Denis Villeneuve: Director of next James Bond film announced - and says he's a 'diehard 007 fan'
The director of the next James Bond film has been announced.
Denis Villeneuve - a four-time Academy Award nominee who earned critical acclaim for the Dune Franchise and Blade Runner 2049 - said the role is a "massive responsibility".
The Canadian filmmaker described himself as a "diehard" fan since childhood, adding that it is a "huge honour" to come on board.
"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," Villeneuve said.
Reassuring fans, the director continued: "To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come."
His appointment comes as the British spy franchise experiences a major overhaul, with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson handing over creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.
The Broccoli family have long been the force behind the Bond films, and now co-own the intellectual property.
Two recently appointed producers - Spider-Man's Amy Pascal and Harry Potter's David Heyman - said securing a director and developing a screenplay were top priorities before deciding who would succeed Daniel Craig in the role.
Read more entertainment news:
The head of Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins, described Villeneuve as a "cinematic master whose filmography speaks for itself".
He added: "Denis has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and - most importantly - the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theatres.
"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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hypebeast
an hour ago
- Hypebeast
Denis Villeneuve To Direct Next 'James Bond' Film for Amazon MGM Studios
Summary Denis Villeneuveis officially directing the nextJames Bondfilm atAmazon MGM Studios. The studio confirmed the news although no additional details, including the cast, were revealed. '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 viaVariety. He continued, '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.' Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said, '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.' Amy Pascal and David Heyman, who were previously announced as producers, added, '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.' The last James Bond movie to be released dates back to 2021'sNo Time To Die, which also sawDaniel Craigportray the titular 007 agent for the last time. Actors rumored to take on the role next have includedIdris Elba, James Norton, Theo James, Callum Turner and Harris Dickinson, with the latest name beingAaron Taylor-Johnson. Stay tuned for more details.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
BBC confirms Call the Midwife 'isn't going anywhere' despite reports of axing
The BBC has confirmed Call the Midwife "isn't going anywhere, despite reports it is "coming to an end" after series 15. The hit BBC series, which follows a group of midwives in London's impoverished East End during the 50s and 60s, began back in January 2012. It has gone on to win several major gongs, including BAFTAs, TV Choice and National Television Awards. Filming is already underway for series 15 of Call the Midwife, which the Daily Star reported was set to be the last. An insider, speaking to the news outlet, said: 'After years of drama and countless births, Call The Midwife is coming to an end. The team have decided it's time to draw the show to a close and bow out. 'This is the last we'll see of these much-loved characters. Storylines will tie up a lot of loose ends.' They continued: 'It's a bittersweet time for the cast and crew. They're all sad it's coming to an end, but they want to make sure the show gets the ending it deserves.' Fans were quick to jump on social media to share how "upset" they were with reports Call the Midwife had been axed. One person, posting on X (formerly Twitter), said: "I'm so upset I love call the midwife praying doctor who ain't next, im scared." Another viewer added: "I can't believe they are taking Call The Midwife away from me this is a personal attack." A third fan commented: "They cancelled call the midwife I'm going into a permanent mourning." they cancelled call the midwife I'm going into a permanent mourning — h. 🤎 (@withlovekarim) June 25, 2025 The 15th and final series of Call the Midwife will consist of eight hour-long episodes and will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from January 2026. The new series will follow a two-part Christmas special in 2025, which will be set in Hong Kong and Poplar. But despite these reports, the BBC has reassured fans Call the Midwife "isn't going anywhere". A Call the Midwife prequel series is set for production in 2026. (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney) The broadcaster said: "The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call The Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come. "As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film and prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course. "Call the Midwife isn't going anywhere.' RECOMMENDED READING: Call the Midwife confirms return of star as fans say 'he's back where he belongs' BBC announces new Call the Midwife prequel TV series and film Call the Midwife star admits 'it's hard to talk about' BBC show after shock axe Call the Midwife legend surprises fans after landing new role on EastEnders As well as series 15, the BBC also previously announced a new Call the Midwife prequel series. The prequel series, set in Poplar during World War II, will be made for the BBC in 2026. In addition to the new TV series, Neal Street (production company), in development with BBC Film, is producing a Call the Midwife film. The BBC said: "This will be set overseas in 1972 and feature iconic characters from the existing TV show."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film in major franchise shake-up
Denis Villeneuve has been confirmed as the director of the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced. The Oscar-nominated Canadian filmmaker, best known for helming critically acclaimed blockbusters including Dune, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, will take the reins of the iconic British spy series as part of a significant creative overhaul. The director said in a statement on Wednesday: '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 honour 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 honour.' Head of Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins, said of Villeneuve joining the franchise: 'We are honoured that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter. 'He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself… 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.' Villeneuve's appointment comes as Eon Productions, run by longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, handed over creative control of the franchise in a landmark deal. Wilson and Broccoli had produced the franchise since the death of Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli. The official film franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962. The move signalled a new era for 007 following the departure of Daniel Craig, who concluded his tenure as Bond with No Time to Die, which grossed $774 million worldwide. A release date has not yet been announced and the casting of the new Bond remains unconfirmed. Speculation continues to swirl, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James and James Norton all considered frontrunners for the role. Taylor-Johnson recently stoked fresh speculation when he told press on the red carpet for 28 Years Later that he 'couldn't talk about' his next project. Villeneuve is currently preparing to begin production on Dune: Messiah, the third film in his Dune series, which is set for release in 2026. He is also attached to a number of other high-profile projects, including a Cleopatra biopic, an adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke's Rendezvous with Rama, and a film based on a short story by South Korean science fiction author Kim Bo-young.
