Denis Villeneuve arrives on the red carpet of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit/Provider: Etienne Laurent / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
Preview:
- Denis Villeneuve is directing the new James Bond movie, which doesn’t immediately sound like the perfect fit.
- As a lifelong Bond fan, choosing Denis Villeneuve puts the future of the franchise in good hands.
- If nothing else, Denis Villeneuve will make the most visually stunning James Bond movie.
It was recently announced that Denis Villeneuve is going to be directing the new James Bond film, after control was handed over to Amazon MGM. While the internet is debating on if he is right for the job or not, there are a lot of things that make him the perfect choice, but a couple concerns as well.
“The mission that changes everything begins…”
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2 hr 43 minOct 8th, 2021
Not a lot is known about the next film, including which actor will be portraying the title character. Denis Villeneuve is busy with the upcoming ‘Dune: Messiah’ which releases in December 2026 meaning it might be a while until we hear more details about this movie. Chances are the new 007 movie will not start filming until ‘Dune: Messiah’ is in post-production, although the script and casting should be completed before then.
Fans are looking at a late 2026 or early 2027 release at the earliest. That definately feels like a long time after 2021’s ‘No Time To Die’.
Related Article: ‘Dune’s Denis Villeneuve to Direct the Next James Bond Movie for Amazon
Denis Villeneuve Has A Love For The Franchise
James Bond (Daniel Craig) prepares to shoot in ‘No Time To Die,’ a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film.
Probably the most exciting aspect of this decision is that Denis Villeneuve has admitted that he grew up watching the James Bond films. They hold a special place in his heart and he went so far as to call them sacred territory so he knows what he needs to accomplish. And if anyone can do it, it is him.
Often when a director is passionate about a franchise before they are welcomed into it, they want nothing more than to create a perfect addition to it. This is something that Denis Villeneuve has dreamed of, making it unlikely he would do anything that would anger the fans.
He knows what works and what doesn’t in a James Bond movie, and he is certainly willing to put in the work. No one has ever claimed that Denis Villeneuve doesn’t know what he is doing, so odds are he will put everything he has into making the next James Bond movie something special. Why take on the responsibility of something like this, especially a franchise you love, and phone it in?
This Could Be The Most Visually Stunning Bond Movie With Denis Villeneuve At The Helm
(Left) Director Denis Villeneuve on the ‘Dune: Part Two’ global press tour. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2012’s ‘Skyfall.’ Photo: Sony Pictures.
With Denis Villeneuve in the director’s chair for the new James Bond movie, there is a good chance this is going to be the most beautiful of the franchise. As exciting as this is, here is where one of the concerns comes in. No one is doubting that with Denis Villeneuve involved this movie is going to look beautiful, as we have seen him win multiple awards for visual effects and cinematography, but you need more than that for a successful film.
His visual style doesn’t exactly scream James Bond. At least not at first thought. Denis Villeneuve is known for sweeping landscapes, desaturated tones, and extremely well done special effects. These are all things that the new James Bond movie could thrive off of, but it might take long time fans a bit longer to get used to it.
‘Blade Runner 2049’ is a great example. The film might have been a box office disappointment, but it is also applauded for its incredible visuals and world building. It found its audience at home after some were skeptical about Denis Villeneuve being at the helm and a need for another movie.
The new James Bond movie will not have this problem, however, as it is already a well established franchise. Odds are fans will be showing up in theaters no matter what, although that also depends slightly on who the next James Bond actor is.
Denis Villeneuve Is Widely Considered One Of Today’s Best Working Directors
(L to R) Timothee Chalamet and Director/Writer/Producer Denis Villeneuve on the set of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure ‘Dune: Part Two,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Of course there were fans of ‘Dune’ before Denis Villeneuve’s films, but he introduced it to so many people all around the world in a way that caused them to explore the world further: reading the books, seeing the previous film, and so on. His work drew people in and created new fans, which is something that he could do for the James Bond franchise as well, something Amazon MGM surely thought about.
Denis Villeneuve has a way of adapting and growing already established projects, like ‘Dune’ and ‘Blade Runner’. He often remains faithful enough to the original, but still adds something new and exciting. He knows how to build tension and create worlds and characters that will leave viewers mesmerized.
James Bond already has a well established fan base, but it still needs the next movie to be good, well-respected, and an entertaining watch. Denis Villeneuve is going to bring his A-game because of his love for the character. He is well versed in the films so there is no need to think he will change what makes James Bond so beloved. Surely we are all in good hands.
Daniel Craig as James Bond in ‘Casino Royale.’