|
Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman had maintained that before
the next Bond is cast, they would develop a screenplay and find
a director first. Now, they have one of the most respected
blockbuster makers in Hollywood, who's coming off a pair of
widely acclaimed “Dune” films.
In a statement, the 57-year-old French Canadian filmmaker said
he grew up watching Bond movies.
“I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” said
Villeneuve. “I intend to honor the tradition and open the path
for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility,
but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.”
Since taking creative control of Bond in February, Amazon MGM
has worked quickly to get the next movie going. The studio is
also trying to win over fans skeptical of the new corporate
leadership and the fearful of future spinoffs.
“James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest
filmmakers,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon
MGM Studios.
With Pascal and Heyman lodged as producers and Villeneuve behind
the camera, the next Bond movie will have an enviable brain
trust. Villeneuve beat out a field of directors floated for the
movie including Edward Berger ("Conclave"), Paul King
("Paddington 2"), Edgar Wright ("Baby Driver") and Jonathan
Nolan, co-creator of “Westworld” and brother to Christopher
Nolan.
“Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since
he was a little boy," said Pascal and Heyman. “It was always his
dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too.”
No release date has been announced for the next Bond movie.
Villeneuve will shoot the third “Dune” film this summer. If
production on Bond began next year, a release sometime in 2027
would be likely.
Villenevue's first two “Dune” films have together surpassed $1
billion in box office worldwide and been nominated for a
combined 15 Academy Awards, winning seven. His other films
include “Blade Runner 2049,” “Arrival,” “Sicario,” “Prisoners,”
“Enemy” and “Incendies.”
Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 for $8.5 billion, but didn't
gain creative control of the studio's most prized asset until
this year. Until this film, every Bond director has been
handpicked by the Broccolis.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
|
|
