Denis Villeneuve is directing the next Bond film for Amazon

First, Amazon MGM secured creative control of the James Bond IP. Then, it brought Amy Pascal and David Heyman in to produce a new feature about the iconic spy. Now, the studio has found a director to lead the project. Last night, Amazon MGM announced that Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct a new Bond film — the studio’s first since it obtained the property as part of its $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM back in 2021. The new Bond project does not yet have a name, casting details, or a production timeline, but Amazon MGM also shared that Tanya Lapointe is attached to produce. In a press release about his involvement in the new movie, Villeneuve said that as a longtime fan who grew up watching the Bond series, he sees the character as “sacred territory.” “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” 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.” Amazon MGM and Prime Video head Mike Hopkins echoed Villeneuve’s enthusiasm and said that it was an honor to be able to collaborate with him. Hopkins also seemed to indicate that the studio intends for the new project to receive a theatrical release. “From Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival to the Dune films, [Villeneuve] has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and—most importantly—the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters,” Hopkins 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.” It’s likely going to be a while until we see any of the new Bond, given how busy Villeneuve currently is with his work on a third Dune feature for Legendary and Warner Bros., which is slated to hit theaters next year. As Deadline notes, Villeneuve has also reportedly been in talks to work on Universal’s upcoming Cleopatra project, Alcon Entertainment’s adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama, and Legendary’s adaptation of Annie Jacobsen’s Nuclear War: A Scenario. Bringing Villeneuve on for Bond seems like a solid move on Amazon’s part, considering how much money the studio spent to buy MGM and then, as part of a separate deal, to convince longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson to give up creative control of the IP. Villeneuve’s a known hit maker, and he might be able to help Amazon recoup a substantial chunk of its investment. But the new film’s success is undoubtedly going to hinge on its story and whoever ends up becoming the next 007.