Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed director behind Dune, has been officially announced as the director of the next James Bond film, according to Variety and Amazon MGM Studios. Tanya Lapointe will join the project as an executive producer, with Amy Pascal and David Heyman producing. Villeneuve expressed deep personal connection to the Bond franchise, recalling fond memories of watching the classic 007 films with his father. He described Bond as "sacred territory" and said it's a great honour and responsibility to continue the iconic legacy. "I want to respect the tradition while paving the way for future missions. It's both a huge responsibility and a tremendous privilege," he shared.

Amazon MGM Studios’ Mike Hopkins praised Villeneuve’s cinematic vision, saying they are thrilled to have him on board. He described Villeneuve as a master storyteller whose work—from Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival and the Dune films—demonstrates an ability to create immersive, visually striking worlds and emotionally rich characters. "James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers," Hopkins said.

Villeneuve, a French-Canadian and Oscar-nominated director, is also currently developing Dune Messiah, the third film in the Dune saga, set for release in 2026. In addition to his success with major franchises like Dune and Blade Runner, Villeneuve is known for original, critically acclaimed films such as Arrival, Sicario, Prisoners, Enemy, and Incendies.