Latest news with #007
Pink Villa
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
New Details on Bond 26: Denis Villeneuve to Direct with Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi Among Frontrunners
After years of speculation, Amazon MGM has officially confirmed that Denis Villeneuve will direct the 26th James Bond film—making this the first 007 installment under a new studio's leadership. The Dune director has stepped into one of cinema's most iconic roles behind the camera. Villeneuve has also promised both reverence for the franchise and a new trajectory for the series. With an estimated 2028 release, the film remains in early development, but the studio is already narrowing down possible leads and writers. Villeneuve's vision and Amazon's new era Denis Villeneuve, whose filmography includes Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, and Sicario, called Bond 'sacred territory' in a statement, acknowledging his lifelong admiration for the spy series. He joins the project as executive producer alongside Tanya Lapointe, but does not hold final cut or a multi-film deal. The upcoming movie signals a major shift in the Bond franchise—formerly tightly controlled by the Broccoli family, who relinquished creative rights to Amazon earlier this year after six decades of stewardship. With Dune: Messiah already in pre-production, Villeneuve's Bond version will not enter full-scale production for at least two years. Still, sources tell Variety that the studio is accelerating development by seeking a screenwriter and finalizing casting preferences. Casting focus: Will there be a younger James Bond? Reportedly, Amazon MGM is targeting actors under 30 for the next James Bond. Early favorites include Jacob Elordi, known for Euphoria and Saltburn; Tom Holland, star of Spider-Man and Uncharted; and Harris Dickinson, who appeared in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Babygirl. While no official talks have begun, the studio appears intent on rejuvenating Bond with a new generation. Older fan picks like Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are reportedly out of contention due to age. Jonathan Nolan was considered to write the script, per insiders, but his current commitments to other Amazon projects likely rule him out. A shortlist of other writers is under review as the studio shapes what could be a very different kind of Bond film.
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson at top of James Bond wishlist
Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi are rumoured to be at the top of Amazon's James Bond wishlist, according to a new report. Variety has learned from insiders that the new iteration of 007 would be under 30 and the three actors could be fighting it out for the role. No meetings have taken place and Amazon has yet to confirm anything. The report emerges days after the Dune and Arrival director Denis Villeneuve was announced as the first director of Bond's new era under the Amazon-MGM banner. The French-Canadian film-maker, now working on the third Dune movie, reportedly beat out Conclave's Edward Berger, Westworld's Jonathan Nolan, Paddington's Paul King and Shaun of the Dead's Edgar Wright for the role. 'I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,' Villeneuve said in a statement. 'This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.' Early rumours had suggested the Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón would step up, having worked with Bond's new producer David Heyman before, but he removed himself from the race. Cuarón is set to work on the darkly funny drama Jane with Charlize Theron instead. Holland, best known for playing Spider-Man, has also starred in the video game hit Uncharted and Apple series The Crowded Room. He'll next be seen in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey before returning for the fourth Spider-Man movie. The 29-year-old actor once tried to pitch a 007 spin-off to Sony. 'I had a meeting after or during Spider-Man 2 with Sony to pitch this idea of a young Bond film that I'd come up with,' he said in 2022. 'It was the origin story of James Bond. It didn't really make sense. It didn't work. It was the dream of a young kid, and I don't think the Bond estate were particularly interested.' Dickinson, known for Triangle of Sadness and Babygirl, recently received rave reviews for his directorial debut Urchin at the Cannes film festival. 'I mean, listen, man, you'd be a fool to not entertain that role,' he said when asked about playing Bond in 2023. 'I'm loving seeing the development of James Bond and seeing how it changes over the years. I think Daniel Craig was such a good Bond that I'd almost be quite frightened to try … Who knows what they're doing with Bond? I'm intrigued.' Elordi is the only Australian of the bunch, but could follow in the footsteps of George Lazenby who played Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The actor, best known for his role in TV drama Euphoria and Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, will soon be seen in Emerald Fennell's unconventional adaptation of Wuthering Heights with Margot Robbie. In 2023, Elordi called rumours that he was being linked to the role 'beautiful' and added: 'I just like that people maybe want to put me in their movies. That makes me really glad.' The release date for the next film is yet to be announced, but Variety is claiming that anything sooner than 2028 would be impossible. The 26th Bond film will follow Daniel Craig's final outing No Time to Die which made over $774m at the global box office. Earlier this year, in a reported $1bn deal, Amazon MGM bought the rights to gain 'creative control' of the franchise. In March, producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman were hired to take charge of the new film.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Will Play James Bond Next? 17 Actors Who've Been Rumoured For The Role
