Deadline reports that Oscar-nominated director Denis Villeneuve will lead Amazon MGM Studios’ next James Bond film. This is one of the biggest directing seats in Hollywood: Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan, and Paul King were all rumored to be in negotiations to direct. There have been plenty of rumors on who would be picked for this new entry to the 007 franchise since Amazon MGM acquired complete creative control of it in February 2022.
“[Amazon MGM Studios] gained distribution rights to Bond with the acquisition of MGM Studios for $8.5 billion in 2022, but has not yet been able to get a new film off the ground, presumably given creative differences with the franchise’s previous stewards,” Deadline reported. “There hasn’t been a new Bond film since Daniel Craig wrapped up his time with the franchise with No Time to Die in the fall of 2021.”
Villeneuve will also executive produce the new Bond film alongside Tanya Lapointe, Amy Pascal, and David Heyman.
In a statement on his new project, Villeneuve said, “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.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, added, “We are honored 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 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.”
Pascal and Heyman added, “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.”
Villeneuve has had a full plate with his ongoing work on the Dune franchise since 2017, with the first film releasing in 2021 and the last installment of the trilogy set to premiere on December 16, 2026.
