Denis Villeneuve set to helm next 'James Bond' film

The acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve is set to helm the next James Bond film, marking a new chapter in the iconic franchise. 

Villeneuve, known for his work on Dune: Part 2, expressed his excitement and honour in taking on the project. 

"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. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come," Villeneuve said.

Villeneuve's passion for James Bond is evident, and he's been vocal about his desire to direct a Bond film in the past. In a 2021 episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he revealed, "I would deeply love one day to make a James Bond movie." Now, that dream has become a reality.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers on the film, with Tanya Lapointe, Villeneuve's artistic partner and wife, joining as an executive producer. 

The search is currently underway for a screenwriter to work with Villeneuve on the project.

The new Bond film will mark the franchise's 26th title and follows the success of No Time to Die, which was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starred Daniel Craig as 007. 

This film will also be the first Bond outing since Amazon's $8.45 billion takeover of MGM, the longtime backer of the franchise.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, praised Villeneuve's direction, saying, "We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself."