Having acquired full creative control of the James Bond franchise from long time 007 producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli earlier this year, Amazon MGM Studios has now found its filmmaker to usher in the new era of 007 with the announcement that Denis Villenueve is set to direct the next instalment in the James Bond franchise.
Villeneuve is currently gearing up for a return to Arrakis for a follow-up to his acclaimed two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic Dune., while the multi-Oscar nominee’s other credits include Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” said Villeneuve. “I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. [Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman], and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
“Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy,” added Pascal and Heyman, who were announced as the new stewards of the Bond franchise under Amazon MGM back in March. “It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.”
“We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter,” added Amazon MGM Studios boss Mike Hopkins. “He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival to the Dune films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and—most importantly—the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters. James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”
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With Villeneuve on board to direct, attention is sure to begin ramping up to insane levels over which actor will be granted his license to kill as the next 007. However, Villeneuve is expected to begin filming on the third Dune movie this summer ahead of a planned December 2026 release, and so it may be some time before the next James Bond is unveiled to the world.
