upcoming role, including Paul Mescal, Jacob Elordi, Jack O'Connell, Jack Lowden, and Callum Turner. The next installment will be the 26th film in the official series, which began with Dr. No in 1962. Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the new entry, with Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Moore concluded his comments by sharing advice from his late father, who died in 2017 at age 89: "Make sure you get paid." Knightfall is currently available on digital platforms and on demand.