The new Quantum of Solace trailer (aka, Daniel Craig as James Bond Part II) makes me think they’ll maintain the gritty, bare-knuckle Bond thriller established in the excellent Casino Royale.

And that’s with a director switch!

Now, with JJ Abrams’ Star Trek reboot on the horizon, I’m wondering which other dated franchises could sustain a creative rethinking without destroying an existing legacy. Why not re-try:

Alien: As good as Ridley Scott’s original Alien is, I’d love to see Danny Boyle, Guillermo del Toro or his protege, Juan Antonio Bayona, tackle terror in outer space.

The French Connection: Give Ben Affleck the reigns, cast younger brother Casey as the next generation’s Popeye Doyle, and pray they do a better job on the sequel than John Frankenheimer did …

Spider-Man: Because the bloated, cornball third installment of this money-making franchise had more in common with the disastrous Batman & Robin than fans care to admit. Because Sam Raimi never understood what made Spider-Man tick (hint: it wasn’t the gorgeous red-head that routinely motivated him to save the world). And because Marvel’s current film crop proves the comic studio makes better stories when they retain creative control. Coax Michael Chabon into crafting another draft and find the right director. There’s plenty of life left in this franchise!

What else?