Fans are elated as Amazon picks Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune and Blade Runner 2049, as the director of the next James Bond film.
While the most recent Bond films did not lack either, Villeneuve may just elevate the next chapter in the franchise to the next level of intellectual depth and visual grandeur.
It will be the first Bond movie since Amazon reportedly paid $1 billion to gain full creative control of the iconic British spy series.
“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 in a statement.
Amazon MGM Studios sets Denis Villeneuve as director of next James Bond film.
undefined James Bond (@007) June 26, 2025
Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers. pic.twitter.com/E27wlBRuFI
“I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,” the Canadian director said, adding that the opportunity was “a massive responsibility” and “a huge honor.”
The choice of Villeneuve, who also directed critically acclaimed films such as Sicario and Arrival, should reassure those who were concerned Amazon would take 007 in the wrong direction.
Amazon said earlier this year that it planned a “fresh” take on the franchise but would respect the “legacy of this iconic character.”
The announcement was greeted with mostly positive reactions online.
“No arguments about that choice. Fantastic director. Can’t wait to see this go through production now,” one X user commented under the post on the official James Bond account.
“Well this is going to be the greatest James Bond movie of all time. It doesn’t matter who they cast,” said another fan, while others described the move as simply “fantastic” and “very intriguing.”
However, some expressed doubts, suggesting the choice signals that 007 will remain in the realm of dark, “prestige” cinema – and pleaded it was time for something “a bit more fun.”
“I want a Bond Movie made by Guy Ritchie,” X user Captain Jamaica said.
I want a Bond Movie made by Guy Ritchie.
undefined Captain Jamaica! (@mike_ero) June 26, 2025
Many agreed that much will depend on who will succeed Daniel Craig as the next Bond, with names such British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton, Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, and Irish actor Paul Mescal all in the mix.
Amazon also announced Tanya Lapointe as executive producer of the next Bond film, while Amy Pascal and David Heyman were earlier announced as producers. The pair are behind some of the most successful film franchises in history, Spider-Man for Pascal, and Harry Potter for Heyman.
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