Amazon MGM Studios has officially tapped Denis Villeneuve to direct the next installment of the James Bond franchise. Tanya Lapointe will join as executive producer, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman returning as producers.
Villeneuve, who has been a lifelong Bond fan, shared his excitement about taking on the iconic franchise. “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,” he said.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed his confidence in Villeneuve’s ability to elevate the franchise. “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.”
Producers Pascal and Heyman also weighed in, sharing their enthusiasm for Villeneuve’s involvement. “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.”
Villeneuve, a two-time Academy Award®-nominated French-Canadian filmmaker, has built a reputation for his visionary approach to filmmaking. His most recent work, Dune: Part Two, released in March 2024, has garnered critical acclaim, massive box office success, and multiple prestigious awards. The film, starring Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, and Christopher Walken, grossed over \$700 million worldwide, earning two Academy Awards® and several nominations. Villeneuve’s Dune series continues to shape his legacy as one of today’s most respected directors.
His previous works, including Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Sicario, Prisoners, and Incendies, have also received critical acclaim, with several nominated for Academy Awards® for Best Picture. Arrival even earned Villeneuve a nomination for Best Director.
In 2022, Amazon completed its acquisition of MGM, which included over 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows, further strengthening its foothold in the entertainment industry. The acquisition, along with a joint venture with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in March 2025, gives Amazon MGM Studios creative control over the James Bond franchise.
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