Amazon has found its firstJames Bonddirector. Little has previously been known about what the long-running franchise’s future at Amazon would look like. While Daniel Craig played 007 from 2006’sCasino Royaleto2021’sNo Time to Die, the franchise is about to enter a new era through the creative control of Amazon MGM Studios.
Now, as revealed byAmazon,Denis Villeneuve will direct the nextJames Bondmovie. Villeneuve will executive produce with his partner Tanya Lapointe, who also worked with him onDuneandDune: Part Two. Villenueve spoke about his longtime enthusiasm for the franchise and how he is honored to now be working on it. Check out his comments below:
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. 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.
Villeneuve is currently working on the thirdDunemovie that will be based on Frank Herbert’s novelDune Messiah, which recently cast Nakoa-Wolf Momoa as Leto II and Ida Brooke as Ghanima, the children of Paul Atreides and Chani. However, Villeneuve has previously made it clear that this will be the last film he helms in the science-fiction franchise.
What This Means For James Bond
Amazon Takes A Significant Step Forward
Getting Villeneuve as the director of the nextJames Bondmovie is a major step forward in the franchise’s Amazon era.After the success ofDuneandDune: Part Two, Villeneuve is incredibly well-regarded, and he already had a stellar reputation to begin with after his work onArrival, Blade Runner 2049,Sicario, andPrisoners.
While there is still skepticism about how Amazon will handleJames Bond,there will be considerably more confidence now that Villeneuve is attached to the upcoming movie. With both hisDuneinstallments andBlade Runner 2049, Villeneuve was able to tackle a beloved IP in ways that felt refreshing while also honoring the legacy that preceded him.
Denis Villeneuve’s moviestend to be hits with critics and general audiences, and Amazon is surely counting on this reputation to bring goodwill to the project. With a director now attached, focus will turn to who will play the new 007, and Villeneuve’s involvement makes it more likely that the starring role may go to an actor he has worked with in the past.
Our Take On Denis Villeneuve Directing James Bond
Amazon Is Headed In The Right Direction
Even though there was no shortage ofpotentialJames Bonddirectorsto choose from, going with an acclaimed director likeVilleneuve was a smart choice.As someone who has loved Villeneuve’s movies, I am now far more interested in the future of theJames Bondfranchise than I was before.
Villeneuve can still leave theDunefranchise after the third movie, withJames Bondbeing what he will focus on next. He is now even more integral to keeping some of the most beloved franchises alive, and Icannot wait to see what his interpretation ofJames Bondwill look like.
