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 MGM acquisition again in 2021 for $8.45 billion. The brand new Bond challenge 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 stated 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 recollections are related to 007,” Villeneuve stated. “I intend to honor the custom and open the trail for a lot of new missions to return. It is a huge accountability, but additionally, extremely thrilling for me and an enormous honor.”
Amazon MGM and Prime Video head Mike Hopkins echoed Villeneuve’s enthusiasm and stated 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 challenge 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 world audiences yearn to expertise in theaters,” Hopkins stated. “James Bond is within the palms of one in every of in the present day’s best filmmakers and we can’t wait to get began on 007’s subsequent journey.”
Bringing Villeneuve on for Bond looks like a strong 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 G. Wilson to surrender artistic management of the IP. Villeneuve’s a identified hit maker, and he would possibly be capable 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 media correspondent 007.