8. A Non-Bond Spy Thriller
Here's something Nolan would totally knock out of the park. Imagine a classic, period spy thriller, perhaps an adaptation of a John le Carré novel (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, A Most Wanted Man), forcing Nolan to take a slow-burn approach to action and serving up an effort that's incredibly distinct from most of his filmography to date. It's the sort of classic, potentially star-studded project that could perhaps finally earn Nolan the awards plaudits he's clearly desperately clamouring for. Maybe even pick a classic spy novel with a little action and give it a slick contemporary update, but however Nolan tackled it, it would be a welcome counter-point to his loud, bombastic action flicks (and please, no Hans Zimmer for this one).
How Likely Is It?: Definitely not that unlikely, though the presumed lower budget just might not be something he's that interested in doing. Even though Nolan followed the $150 million Batman Begins with the $40 million period piece The Prestige, the director is now so immersed in the big-budget Hollywood game that he might see a modestly-budgeted thriller as a step back, or simply something he can't get excited about devoting a year or so of his life to making.
5/10.
