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James Bond: Denis Villeneuve to direct next 007 film | James Bond: Denis Villeneuve to direct next 007 film |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Denis Villeneuve, the Oscar-nominated French-Canadian filmmaker, will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced. | |
The Dune director said in a statement released by the studio that he was a "die-hard James Bond fan" and intends to "honour the tradition" of the franchise. | |
Speculation has been swirling over the future of the 007 films after long-time Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stepped down from their roles in February. | Speculation has been swirling over the future of the 007 films after long-time Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stepped down from their roles in February. |
Villeneuve will also serve as an executive producer of the new film, having received global acclaim for helming the Dune franchise, as well as Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival. | |
Amazon did not give any hints on the next actor to play James Bond in the announcement, after Daniel Craig stepped back from playing the most recent incarnation. | |
Villeneuve acknowledged the "massive responsibility" of helming the new film and expressed his excitement at the challenge. | Villeneuve acknowledged the "massive responsibility" of helming the new film and expressed his excitement at the challenge. |
"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," he said. | "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," he said. |
"I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come." | "I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come." |
He added that he and fellow producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman - who have overseen Spider-Man and Harry Potter films respectively - were "thrilled to bring [Bond] back to the screen". | |
Head of Amazon MGM Studios Mike Hopkins hailed Villeneuve as a "cinematic master" and praised his ability to deliver "immersive storytelling" for global audiences. | Head of Amazon MGM Studios Mike Hopkins hailed Villeneuve as a "cinematic master" and praised his ability to deliver "immersive storytelling" for global audiences. |
It remains unclear when the next Bond film will be released, as the search for the next actor to play the titular spy continues. | |
British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton have been rumoured as frontrunners for the part, while Irish actor Paul Mescal's name has also been thrown into the mix. | |
Villeneuve gained prominence with a series of critical successes including Sicario, Prisoners and Incendies. | Villeneuve gained prominence with a series of critical successes including Sicario, Prisoners and Incendies. |
His 2016 science fiction thriller Arrival earned him his first Oscar nomination for directing. | His 2016 science fiction thriller Arrival earned him his first Oscar nomination for directing. |
Most recently, blockbusters Dune and Dune: Part Two grossed a combined total of more than $1bn (£730m) worldwide, with both films nominated for Best Picture Oscars in their respective years. | Most recently, blockbusters Dune and Dune: Part Two grossed a combined total of more than $1bn (£730m) 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. | |
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