Denis Villeneuve To Direct Next James Bond For Amazon MGM

Meet Denis Villeneuve—the acclaimed director is stepping into the world of 007.

A few days ago, Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that Villeneuve will helm the upcoming James Bond film, taking on both directing and executive producing roles along with Tanya Lapointe.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman will also be producers for this much-anticipated project.

Villeneuve expressed his deep connection to the Bond franchise, stating, “Some of my earliest movie memories are tied to 007. I grew up watching these films with my father, starting with Sean Connery in Dr. No. I’m an enormous Bond enthusiast. This is sacred ground for me.” He added, “I aim to respect the legacy while paving the way for new stories. It’s a significant responsibility, and I’m incredibly excited and honored to take on this challenge. My team and I are thrilled to bring Bond back to audiences. A heartfelt thanks to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

Pascal and Heyman noted the director’s lifelong dream to create this film, declaring, “Denis has loved James Bond since childhood. It has always been his aspiration to direct this movie—now it’s ours as well. We’re fortunate to collaborate with such an extraordinary talent.”

Prior to this announcement, Amazon had been soliciting pitches from various filmmakers for the Bond project. Others considered for the role included Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan, and Paul King. Ultimately, Villeneuve secured one of the most coveted positions in Hollywood.

Renowned for his impressive visual scope and narrative depth, Villeneuve’s previous works include hits like Sicario, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and the Dune series. His latest release, Dune: Part Two, has received critical acclaim and numerous accolades, tallying up to 33 Oscar nominations and 11 wins.

While it comes as no shock to see Villeneuve take on this role due to his talent, his availability raises eyebrows. He is set to start work on Dune: Messiah, the concluding chapter of the Dune saga, this summer. That commitment is expected to dominate his schedule for the next year, particularly since the film aims for a December 2026 release.

Despite his packed timetable, Villeneuve stands out as a prime choice for Amazon MGM Studios, ready to usher in a new era for James Bond. The forthcoming Bond 26 marks the beginning of a new creative direction following Amazon’s acquisition of the franchise from Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli earlier this year for nearly $1 billion.

With Villeneuve on board, the studio’s next task is to choose a screenwriter for the screenplay. Then comes the, eagerly awaited, question: Who will be the next actor to portray James Bond?