It is the news that Bond fans and film commentators alike have been waiting months for: who will shape the new 007 movie? Now we know. Denis Villeneuve, the Oscar-nominated French-Canadian filmmaker, will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced.
In a comment that will delight Bond fans the world over, the Dune director said in a statement released by the studio that he was a ‘die-hard James Bond fan’ and intends to ‘honour the tradition’ of the franchise. Interestingly, Villeneuve will also serve as an executive producer of the new Bond film, having received global acclaim for helming the Dune franchise, as well as Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival.
Amazon did not give any hints on the next actor to play James Bond in the announcement, after Daniel Craig stepped back from playing the role after No Time To Die. Villeneuve acknowledged what he called the ‘massive responsibility’ of helming the new film and expressed his excitement at the challenge: ‘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’, he said. ‘I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come’. He added that he and fellow producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman – who have overseen Spider-Man and the Harry Potter films respectively – were ‘thrilled to bring [Bond] back to the screen’.
Head of Amazon MGM Studios Mike Hopkins hailed Villeneuve as a ‘cinematic master’ and praised his ability to deliver ‘immersive storytelling’ for global audiences.
Villeneuve gained prominence with a series of critical successes including Sicario, Prisoners and Incendies. His 2016 science fiction thriller Arrival earned him his first Oscar nomination for directing. More recently, the huge blockbusters Dune and Dune: Part Two grossed a combined total of more than $1bn (£730m) worldwide, with both films nominated for Best Picture Oscars in their respective years, so all the pieces are in place for ‘Bond 26’ to be joining this illustrious roll-call. Villeneuve is expected to start shooting Dune Messiah, the third movie of the Dune franchise, later this year, with a potential release date in 2026.
Watch this space for further 007 news as it develops. You know the name, and you know the number. Welcome back, Mr. Bond. We’ve been expecting you.
