Get ready, 007 fans—Denis Villeneuve, the award-winning mind behind Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival, has been confirmed as the director of the upcoming James Bond movie.
This marks a major shift, as it's the first 007 film under Amazon MGM Studios following their full acquisition of the franchise from the Broccoli family.
Villeneuve, a self-confessed lifelong Bond fan, described taking on the role as stepping into "sacred territory." He emphasised both the weight of responsibility and excitement as he aims to respect the series' historic legacy while steering it in fresh new directions.
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The idea was in motion for a while—Amazon MGM wanted a top-tier director before even casting the next Bond. They reportedly passed over the likes of Edward Berger, Paul King, Edgar Wright, and Jonathan Nolan before landing on Villeneuve. His blockbuster credentials (with Dune films grossing over $1bn and earning multiple Oscar nods) make him a seriously strong pick.
Filming is expected to kick off in 2026, right after Villeneuve wraps Dune 3, with a likely Bond release slated for 2027. While casting for the iconic 007 role is underway, producers have reaffirmed that Bond will remain a British male. With a creative powerhouse like Villeneuve on board, the next chapter in the spy saga is shaping up to be a high-stakes cinematic event.
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