Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Dune, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2049, will direct the next installment of the James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios announced on Wednesday.
Villeneuve expressed deep personal enthusiasm for Bond, 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. To me, he’s sacred territory.” He added that directing the new film was a “massive responsibility,” but also “incredibly exciting and a huge honor.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, praised Villeneuve as a “cinematic master whose filmography speaks for itself,” highlighting his ability to craft “compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and immersive storytelling.”
Villeneuve will work alongside producers Amy Pascal (Pascal Pictures) and David Heyman (Heyday Films). Both producers expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting Villeneuve’s lifelong passion for Bond. Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer.
This announcement follows Amazon MGM Studios acquiring creative control of the Bond franchise from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. The deal, part of Amazon’s broader acquisition of MGM in 2021 for approximately $8.5 billion, initially saw Amazon in a passive role. However, in February, Wilson, Broccoli, and Amazon MGM established a joint venture allowing all three entities to co-own the franchise rights.
The next Bond actor remains unannounced following Daniel Craig’s final outing in No Time to Die, which grossed $774 million globally. Barbara Broccoli previously indicated the next Bond will be a man in his 30s, with ethnicity not predetermined.
Villeneuve is concurrently preparing to shoot Dune: Messiah, set for a 2026 release. He is also attached to direct future projects, including a historical drama about Cleopatra and adaptations of Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama and a short story by South Korean writer Kim Bo-young.
No release date has yet been confirmed for Villeneuve’s Bond film, nor have details emerged about potential casting decisions.