Afer ‘Dune,’ Denis Villeneuve to helm next James Bond film

An Aston Martin DB5 stunt car from the film “No Time to Die” is displayed during a photocall ahead of the “Sixty Years of James Bond” auction at Christie’s auction house in London on September 26, 2022. (Photo by Niklas HALLE’N / AFP)

Fresh from his success with the “Dune” saga, Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct the next movie in the storied James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday.

The online retail giant has chosen a filmmaker very much in vogue in Hollywood as he makes  his first foray into the world of the now-iconic British agent 007, first brought to life seven decades ago by writer Ian Fleming.

Villeneuve, who is Canadian, said he grew up watching Bond films with his father. “I’m a diehard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve said in a statement released 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 is no word yet on who will play Her Majesty’s spy.

Daniel Craig’s final portrayal of James Bond came in 2021 following the release of “No Time to Die.” Since then, 007 has seen many twists and turns.

Amazon paid nearly $8.45 billion to buy legendary Hollywood studio MGM in 2022, which included distribution rights to Bond’s extensive back catalog.

But for the subsequent three years, the retail behemoth was met with resistance from Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the franchise’s historic producers who for decades had jealously guarded the governance of one of cinema’s most valuable properties.

The company run by Jeff Bezos finally reached a financial agreement with the pair in February to take creative control of the franchise.

Some fans have expressed concern that the character will be exploited by Amazon through a multitude of new films, or spinoff series that go direct to its streaming platform Prime.

Against this backdrop, the choice of Villeneuve, who also 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, said in the statement, noting Villeneuve’s track record with “immersive storytelling.”

“He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself.” 

Villeneuve’s two installments of science-fiction saga “Dune” were each nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. “Dune: Part Two,” released in 2024, grossed $700 million globally and won Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Efects.

AFP

James Bond...

James Bond is one of the most influential film franchises in pop culture history. Since 1962, adaptations of Ian Fleming’s superspy novels have had fans going into theatres. 

Some of the most popular Bond movies include Goldfinger , To Russia With Love, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service , Skyfall, Thunderball, Casino Royal, the Spy Who Loved Me, Octopussy, A View to a Kill, Live and Let die and Diamonds Are Forever.

Bond movies also had its theme songs performed by some great singers. 

Bond movies also had its theme songs performed by some great singers. They included  Goldfinger (Shirley Bassey)  Skyfall (Adele) “A View to a Kill” (Duran Duran) Die another day (Madonna –who was also the only theme song performer according to EW to have a cameo in a Bond film) Live and Let Die 

(Paul McCartney and Wings) For Your Eyes Only (Sheena Easton) Golden eye (Tina Turner) and Thundreball (Tom Jones)  

Who will be the next Bond? 

James Bond bosses are said to have narrowed down their shortlist to just three names - Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man’s Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson, according to Variety, reports the Daily Mail.