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While Nicolas Winding Refn has long expressed a desire to make big, Hollywood, blockbuster movies — indeed, he was attached to the “Logan’s Run” reboot at Warner Bros. for a spell — that sentiment has always been countered with the caveat that he would need complete control over the project. And frankly, with a $150 million or $200 million project, that’s unlikely to happen, especially when brand value, licensed product sales and more are on the line. Still, it hasn’t stopped people from knocking on his door with big time fare.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Refn confirms that he was approached to direct “Spectre” before Sam Mendes agreed to return. The director doesn’t talk much about it, but he does have his own spy movie of sorts on the way: “The Avenging Silence.”

READ MORE: Sam Mendes Confirms He Won’t Direct The Next James Bond Movie

Intriguingly, the project has a script from Neal Purvis and Robert Wade — who have penned six 007 movies including “Casino Royale,” “Quantum Of Solace,” “Skyfall,” and “Spectre” — and Refn confirmed that ‘Silence’ was his version of a Bond movie. But most importantly, at least on this movie, he’ll get to see his vision through to the end.

“I just know this way I can do whatever I want, and that outweighs any money anyone can give me,” he said.

As for who will star, when it will begin shooting, and even what it’s about, Refn is staying mum for now, but I have to say, I’m kind of glad he walked away from “Spectre.” That movie had a ridiculous story that no amount of auteur filmmaking could’ve saved, and I’d rather see Refn put his energies into something he’s truly passionate about, and can execute to the fullest of his abilities.

What do you think? Could “Spectre” have benefitted from with Refn at the helm? Let us know in the comments section.