Denis Villeneuve to direct the next James Bond film for Amazon MGM, bringing his visionary style to 007’s long-awaited return after No Time to Die.
Denis Villeneuve, the visionary director best known for Dune and Blade Runner 2049, has officially signed on to helm the next installment of the James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios announced Wednesday.
This marks the first Bond movie since Daniel Craig’s No Time to Die in October 2021 and ushers in a new creative chapter under Amazon’s stewardship.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman, previously attached as producers, will return alongside executive producer Tanya Lapointe.
Villeneuve emerged as the surprise pick amid a roster of high-profile contenders—including Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan, Paul King, Edward Berger, and former frontrunner Alfonso Cuarón.
His appointment follows Amazon MGM’s historic deal in February granting it full creative control over Bond, part of the studio’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2022.
Currently shooting Dune: Part Three for Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment—due in theaters December 16, 2026—Villeneuve will juggle both sprawling sci-fi epics and 007’s globe-trotting espionage.
Despite his packed schedule, Villeneuve said he’s a “die-hard Bond fan” who grew up watching Sean Connery’s Dr. No with his father, and vowed to “honor the tradition” while “opening the path for many new missions to come.”
Amazon MGM head Mike Hopkins praised Villeneuve as “a cinematic master,” pointing to his talent for immersive storytelling, dynamic visuals, and rich character work.
Pascal and Heyman echoed that sentiment, noting that Villeneuve’s lifelong passion for Bond makes him uniquely suited to revitalize the series at this pivotal moment.
Villeneuve’s track record speaks for itself: his two Dune films have earned 15 Academy Award nominations (winning eight) and grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide, while Blade Runner 2049 received five Oscar nods (winning two) and critical acclaim for its bold vision.
Before that, his films Arrival and Sicario cemented his reputation for reinventing genre fare with depth and style.
As he steps into “sacred territory,” Villeneuve faces the challenge of updating a storied legacy while satisfying devoted Bond fans. With Amazon MGM’s resources and his epic sensibility, the next 007 adventure may well redefine the franchise for a new era.
