Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios, but who pill play 007?

Well it¡¯s finally time to say that, move over basic spy thrillers, because Denis Villeneuve is about to reinvent espionage cinema. The director behind Dune and Blade Runner 2049 has been confirmed to helm the next James Bond film, with Amazon MGM Studios finally spilling the tea on one of the most buzzed-about jobs in Hollywood.

Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film for Amazon | Credit: X/IGN

The new face behind Bond¡¯s comeback

Villeneuve¡¯s Bond dreams go way back. According to insiders, he grew up watching the suave superspy with his dad, starting from Sean Connery¡¯s Dr. No. He sees Bond as sacred ground and wants to honour the legacy while pushing the franchise into its next era of international intrigue and theatrical badassery.

Jonathan Bailey as Bond? Not so fast¡­

While there is no official 007 yet, Bridgerton heartthrob Jonathan Bailey¡¯s name has been floating around like a martini garnish. But apparently, the actor is still on the fence. Rumour has it he is unsure about taking on the iconic tux, and the insane expectations that come with it. Still, fans are already envisioning a horseback Bond moment, given Bailey¡¯s emotional attachment to his horse, Jack, from Bridgerton. Not even kidding.

Jonathan Bailey as Bond? Not so fast¡­ | Credit: Netflix

Big studio, bigger stakes

This film marks a major milestone for Amazon MGM Studios after its $8.5 billion MGM acquisition. With complete creative control of the franchise, and not only Bailey, the studio is also banking on Cillian Murphy, and many others to revive 007 post-Daniel Craig. And honestly? The timing could not be better. The last Bond outing, No Time to Die, dropped in 2021, and fans have been parched for a refill.

Villeneuve is currently busy wrapping up Dune 3, but producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman say this Bond film is his dream project. The director is also juggling massive titles like Cleopatra and Nuclear War: A Scenario, but has made space for 007 because, well, it is James freaking Bond.

From Sandworms to Spycraft

Known for crafting visually stunning, emotionally intense worlds, Villeneuve is not expected to play it safe. Amazon executives are hyped, calling him one of today¡¯s greatest filmmakers. Translation: expect poetic dialogue, slick suits, and maybe even a Bond villain who could survive Arrakis.