Dune Director Denis Villeneuve To Helm New James Bond Film: Intend To Honour The Tradition

Ever Since Amazon MGM Studios acquired “creative control” of James Bond franchise from long-time producers and custodians, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, everyone has been waiting for announcement of the new director of the next James Bond film.

The wait is over as Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Denis Villeneuve of Dune and Blade Runner 2049 fame, will helm the new film in the James Bond franchise.

Denis Villeneuve’s wife and creative partner, Tanya Lapointe, will serve as an executive producer. Earlier, it was announced that Amy Pascal and David Heyman are the producers of the upcoming film.

It will be the first project from Amazon since it bought MGM Studios.

As per a report in Amazon, Villeneuve shared, "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 said of being a die-hard Bond fan and to him, it's a sacred territory. He intends to "honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come."

He calls it a "massive responsibility" but also "incredibly exciting" for him 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," added the French-Canadian filmmaker.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, added, "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 revealed that Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy and it was always his dream to make this movie, and theirs too. "We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker," both shared.