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Denis Villeneuve is officially set to direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed. The Oscar-nominated director behind Dune and Blade Runner 2049 will helm the latest chapter in the iconic spy saga, with longtime collaborator Tanya Lapointe joining as executive producer. Producers Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and David Heyman (Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood) are also on board.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” Villeneuve said in a statement. “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.”
He continued, “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, praised the choice, calling Villeneuve “a cinematic master” whose work on Arrival, Sicario, and the Dune series has cemented his status as one of today’s most visionary directors.
“James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers,” Hopkins said. “We cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”
Producers Pascal and Heyman echoed that sentiment, adding, “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.”
The announcement follows Amazon’s landmark deal with longtime franchise guardians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. That agreement, finalized earlier this year, saw Amazon MGM Studios, Broccoli, and Wilson form a joint venture to share creative control over the property—a significant shift from Amazon’s previous passive role.
Villeneuve’s appointment also marks a new era for Bond following the end of Daniel Craig’s tenure with 2021’s No Time to Die. Though casting for the new 007 remains under wraps, Amazon executives teased a “fresh, exhilarating new chapter” at CinemaCon in April.
Production is expected to kick off in London, with Villeneuve set to bring his signature mix of striking visuals and intense storytelling to the world’s most famous superspy.
