James Bond bosses unveil new director to helm next 007 film after months of speculation as fans left ecstatic
Denis Villeneuve has been announced as the director of the next James Bond film, marking the first 007 production under Amazon MGM Studios following their takeover of creative control from series stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
The acclaimed filmmaker behind the Dune franchise and Blade Runner 2049 will helm the 26th Bond film, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman serving as producers.
The announcement came on Wednesday evening, though no actor has yet been cast to succeed Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy.
Villeneuve will also serve as executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe on what will be the 28th film in the 60-year-old franchise, following Craig’s final outing in 2021’s No Time to Die.
Villeneuve expressed his deep connection to the franchise in a statement, saying: “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.”
The 57-year-old director acknowledged the weight of taking on such an iconic character. “To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,” he said.
“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.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, praised the appointment: “We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself.”
Hopkins highlighted Villeneuve’s track record, adding: “From Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival to the Dune films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and—most importantly—the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters.”
“James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure,” Hopkins concluded.
Producers Pascal and Heyman shared their enthusiasm, stating: “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.”
The franchise transition to Amazon MGM Studios was finalised in February, when Broccoli and Wilson agreed to a new joint venture that gave the studio creative control whilst they remain co-owners of the series.
Casting for the new Bond remains unannounced, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson among those rumoured for the role following Craig’s five-film tenure that concluded with No Time to Die.
Villeneuve brings an impressive directorial pedigree to the franchise, having earned Oscar nominations for Best Director for Arrival and Best Picture nominations for both Dune films.
The French-Canadian filmmaker first gained international recognition with his 2010 Oscar-nominated film Incendies, before moving to Hollywood projects including Prisoners, Enemy and Sicario.
No release date or writer has been announced for the film, which will be Villeneuve’s first project following the critical and commercial success of Dune: Part Two.