Washington DC, June 26: Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, best known for directing Dune and Blade Runner 2049, is officially set to helm the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios confirmed, as reported by Variety.
Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer, while veteran producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman have also joined the project.
A lifelong Bond enthusiast, Villeneuve reflected on the personal significance of the iconic spy character.
“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,” he shared. “To me, he’s sacred territory.”
Acknowledging the gravity of continuing the legacy, Villeneuve added,
“I intend to honour 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 honour.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, praised Villeneuve’s appointment, calling him a “cinematic master” whose visionary storytelling aligns perfectly with the legacy of James Bond.
“James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers,” said Hopkins.
Villeneuve, a French-Canadian director, has earned widespread acclaim for his bold visual storytelling and mastery over both original films like Arrival, Sicario, and Prisoners, as well as reimagined franchises like Dune and Blade Runner 2049.
Meanwhile, Dune: Messiah, the third chapter in the sci-fi saga, is currently in development and scheduled for release in 2026.
With this announcement, fans can look forward to a fresh yet respectful take on 007—one guided by a director whose cinematic vision has consistently pushed boundaries.