Who is Denis Villeneuve? New James Bond director named
His most recent successes include his work as the director of Dune and Dune Part 2, the award-winning space epic featuring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya. The films which he directed have also been nominated and won several Academy Awards, BAFTAs and Golden Globes.
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Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
James Bond fans convinced they've cracked the next 007 actor
The news that Denis Villeneuve will helm the next James Bond film has fans convinced that Timothée Chalamet is about to become the next 007. Amazon MGM announced on Wednesday that the Dune and Blade Runner 2049 director will direct the next entry in the long-running franchise. Expressing his reverence for the character, Denis said: '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.' The announcement has some fans convinced that Denis might bring with him a Bond of his own – Dune and Dune: Part 2 star Timothée. Is the one-time Willy Wonka about to be handed his license to kill? Taking to X as the news landed, fans shared their thoughts on Denis' new job – speculating that he might bring 29-year-old Timothée along for the ride. 'Now cast Timothée Chalamalabingbong as James Bond,' wrote the user Cookin_Meth. 'TIMOTHEE CHALAMET ANSWER THE PHONE!!! YOU ARE JAMES BOND!!' exclaimed wixeddreams_. 'Timothee is gonna be the next bond,' Dmoney2499 speculated. 'I assume this means Timothee Chalamet will be the next James Bond,' agreed JamesHazelden. The French-American actor has worked with Denis to play Paul Atreides in the sci-fi action franchise Dune. As the Lisan al Gaib, Paul was the main character in the series' first two entries, and will return in the 2026 sequel Dune: Messiah. Denis cast Timothée in the role after being impressed by his performance in the 2017 romance Call Me By Your Name. 'I have to thank you because seeing Timothée's performance in 'Call Me by Your Name' is one of the main driving forces [for me] to think about Paul Atreides,' he told the film's director, Luca Guadagnino, in a chat chaired by Variety. 'There was something about that intelligence that I saw in his eyes and the maturity in that youth that you captured that I said, 'Oh my God, maybe it could be him.' Speculation as to the next Bond's identity has been rife since Daniel Craig vacated the role after 2021's No Time to Die. As the film searched for its director, 28 Years Later star Aaron Taylor-Johnson emerged as early frontrunner, alongside The While Lotus alumnus Theo James. Happy Valley actor James Norton, Emily in Paris's Lucien Laviscount and The Crown star Josh O' Connor have also been named as potential contenders for the role. Only this week, Mufasa: The Lion King star Aaron Pierre also entered the running, following a leak from entertainment insider Daniel Ritchman. Theo James – 7/2 Aaron Taylor-Johnson – 11/8 Callum Turner – 16/1 Harris Dickinson – 16/1 Henry Cavill – 4/1 Jack Lowden – 12/1 James Norton – 12/1 Josh O'Connor – 33/1 Tom Hardy – 20/1 (Odds via Ladbrokes) After being purchased by Amazon for $$8.45billion (£6.7billion) in 2022, an agreement over creative control means that the franchise's future is entirely in the streaming service's hands. This includes the monumental decision as to who will fill the iconic spy's shoes. Prior to this landmark development, family-run Eon Productions had been responsible for the franchise since its first film in 1962. Of Denis's appointment as director, Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios said: 'We are honoured that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. More Trending '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.' In a statement, Denis described himself as a 'die-hard' Bond fan, promising: '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.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: James Bond fans crushed after discovering Hollywood legends' 1960s-set pitch 'will never happen' MORE: Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains tight-lipped about Bond but there are other 007 candidates MORE: What will the new head of MI6 actually do?
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
BBC confirms Call the Midwife to continue amid axing reports
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 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."
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Molly-Mae Hague wears bold and 'statement' high-street earrings perfect for summer
Molly-Mae Hague wears bold and 'statement' high-street earrings perfect for summer The TV personality looked stunning at the BAFTAs in February - and now it's been revealed the star wore jewellery from a well-known high-street brand The reality star looked glam as she attended the BAFTAs earlier this year (Image: 2025) Molly-Mae Hague has undoubtedly made her mark as a style icon. The 26-year-old turned heads at this year's BAFTAs, exuding elegance, timeless charm, and glamour - and fans were thrilled to discover her ensemble included several high-street jewellery pieces still available for purchase. Molly-Mae enhanced her smart look with an array of standout silver ear-stacks and cuffs, including a piece from the popular high-street brand Astrid and Miyu. Upon further investigation, it looks like she wore the brand's 'beautiful' Cosmic Illusion Crystal Ear Cuff in silver (£50). She was also seen wearing what appears to be the brand's Essential Crystal Small Hoops in Silver, priced at £60, according to Teesside Live. While Molly-Mae has remained tight-lipped about the origin of her earrings, a close-up image shared by her hair stylist, Jack Luckhurst, unveils the exquisite stack. READ MORE: Charlotte Tilbury's 'game-changing' skincare product leaves customers 'blown away' READ MORE: Fashion writer's 'top picks from Ann Summers' festival collection ahead of Glastonbury The delicate cuff is crafted from rhodium-plated recycled sterling silver and is also available in gold (although it's currently sold out), though Molly-Mae opted for the silver version. This refined cuff features a star-shaped embellishment on the lobe, complete with a shimmering pavé band. Customers have been quick to commend its fashionable allure, with one shopper noting: "Very chic ear cuff, love how it sits perfectly and buying a few more for my friends as cute little presents." Cosmic Illusion Crystal Ear Cuff in Silver £50.00 Astrid & Miyu Buy Now on Astrid & Miyu Product Description Molly donned the cuff earlier this year for a Bafta look A thrilled consumer shared their enthusiasm: "I love this ear cuff; it's very comfy to wear, super sparkly and looks like a real piercing." Another user voiced their satisfaction, saying: "Perfect ear cuff, looks so pretty, quite flexible if you need to pinch it or open it slightly depending on ear shape." Echoing this sentiment, a fourth chimed in: "I love this ear cuff; it's very comfy to wear, super sparkly and looks like a real piercing." For those who can't quite bring themselves to spend £50 on an ear cuff, Missoma's Lucy Williams Mini Orb Ear Cuff, decorated with small gold bobbles to add texture, is available for £25. Meanwhile, we also like Oliver Bonas' Donna Disco Faceted Silver Ear Cuff at a more wallet-friendly £22. Boasting a 4.9-star rating, the Astrid & Miyu earring has garnered scarcely any criticisms, with the sole four-star review stating a preference for the gold version: "I do prefer the gold." Yet they also remarked: "I love the ear cuffs and being able to have more ear jewels without the piercing." Content cannot be displayed without consent Molly-Mae appears to have elegantly paired the Cosmic Illusion Crystal Ear Cuff with what seems to be the brand's Essential Crystal Small Hoops in Silver, retailing for £60. These hoops, crafted from recycled sterling silver, are celebrated for offering 'just the right amount of sparkle'. The hoops boast an impressive 4.9-star rating that underscores their quality and aesthetic appeal, although one critic notes: "These are fairly simple, not stand out quality - they are cute and a nice size." Another customer questioned their value at the £60 price point. Nevertheless, the majority of feedback is positive, with a customer commenting: "These are gorgeous earrings. They are so delicate and pretty; they sparkle so brightly. They are lightweight but still feel excellent quality." Article continues below They've also been hailed as perfect for everyday wear: "I wear these daily, and they have a lovely sparkle yet work for an everyday pair of earrings," one Astrid and Miyu enthusiast observed. An additional review praises their versatility and shine: "I love wearing these, and they sparkle. They're very easy to wear and look good with other earrings as well. Another hit."
