While fans still wait news on who the next actor to play British super-spy James Bond will be, Amazon MGM Studios has found the film’s director.
The studio announced Wednesday that Denis Villeneuve – best known for directing Warner Bros.’ two-part Dune adaptation – has signed on to direct the untitled film, via Amazon press release.
The 57-year-old French-Canadian filmmaker will also serve as executive producer of the project alongside Tanya Lapointe.
Amazon had previously set Amy Pascal and David Heyman as the film’s producers, after the studio parted ways with longtime 007 caretakers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
The news comes just over three years after Amazon completed its massive $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios that included the James Bond franchise.
There hasn’t been a new 007 film since 2021’s No Time to Die, the final film with Daniel Craig as the beloved secret agent.
The director said in a statement, ‘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 added, ‘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.’
The filmmaker admitted, ‘This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.’
He also went on to thank Bond producers Pascal and Heyman, adding they, ‘are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.’
Pascal and Heyman added, ‘Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.’
After Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, they obtained full creative control of the 007 franchise with a deal they struck with Broccoli and Wilson, the offspring of original James Bond producer, Albert R. Broccoli.
Broccoli and Wilson had been overseeing the franchise since 1995, when their father ceded control of his Eon Productions company to them.
Amazon reached an agreement with Broccoli and Wilson in March 2025, and while financial terms were not disclosed, it was rumored to be upwards of $1 billion.
Villeneuve made his directorial debut in 1998 with August 32nd on Earth, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival that year.
He followed that up with Maelstrom (2000), Polytechnique (2009) and Incendies (2010), the latter of which was nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards.
The filmmaker broke through in Hollywood with 2013’s Prisoners, a dark drama starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.
He continued to win acclaim for 2013’s Enemy, 2015’s Sicario, 2016’s Arrival, 2017’s Blade Runner 2049 and, most recently, 2021’s Dune: Part One and 2024’s Dune: Part Two.
Many fans were quick to react to the news on social media, including @CinemaTweets1, who said, ‘BREAKING: Denis Villeneuve Will Direct the Next James Bond Film. This is a “Holy S**t” Moment.’
Another fan – Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) said, ‘Oh Bond Fans just won! Can’t wait to see this.’
Leah Libresco (@LeahLibresco) shared a headline announcing the news, adding, ‘Ok maybe I will see a Bond movie.’
Zachary Duffy (@ZachDuffy72) said, ‘Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Dune 1 & 2. Some of the best movies of the 21st Century. Outside of Christopher Nolan, this is best case scenario. A home run.’
Stin (@austinsburner) quote-retweeted a Variety tweet announcing the news, adding, ‘Ya this will be 10/10.’
Cheikh (@cheikhadie) shared another headline about the news, adding, ‘Wow! This is a really good pick.’
C.A. Roethle (@CA_Roethle) added, ‘This is absolutely unreal! Dude is going to make one of the best Bond movies we have ever seen. I really want Anthony Taylor Johnson as Bond too,’ likely referring to Aaron Taylor Johnson.
Mark Cassidy (@RorMachine) said, ‘A couple of movies aside, never been the biggest Bond fan. But I’m not sure how anyone who loves film wouldn’t be at least a little excited to see what DV delivers.’
