Denis Villeneuve To Direct Next 'James Bond' Film for Amazon MGM Studios
The ‘Dune’ filmmaker revealed he is a “die-hard Bond fan.”
Summary
- Denis Villeneuve is confirmed to direct the next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios
- A lifelong Bond fan, Villeneuve aims to honor the tradition while opening new paths for 007
- This marks the first Bond film since Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021; the cast is unannounced
Denis Villeneuve is officially directing the next James Bond film at Amazon MGM Studios.
The studio confirmed the news although no additional details, including the cast, were revealed. “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. 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,” Villeneuve said via Variety.
He continued, “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. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said, “We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. 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.”
Amy Pascal and David Heyman, who were previously announced as producers, added, “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. 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.”
The last James Bond movie to be released dates back to 2021’s No Time To Die, which also saw Daniel Craig portray the titular 007 agent for the last time. Actors rumored to take on the role next have included Idris Elba, James Norton, Theo James, Callum Turner and Harris Dickinson, with the latest name being Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Stay tuned for more details.
