Latest news with #26thBond
The Province
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Province
What to know about the next James Bond movie now that Denis Villeneuve will direct it
Published Jun 26, 2025 • Last updated 36 minutes ago • 3 minute read Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve arrives for the 97th Annual Academy Awards Nominees Dinner at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, Feb. 25, 2025. Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP via Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. In the 50-plus years of James Bond, the wait between films has never gone longer than six years. The next entry, and first since Daniel Craig's dramatic exit, may test that — but things are speeding up. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors On Wednesday, Amazon MGM Studio announced that Denis Villeneuve will direct the 26th Bond movie, putting the franchise in the hands of one of the most respected big-budget filmmakers. Here's what to know about that decision, and where things stand for 007. Villeneuve, the 57-year-old French-Canadian director, edged out other filmmakers who were reportedly eyed for the gig, including Edward Berger ('Conclave') and Paul King ('Paddington 2'). Since emerging with 2010's 'Incendies,' Villeneuve has established himself as a steward of cinematic IP ('Blade Runner 2049,' 'Dune') and a specialist in dark, doom-laden spectacle ('Sicaro,' 'Arrival'). 'James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers,' said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The culmination for Villeneuve has been the 'Dune' films. His first two entries have surpassed $1 billion in box office and gathered a combined 15 Academy Award nominations, winning seven. Villeneuve is expected to begin shooting the third 'Dune' film this summer, with a cast including Timothee Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Zendaya and Javier Bardem. 'I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory,' said Villeneuve. '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.' What's the timetable? Amazon, which bought MGM Studios in 2022 for $8.5 billion, hasn't set a release date yet or announced a screenwriter. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are shepherding the movie for the first time. In February, Amazon MGM Studios secured creative control of the franchise from Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, whose family has presided over Bond since the first film, 1962's 'Dr. No.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The most likely timing would be production starting in 2026 and the film being released sometime in 2027. Who's in the mix? No new 007 has been named, but that hasn't stopped rumours and conjecture from running rampant. It's pure speculation buts oddsmakers have a few expected contenders for the martini-sipping role. Those include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Aaron Pierre, Henry Cavill, James Norton and Jack Lowden. Expectations are that the new Bond will remain male and British, but producers have said nothing publicly to tip their hand. Whoever it is will have big shoes to fill. In his five-film, 15-year stretch in the tuxedo, Daniel Craig was widely seen as one of the best Bonds, including the high point of 'Skyfall' (2012) and the swan song of 'No Time to Die' (2021). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Since Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli obtained the movie rights to Ian Fleming's books, James Bond has been a family business. That didn't change after Amazon bought MGM, but it did earlier this year when Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli agreed to let the studio take creative control. That handoff stoked concern from many Bond fans that 007 would be picked apart for spinoffs, series and the kind of intellectual property strip mining Hollywood has been known for in other franchises like 'Star Wars.' So far, though, Amazon MGM has made no announcement about any spinoffs, and is prioritizing the 26th Bond movie.
Toronto Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
What to know about the next James Bond movie now that Denis Villeneuve will direct it
Published Jun 26, 2025 • Last updated 3 minutes ago • 3 minute read Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve arrives for the 97th Annual Academy Awards Nominees Dinner at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, Feb. 25, 2025. Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP via Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. In the 50-plus years of James Bond, the wait between films has never gone longer than six years. The next entry, and first since Daniel Craig's dramatic exit, may test that — but things are speeding up. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account On Wednesday, Amazon MGM Studio announced that Denis Villeneuve will direct the 26th Bond movie, putting the franchise in the hands of one of the most respected big-budget filmmakers. Here's what to know about that decision, and where things stand for 007. Villeneuve, the 57-year-old French-Canadian director, edged out other filmmakers who were reportedly eyed for the gig, including Edward Berger ('Conclave') and Paul King ('Paddington 2'). Since emerging with 2010's 'Incendies,' Villeneuve has established himself as a steward of cinematic IP ('Blade Runner 2049,' 'Dune') and a specialist in dark, doom-laden spectacle ('Sicaro,' 'Arrival'). 'James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers,' said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The culmination for Villeneuve has been the 'Dune' films. His first two entries have surpassed $1 billion in box office and gathered a combined 15 Academy Award nominations, winning seven. Villeneuve is expected to begin shooting the third 'Dune' film this summer, with a cast including Timothee Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Zendaya and Javier Bardem. 'I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory,' said Villeneuve. '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.' What's the timetable? Amazon, which bought MGM Studios in 2022 for $8.5 billion, hasn't set a release date yet or announced a screenwriter. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are shepherding the movie for the first time. In February, Amazon MGM Studios secured creative control of the franchise from Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, whose family has presided over Bond since the first film, 1962's 'Dr. No.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The most likely timing would be production starting in 2026 and the film being released sometime in 2027. Who's in the mix? No new 007 has been named, but that hasn't stopped rumours and conjecture from running rampant. It's pure speculation buts oddsmakers have a few expected contenders for the martini-sipping role. Those include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Aaron Pierre, Henry Cavill, James Norton and Jack Lowden. Expectations are that the new Bond will remain male and British, but producers have said nothing publicly to tip their hand. Whoever it is will have big shoes to fill. In his five-film, 15-year stretch in the tuxedo, Daniel Craig was widely seen as one of the best Bonds, including the high point of 'Skyfall' (2012) and the swan song of 'No Time to Die' (2021). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Since Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli obtained the movie rights to Ian Fleming's books, James Bond has been a family business. That didn't change after Amazon bought MGM, but it did earlier this year when Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli agreed to let the studio take creative control. That handoff stoked concern from many Bond fans that 007 would be picked apart for spinoffs, series and the kind of intellectual property strip mining Hollywood has been known for in other franchises like 'Star Wars.' So far, though, Amazon MGM has made no announcement about any spinoffs, and is prioritizing the 26th Bond movie. CFL Canada Celebrity Sunshine Girls Music
