Amazon MGM Studios has today confirmed that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond movie.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” said Villeneuve in a statement published in conjunction with today’s announcement. “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. 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.”
Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios boss Mike Hopkins has called Villeneuve “a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself.”
“James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure,” has said.
Villeneuve’s directing credentials include the Academy Award-winning space epics Dune and Dune: Part Two, plus Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival. Villeneuve also helmed the acclaimed Incendies (2010), Prisoners (2013), and Sicario (2015).
Early this year it was confirmed that Amazon MGM Studios had entered into an agreement with Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the long-time producers and co-owners of the James Bond franchise, for Amazon to assume creative control of James Bond going forward.
The search for someone to direct the next Bond film has been ongoing for some time. Names previously reported to have been on the shortlist included Edward Berger (director of Netflix's All Quiet on the Western Front remake), and Kelly Marcel (director of Venom: The Last Dance).
The wait for confirmation of the next Bond himself, however, continues – although it’s very clear that one particular Brit has emerged as a clear fan favourite. Until then, Villeneuve has one more Dune movie to make.
Of course, if the wait for the next Bond film is too much to bear, 2026 is scheduled to mark the arrival of a new Bond game from Hitman developer IO Interactive – 007: First Light. You can watch the debut trailer below.
Luke is a Senior Editor on the IGN reviews team. You can track him down on Bluesky @mrlukereilly to ask him things about stuff.
