Final night time, Amazon MGM introduced that Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct a brand new Bond movie — the studio’s first because it obtained the property as a part of its $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM again in 2021. The brand new Bond undertaking doesn’t but have a reputation, casting particulars, or a manufacturing timeline, however Amazon MGM additionally shared that Tanya Lapointe is hooked up to supply. In a press launch about his involvement within the new film, Villeneuve mentioned that as a longtime fan who grew up watching the Bond collection, he sees the character as “sacred territory.”
“A few of my earliest movie-going reminiscences are linked to 007,” Villeneuve mentioned. “I intend to honor the custom and open the trail for a lot of new missions to come back. This can be a huge accountability, but in addition, extremely thrilling for me and an enormous honor.”
Amazon MGM and Prime Video head Mike Hopkins echoed Villeneuve’s enthusiasm and mentioned that it was an honor to have the ability to collaborate with him. Hopkins additionally appeared to point that the studio intends for the brand new undertaking to obtain a theatrical launch.
“From Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival to the Dune movies, [Villeneuve] has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complicated characters, and—most significantly—the immersive storytelling that international audiences yearn to expertise in theaters,” Hopkins mentioned. “James Bond is within the arms of one among at present’s best filmmakers and we can not wait to get began on 007’s subsequent journey.”
Bringing Villeneuve on for Bond looks like a stable transfer on Amazon’s half, contemplating how a lot cash the studio spent to purchase MGM after which, as a part of a separate deal, to persuade longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson to surrender artistic management of the IP. Villeneuve’s a recognized hit maker, and he may have the ability to assist Amazon recoup a considerable chunk of its funding. However the brand new movie’s success is undoubtedly going to hinge on its story and whoever finally ends up changing into the following 007.
