Denis Villeneuve to Direct Next James Bond 007 Film

THIS JUST IN-

Denis Villeneuve is the pick to direct the next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios.

Villeneuve will also serve as executive producer, alongside partner Tanya Lapointe, as well as Amy Pascal and David Heyman.

“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,” Villeneuve said. “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.”

“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,” Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said. “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.”

“Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy,” Pascal and Heyman said. “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.”

No telling how this news will impact the third film in Villeneuve’s “Dune” saga, as “Dune: Messiah” was set to begin filming soon.