Dennis Villeneuve officially incorporates the reins of the upcoming James Bond film, with Amazon MGM Studios making the Oscar-nominated filmmaker as director of the 007 film return.
The choice marks a bold and undoubtedly thrilling move for the studio, using modern visionaries to help chart fresh chapters of Britain’s most iconic spy. Villeneuve’s resume includes Dune Parts 1 and 2, Prisoners, Arrivals, Blade Runners: 2049, Sicario, and Enemies.
“He is a sacred territory,” Villeneuve says.
In a statement, Villeneuve shared how deeply ingrained his bond fandom has become. “Some of my first movie memories have led to 007. I’ve grown up watching films with my father and James Bond since Dr. Sean Connelly. I’m a stubborn bond fan. To me, he’s a sacred territory.” “I respect tradition and I intend to pave the way for many new missions to come, which is a huge responsibility, but it is a very exciting and a great honor for me.
Tanya Lapointe is an executive producer, but produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman (a stranger in the major franchise).
Stacked Director Wish List
Villeneuve’s name has been floating around Bond Rumor Mill for a while, but he wasn’t the only one with his eyes. As the deadline pointed out, Amazon MGM reportedly considered the range of top-notch talent, including Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan and Paul King. Alfonso Quarón was also believed to be a competitor at one point, especially given his past work with Heyman.
The Bond Director’s gig became one of Hollywood’s most carefully viewed roles as Amazon MGM signed a landmark deal with franchise guardians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson earlier this year. The deal gave the studios complete creative control after the $8.5 billion acquisition of Amazon’s MGM in 2022.
Denis Villeneuve (left) Javier Bardem (center) and Josh Brolin (right) set of “Dune: Part 2” | Warner Bros.
“One of the greatest filmmakers of today”
Prime Video Head Mike Hopkins praised the studio’s new captain. “We are honored that Dennis agreed to direct the next chapter of James Bond. He is the master of the film, and the film speaks for itself. From Blade Runner 2049 to Dune Film, he imagines a compelling world, dynamic visuals, complex characters and, most importantly, a global audience to experience Yaati.”
Pascal and Heyman added:
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But where does that fit in his schedule?
If there is one question left in the presentation, that’s not why Villeneuve was chosen. It’s when this new bond actually happens. The director is currently preparing Dune: Messiah. The Messiah is the third entry in the vast sci-fi SAGA filmed this year and is due to be released in December 2026.
And that’s not all. The four-time Oscar nominees are also linked to several other well-known projects, including Cleopatra, Arthur C. Clark’s adaptation of the Lama and Lama’s rendezvous, and Annie Jacobsen’s Nuclear War: A dramatic feature based on the scenario. It is still unknown where Bond will fit its packed schedule, but it may be prioritized after Dune: Messiahlapp.
What’s next for 007?
For now, no release date, cast or plot details have been revealed. Daniel Craig concluded his run with 2021 No Dime to Die, so there were no top-notch guys in the franchise. Villeneuve’s appointment suggests that Amazon MGM is ready to press first, but it’s anyone’s guess how quickly Bond will return to the big screen.
What’s certain is that the next mission is officially underway. And with Villeneuve behind the camera, it may be just one of Bond’s most cinematic adventures.
