“Die-hard Bond fan” Denis Villeneuve has been set to direct the next James Bond film, the first since Amazon MGM Studios took innovative control
“Die-hard Bond fan” Denis Villeneuve has been set to direct the next James Bond film, the first since Amazon MGM Studios took innovative control of the franchise.
Villeneuve will also serve as an executive producer on the film, along with his regular collaborator Tanya Lapointe, who most recently produced the French-Canadian filmmaker’s Dune: Part Two.
As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce the modern film, the 28th to feature the 007 British spy character originated by author Ian Fleming.
Taking the Bond directing chair marks the latest step in Villeneuve’s rise as one of Hollywood’s most commercially successful and critically acclaimed filmmakers. Last year, his Dune: Part Two grossed nearly $715m around the world and earned five Academy Award nominations (including a best picture nod for Villeneuve himself) and two Oscars. Four years ago, Dune: Part One took $411m and won six Oscars.
Villeneuve had been mooted as a possible Bond director along with other names such as Germany’s Edward Berger, the UK’s Edgar Wright and US filmmaker Jonathan Nolan.
Villeneuve’s naming as Bond director comes four months after Amazon MGM Studios closed its deal with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson to gain innovative control of the James Bond IP and Pascal and Heyman were confirmed as producers of the next feature.
Villeneuve commented: “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 honour 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 honour. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video head Mike Hopkins added: “We are honoured that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. 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 theatres. 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.”
Pascal and Heyman said: “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.”
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