Here’s Puck’s Matt Belloni with the scoop on Bond meetings, which are in full swing right now.
David Heyman and Amy Pascal have officially taken the reins as the lead producers for the post-Broccoli era, and they’re not wasting time. Sources tell Belloni that a shortlist of directors has already started pitching their visions for the next 007 chapter — the first of what Amazon hopes will be a revitalized, globally dominant franchise.
Edward Berger (“Conclave”) has already taken his shot, according to insiders. Denis Villeneuve is said to be preparing his own take, assuming his packed schedule allows it.
Rounding out the list are Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan, and Paul King (Wonka, Paddington)—a longtime collaborator of Heyman’s. However, not mentioned is Steve McQueen who I hear is still in the running and has shown great intetest.
One notable absence? Confirming what I had previously reported, Alfonso Cuarón reportedly bowed out of the running despite prior interest and strong ties with Heyman. He had pitched an idea, but something happened, and he no longer has any interest.
The current power structure—Heyman, Pascal, along with Amazon Studios’ top brass Mike Hopkins and Courtenay Valenti—aims to lock in a director by summer’s end. Then comes the script. Then the new Bond.
The obvious choice here is Villeneuve. He’s the most qualified and talented of the shortlist Belloni has leaked. It’s not even close. He also has a strong background in action adn spectacle.
In 2021, on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Villeneuve, who is a self-admitted Bond connoisseur, said it would be a dream for him to direct a movie in the franchise, if he were ever asked:
Franky — and I cannot believe I would say that — but the answer would be a massive yes. I would deeply love to one day make a James Bond movie,” Villeneuve said. “It’s a character that I’ve been with — like everybody — since my childhood. I have massive affection for Bond. It would be a big challenge for people to try and reboot it after what Daniel did. What Daniel Craig brought to Bond was so unique and strong and probably unmatchable. He’s the ultimate James Bond. I can’t wait to see Cary’s movie. I’m very excited. I’m one of the biggest Bond fans.
A few years ago, Villeneuve came very close to directing Daniel Craig's last film as Bond, “No Time to Die,” and it had been reported, by Deadline’s Baz Bamigboye, that Craig actively pursued him. However, Villeneuve turned it down as he got off “Dune” the ground, which was his dream film since childhood. Cary Fukunaga ended up getting the “No Time to Die” gig instead.
Villeneuve will wrap “Dune: Messiah” in December. He hasn’t decided yet what his next project will be after that one, but it now seems to come down to whether he will direct Bond or not. Otherwise, he might choose one of the projects he currently has in development, including “Nuclear War,” “Cleopatra,” and “Rendezvous With Rama.”