NEW YORK (AP) — Denis Villeneuve goes from “Dune” to Bond.
Amazon MGM Studios introduced Wednesday that Villeneuve will direct the subsequent James Bond film. The untitled movie would be the first for the reason that studio took inventive reins of the storied movie franchise after a long time of management by the Broccoli household.
Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman had maintained that earlier than the subsequent Bond is solid, they might develop a screenplay and discover a director first. Now, they’ve one of the vital revered blockbuster makers in Hollywood, who’s coming off a pair of extensively acclaimed “Dune” movies.
In a press release, the 57-year-old French Canadian filmmaker mentioned he grew up watching Bond films.
“I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” mentioned Villeneuve. “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.”
Since taking inventive management of Bond in February, Amazon MGM has labored shortly to get the subsequent film going. The studio can also be making an attempt to win over followers skeptical of the brand new company management and the afraid of future spinoffs.
“James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers,” mentioned Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
With Pascal and Heyman lodged as producers and Villeneuve behind the digital camera, the subsequent Bond film can have an enviable mind belief. Villeneuve beat out a subject of administrators floated for the film together with Edward Berger (“Conclave”), Paul King (“Paddington 2”), Edgar Wright (“Baby Driver”) and Jonathan Nolan, co-creator of “Westworld” and brother to Christopher Nolan.
“Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy,” said Pascal and Heyman. “It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too.”
No launch date has been introduced for the subsequent Bond film. Villeneuve will shoot the third “Dune” movie this summer time. If manufacturing on Bond started subsequent yr, a launch someday in 2027 can be doubtless.
Villenevue’s first two “Dune” movies have collectively surpassed $1 billion in field workplace worldwide and been nominated for a mixed 15 Academy Awards, profitable seven. His different movies embody “Blade Runner 2049,” “Arrival,” “Sicario,” “Prisoners,” “Enemy” and “Incendies.”
Amazon purchased MGM Studios in 2022 for $8.5 billion, however did not achieve inventive management of the studio’s most prized asset till this yr. Till this movie, each Bond director has been handpicked by the Broccolis.
