Contemporary from his success with the “Dune” saga, Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct the following film within the storied James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios introduced on Wednesday.
The web retail large has chosen a filmmaker very a lot in vogue in Hollywood as he makes his first foray into the world of the now-iconic British agent 007, first delivered to life seven a long time in the past by author Ian Fleming.
‘Die-hard fan’
Villeneuve, who’s Canadian, mentioned he grew up watching Bond movies along with his father.
“I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve mentioned in an announcement launched by Amazon.
“I intend to honour the custom and open the trail for a lot of new missions to return,” he added.
“This can be a huge duty, but additionally, extremely thrilling for me and an enormous honour.”
No phrase on subsequent James Bond
There may be no phrase but on who will play Her Majesty’s spy.
Daniel Craig’s remaining portrayal of James Bond got here in 2021 following the discharge of “No Time to Die.” Since then, 007 has seen many twists and turns.
Amazon paid practically $8.45 billion to purchase legendary Hollywood studio MGM in 2022, which included distribution rights to Bond’s in depth again catalogue.
However for the next three years, the retail behemoth was met with resistance from Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the franchise’s historic producers who for many years had jealously guarded the governance of considered one of cinema’s most respected properties.
The corporate run by Jeff Bezos lastly reached a monetary settlement with the pair in February to take artistic management of the franchise.
Some followers have expressed concern that the character will probably be exploited by Amazon via a large number of recent movies, or spinoff sequence that go direct to its streaming platform Prime.
Towards this backdrop, the selection of Villeneuve, who additionally directed “Blade Runner 2049” and “Arrival,” resonates as a pledge to purists.
“We’re honoured that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s subsequent chapter,” Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios, mentioned within the assertion, noting Villeneuve’s observe file with “immersive storytelling.”
“He’s a cinematic grasp, whose filmography speaks for itself.”
Villeneuve’s two installments of science-fiction saga “Dune” had been every nominated for an Oscar for Greatest Image.
“Dune: Half Two,” launched in 2024, grossed $700 million globally and received Oscars for Greatest Sound and Greatest Visible Results.
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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
