Hot off the wire, Denis Villeneuve will realize his life’s dream as he has just signed on to direct the next James Bond movie for Amazon/MGM. He is rumored to have beaten out a handful of filmmakers who were vying for the gig, including Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, and Paul King.
“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. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,” said Villeneuve. “This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.”
Villeneuve’s name has been heavily linked to the next Bond for well over a year. Before that, the filmmaker met with former Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and pitched an idea—just ahead of shooting the first “Dune” in 2021.
In 2021, on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Villeneuve, who is a self-admitted Bond aficionado, 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.
As previously noted, Villeneuve was once in serious contention to direct Daniel Craig’s final Bond film, “No Time to Die.” Craig had even “actively pursued” the filmmaker. However, Villeneuve ultimately passed on the project after receiving the “Dune” offer from Warner Bros. The “No Time to Die” gig eventually went to Cary Fukunaga.
Villeneuve, an Oscar-nominated French-Canadian director, is best known for his work on “Dune,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Blade Runner 2049,” “Arrival,” “Sicario,” “Prisoners,” and “Incendies.” He’s an excellent choice for the next Bond.
Amazon/MGM has not provided any additional details about the next 007 installment. It’s widely assumed that production could begin sometime next year, possibly once Villeneuve wraps up post-production on “Dune: Messiah,” which is set to start shooting next month.
Following “Air,” this is Affleck’s latest stint behind the camera. He has cast himself in the lead role, alongside Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, and Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”).