We have our new James Bond 26 director – and it’s Denis Villeneuve, the helmer of Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and Sicario, who has won the job, as announced on Wednesday by Amazon MGM Studios (via Deadline).

A few weeks ago, Villeneuve’s name had been rumoured in a list of high-profile filmmakers reportedly in the mix, alongside Edgar Wright, Paul King, Edward Berger and Jonathan Nolan, but it’s Villeneuve who has won out. Before now, Alfonso Cuarón had been seen as the frontrunner but reportedly declined the opportunity.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman will produce the film, with Tanya Lapointe as executive producer, following the previous producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who stepped down with 2021’s No Time to Die, their final Bond outing and also the final film of incumbent 007 Daniel Craig.

Amazon MGM Studios acquired full creative control of the series back in February, and is now pushing forward with their first film under Villeneuve’s involvement. When the director will be available to make the film is still a mystery, given he is deep in pre-production on Dune: Messiah, the third Dune film, which is set to film later this year with a December 2026 release eyed.

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In a statement on his new project, Villeneuve said, “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. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

Commented Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, “We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival to the Dune films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and—most importantly—the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters. James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”

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.”

Now the search begins for a new 007 – Aaron Pierce? Jack Lowden? Aaron Taylor-Johnson? Who do you think it should be?

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