Euronews
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
New James Bond director announced – here's our verdict
Finally some good news. After trademark woes, fears over Trump's tariffs, and endless speculation over the identity of the actor who will take over the 007 mantle, here's a very promising update for the 26th Bond adventure. Amazon MGM Studios put out a press release confirming the identity of the filmmaker for the first 007 film under the studio. They have picked French Canadian director Denis Villeneuve to guide James Bond into a new era. Villeneuve will also serve as executive producer, alongside Tanya Lapointe. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers. Villeneuve said in a statement: '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.' He continued: '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. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.' Une publication partagée par Amazon MGM Studios (@amazonmgmstudios) 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." Euronews Culture's Verdict We couldn't agree more with Hopkins' comments. Denis Villeneuve is an inspired choice and one of the greatest filmmakers around. It may seem like a bold statement, but we stick by it: Villeneuve has yet to make a bad film. Going one step further, his filmmography does speak for itself: they're all stunning. Best known for helming the Dune franchise, Villeneuve is a four-time Academy Award nominee who has garnered critical acclaim for his films Incendies, Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario, Arrival, and his Blade Runner sequel, Blade Runner 2049. His underseen films Polytechnique and Maelström are no slouches either. He has proven time and time again that he can confidently handle psychological thrillers, nail-biting action scenes (Sicario's traffic jam scene is one of the tensest sequences in recent years), science-fiction goodness - all while balancing complex themes and emotions. The fact that he is also an executive producer on the forthcoming Bond film should give the director a bigger voice when it comes to the direction the franchise is heading in for what is sure to be a reboot after (spoilers) Bond's death in No Time To Die. While further details on the next Bond film have yet to be revealed, including its cast, release date and plot, picking Villeneuve is a sure sign that Amazon are taking this seriously. They have to, as it was announced in March that the long-serving producers of the films, Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson, had stepped away from the creative process and handed over control to Amazon MGM Studios. This ended over 60 years of the Broccoli family's control of the Bond estate. A lot of Bond fans did not react well to the news of the franchise's sale, with many fearing that the new corporate leadership will ruin the series by over-saturating the market with spin-offs, series and other ventures that would dilute the impact of the big screen Bond adventures. The appointment of a director of Villeneuve's caliber should assuage some of those fears. Both Villeneuve's Dune and Dune: Part Two grossed a combined total of more than $1bn worldwide, with both films nominated for Best Picture Oscars in their respective years. Villeneuve is expected to start shooting Dune Messiah, the third movie of the Dune franchise, later this year with a potential release date in 2026. This means that while production is underway for the next Bond film, the earliest we can expect to see the movie will be by the end of 2027. Therefore, Bond 26 will beat the longest ever recorded gap between two James Bond films, since Daniel Craig's swansong, No Time To Die, came out in 2021. The previous record was set by GoldenEye, which was released in 1995 - six years after Timothy Dalton appeared in Licence to Kill. The 2015-2021 pause between SPECTRE and No Time To Die already gave that record a run for its money, primarily due to the Covid pandemic which delayed the release of the film.
Euronews
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Helen Mirren: James Bond should not be a woman due to franchise's ‘profound sexism'
ADVERTISEMENT Celebrated British actress Helen Mirren has said that James Bond should never be played by a woman, as the spy franchise is 'born out of profound sexism'. Mirren also admitted that she 'never liked' the 007 series because of the way women were presented in it. 'The whole series of James Bond, it was not my thing. It really wasn't. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond,' Mirren told The Standard in a new interview. 'The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism.' She continued: 'Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service. They always have been. And very brave. If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they're amazingly, unbelievably courageous. So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who've worked in that world.' Helen Mirren, Guy Ritchie, Pierce Brosnan and Tom Hardy at the premiere of MobLand AP Photo Mirren, 79, is currently starring in the new Paramount+ crime series MobLand alongside one-time Bond favourite Tom Hardy and former James Bond Pierce Brosnan. The 71-year-old Irish star, who suited up for the role from 1995 to 2002, has previously dismissed speculation that an American could take on the role following Amazon's acquisition, calling it a 'given' that the martini-sipping agent should be British. 'I'm a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan, I mean massive fan,' shared Mirren. 'I mean, oh my God. Obviously, he's gorgeous and everything, and I think he's fabulous in MobLand, but he also happens to be one of the nicest people you'll ever have the pleasure to work with. And indeed Daniel Craig, who I've met and know a little bit, again – a very lovely, gracious person.' Who will be Amazon's Bond? Amazon-MGM - Canva In a shakeup earlier this year that shocked everyone in the movie business and James Bond fans, longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli – who always opposed the idea that James Bond be played by a woman - and Michael G. Wilson announced they're stepping away from the franchise to allow Amazon MGM Studios to take creative control . It was later revealed that Amy Pascal and David Heyman would be producing the upcoming 26th Bond film . There is much concern over the future of the franchise, as Amazon now have the power to move forward not only with new films but potentially with spin-off films and TV shows. There is no script, director or lead actor in place for a new Bond film, and the rumour mill is working overtime following the rapid succession of announcements this year. Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón ( Roma, Gravity, Children of Men ) seems to be the current favourite to helm the 26th Bond adventure , while Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Theo James, James Norton, Kingsley Ben-Adir are popular bookies picks for the new James Bond. Adding themselves to that list in recent weeks have been Triangle of Sadness and Babygirl star Harris Dickinson, Challengers actor Josh O'Connor, Slow Horses star Jack Lowden and Gladiator II leading man Paul Mescal.
