Fresh from his success with the “Dune” saga, Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct the subsequent film within the storied James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios introduced Wednesday.
The on-line retail big has chosen a filmmaker very a lot in vogue in Hollywood as he makes his first foray into the world of the now-iconic British agent 007, first delivered to life seven a long time in the past by author Ian Fleming.
Villeneuve, who’s Canadian, mentioned he grew up watching Bond movies together with his father. “I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve mentioned in an announcement launched by Amazon.
“I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,” he added. “This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.”
There isn’t any phrase but on who will play the spy.
Daniel Craig’s last portrayal of James Bond got here in 2021 following the discharge of “No Time to Die.” Since then, 007 has seen many twists and turns.
Amazon paid practically $8.45 billion to purchase legendary Hollywood studio MGM in 2022, which included distribution rights to Bond’s in depth again catalog.
But for the next three years, the retail behemoth was met with resistance from Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the franchise’s historic producers who for many years had jealously guarded the governance of one in all cinema’s Most worthy properties.
The firm run by Jeff Bezos lastly reached a monetary settlement with the pair in February to take artistic management of the franchise.
Some followers have expressed concern that the character can be exploited by Amazon by way of a mess of latest movies, or spinoff collection that go direct to its streaming platform Prime.
Against this backdrop, the selection of Villeneuve, who additionally directed “Blade Runner 2049” and “Arrival,” resonates as a pledge to purists.
“We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter,” Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios, mentioned within the assertion, noting Villeneuve’s monitor document with “immersive storytelling.”
“He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself.”
Villeneuve’s two installments of science-fiction saga “Dune” had been every nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. “Dune: Part Two,” launched in 2024, grossed $700 million globally and gained Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
© 2025 AFP