Within the 50-plus years of James Bond, the wait between movies has by no means gone longer than six years. The following entry, and first since Daniel Craig’s dramatic exit, might take a look at that — however issues are rushing up.
On Wednesday, Amazon MGM Studio introduced that Denis Villeneuve will direct the twenty sixth Bond film, placing the franchise within the fingers of probably the most revered big-budget filmmakers. This is what to learn about that call, and the place issues stand for 007.
From ‘Dune’ to Bond
Villeneuve, the 57-year-old French Canadian director, edged out different filmmakers who had been reportedly eyed for the gig, together with Edward Berger (“Conclave”) and Paul King (“Paddington 2”). Since rising with 2010’s “Incendies,” Villeneuve has established himself as a steward of cinematic IP (“Blade Runner 2049,” “Dune”) and a specialist in darkish, doom-laden spectacle (“Sicaro,” “Arrival”).
“James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers,” stated Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
The fruits for Villeneuve has been the “Dune” movies. His first two entries have surpassed $1 billion in field workplace and gathered a mixed 15 Academy Award nominations, profitable seven. Villeneuve is anticipated to start taking pictures the third “Dune” movie this summer season, with a solid together with Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Zendaya and Javier Bardem.
“I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” stated 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.”
What is the timetable?
Amazon, which purchased MGM Studios in 2022 for $8.5 billion, hasn’t set a launch date but or introduced a screenwriter. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are shepherding the film for the primary time. In February, Amazon MGM Studios secured artistic management of the franchise from Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, whose household has presided over Bond because the first movie, 1962’s “Dr. No.”
The probably timing could be manufacturing beginning in 2026 and the movie being launched someday in 2027.
Who’s within the combine to play Bond subsequent?
No new 007 has been named, however that hasn’t stopped rumors and conjecture from operating rampant.
It is pure hypothesis buts oddsmakers have just a few anticipated contenders for the martini-sipping function. These embody Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Aaron Pierre, Henry Cavill, James Norton and Jack Lowden. Expectations are that the brand new Bond will stay male and British, however producers have stated nothing publicly to tip their hand.
Whoever it’s can have huge sneakers to fill. In his five-film, 15-year stretch within the tuxedo, Daniel Craig was broadly seen as the most effective Bonds, together with the excessive level of “Skyfall” (2012) and the swan tune of “No Time to Die” (2021).
New company overloads with one thing to show
Since Albert “Cubby” Broccoli obtained the film rights to Ian Fleming’s books, James Bond has been a household enterprise. That did not change after Amazon purchased MGM, but it surely did earlier this yr when Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli agreed to let the studio take artistic management.
That handoff stoked concern from many Bond followers that 007 could be picked aside for spinoffs, collection and the type of mental property strip mining Hollywood has been recognized for in different franchises like “Star Wars.” Up to now, although, Amazon MGM has made no announcement about any spinoffs, and is prioritizing the twenty sixth Bond film.
