Denis Villeneuve to helm new James Bond movie

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    NEW YORK – Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his work on “Dune,” is set to helm the next installment of the iconic James Bond series. This move comes after Amazon MGM Studios, which recently acquired creative control from the Broccoli family, announced Villeneuve as the director for the upcoming, yet-to-be-titled Bond film.

    Before selecting the new lead actor, producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman prioritized finding a director and developing the screenplay. They have now secured Villeneuve, who has garnered immense respect in the industry for his visionary work on blockbuster films, including the critically acclaimed “Dune” series.

    The 57-year-old French Canadian director expressed his lifelong admiration for the Bond franchise, revealing his deep connection with the iconic character. “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.”

    Amazon MGM’s swift actions following their takeover of the Bond franchise reflect their commitment to revitalizing the series and engaging fans. Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed confidence in Villeneuve’s ability to navigate the franchise’s future. “James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers,” he stated.

    With Pascal and Heyman as producers and Villeneuve directing, the next Bond movie will have a formidable team at its helm. Villeneuve’s selection comes after a competitive search, which included directors like Edward Berger, Paul King, Edgar Wright, and Jonathan Nolan, known for his collaboration in creating “Westworld” and being the brother of Christopher Nolan.

    Producers Pascal and Heyman praised Villeneuve’s long-standing passion for Bond films. “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy,” they commented. “It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too.” Despite these developments, a release date for the movie has yet to be announced. Villeneuve will focus on completing his work on the “Dune” trilogy, slated to commence shooting this summer, suggesting that the Bond film might target a 2027 release.

    Villeneuve’s impressive portfolio, including the two “Dune” films, has not only garnered over $1 billion globally at the box office but also earned them 15 Academy Award nominations, clinching wins in seven categories. His extensive directorial repertoire features acclaimed films such as “Blade Runner 2049,” “Arrival,” “Sicario,” “Prisoners,” “Enemy,” and “Incendies.”

    Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios in 2022 for a significant sum of $8.5 billion paved the way for their eventual creative stewardship of the Bond series. Prior to this shift, the Broccoli family traditionally held the reins, handpicking directors for each Bond movie. Villeneuve’s appointment marks a new era under Amazon’s leadership.