It's now been four years since Daniel Craig's departure from the James Bond franchise in No Time To Die – and somehow there's still been no confirmation on who will be succeeding him as 007. The last few months have seen some behind-the-scenes developments for the James Bond franchise, with a new creative team taking control and an Oscar-nominated filmmaker having now been chosen to direct the next instalment. And yet, an actor playing Bond is still be to selected – at least officially. Speculation about the next 007 stretches back to before Daniel Craig even hung up his gun, with new high-profile names constantly being added to the list of potential successors in the last few years. Many have noted that as James Bond moves with the times, it would be fitting for producers to cast an actor of colour in the role, which outgoing producer Barbara Broccoli had expressed interest in (though she had also ruled out giving the part to a woman). As we look ahead to the future of the James Bond franchise, here are 17 stars who've all been rumoured at some point to succeed Daniel Craig at the helm of the series... Who is he? Let's start with the James Bond rumour that's being going the longest – Idris' acting credits include the Thor films, Beasts of No Nation the Fast & Furious series and the BBC detective drama Luther. Where did the rumour come from? Idris has been rumoured to be in the running to play 007 for more than a decade (since the speculation began in 2014, there've been three new films in the series released), with leaked emails from Sony executives suggesting he was a favourite for the part. Following this, then-Bond boss Barbara Broccoli said Idris has been 'part of the conversation' about who the role goes to next. However, in August 2022 it was reported that Idris had made the decision to take himself out of the running – and in the last few years his casting has seemed less and less likely... although we'd kind of love it if he got the opportunity to play Bond at least once, given just how long he was associated with the franchise. 'James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey. Of course, if someone said to me, 'Do you want to play James Bond?,' I'd be like, 'Yeah!'. That's fascinating to me.' Who is he? Aaron has been widely considered as the frontrunner for the role of James for more than a year now. His past credits include the superhero comedy Kick-Ass, the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy and Christopher Nolan's Tenet. More recently, he's appeared in projects as varied as Marvel's Kraven The Hunter, the arthouse horror flick Nosferatu and Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later. Where did the rumour come from? In November 2022, Aaron supposedly met with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli (who has since left the franchise), with follow-up reports claiming the meeting 'went well'. More recently, in 2024, tabloid reports went as far as saying he'd been cast in the role, though this was walked back mere days later. However, the rumour mill has been in overdrive once again in recent history thanks to a series of clues pointing to Aaron playing 007. What has he said? Nothing concrete just yet – but his skittishness when it comes to whether or not he's playing James Bond has to count for something, right? Who is he? Another more recent additions to the list of rumoured potential 007s is another Aaron, this time fellow Brit Aaron Pierre. As well as voicing the title character in Disney's Mufasa, Aaron appeared in The Underground Railroad, played Malcolm X in the anthology series Genius and starred opposite Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal in the sci-fi dystopian drama Foe. Where did the rumour come from? The news appears to come from movie 'insider' Daniel Richtman, who claimed in June 2025 that Aaron is 'being considered' for the part. What has he said? Nothing just yet, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled in case he has anything to add on the rumours. Who is he? He's literally Tom Hardy! You may have seen him in films including Max Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Legend, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception or Venom. Where did the rumour come from? Like Idris Elba, speculation about Tom Hardy playing 007 goes way back. Things hotted up in 2020, though, when the film blog The Vulcan Reporter claimed he'd done several auditions for the part and was 'basically locked into the role'. 'You know, there's a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you're automatically out of the race. So I can't possibly comment on that one! If I mention it, it's gone.' Who is he? Probably best known for his role as Loki in the Marvel universe, Tom also won a Golden Globe for his performance in the drama The Night Manager. Where did the rumour come from? Around the time The Night Manager was airing, many viewers pointed out that the British actor might be a good James Bond, and was soon spotted having a meeting with the franchise's chief Barbara Broccoli. Unfortunately, this was also around the time of those infamous 'I Heart TS' paparazzi shots, with rumours suggesting the ensuing media coverage (and his widely-panned Golden Globes speech) may have cost him the role of the man with the golden gun. 'What can I say that you don't already know? It's interesting in itself that I've suddenly become very aware of what I'm saying, is it not? 'Because there's something about what I'm saying that becomes the story. Not for you, but the world outside. Whatever I say, I've found, generated more questions.' Who is he? After rising to fame in Game Of Thrones, the Scottish actor later won a Golden Globe for his leading role in Bodyguard. Where did the rumour come from? The action-packed Bodyguard led to Richard being tipped to succeed Daniel Craig as Bond, with the Daily Mail reporting at the time that the drama had caught the eye of former 007 boss Barbara Broccoli. Bodyguard's producers even teased that a potential second series of the drama would depend on 'what happens with James Bond'. 'I'm more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I'm very flattered and thankful. It's a really brilliant thing to be in. 'I don't want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that's the curse of that. If you talk about it, you'll curse it.' Who is he? James is perhaps best known for his TV roles, which have included Happy Valley, Grantchester, McMafia and The Trial Of Christine Keeler, though you may have also seen him in action in the recent big-screen adaptation of Little Women. Where did the rumour come from? While many of the actors named as potential replacements for Daniel Craig are based on anonymous 'insiders' and source quotes, the rumours about James seem to stem primarily from bookies' odds. However, he did spark something of a frenzy in his 2025 drama Playing Nice, when his character was the only person not wearing a tuxedo at a black-tie event, which some felt may have been due to a Bond contractual agreement. 'It's so weird and bemusing. But yet again, it's based on pure speculation and it makes for a good little clickbait moment in the media. Other than that, it's just fun and bemusing.' Who is he? Jack Lowden has had a massive few years, scoring Bafta, Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work in Slow Horses and appearing with Nicole Kidman in the breezy Netflix mystery The Perfect Couple. Where did the rumour come from? This is another story that's based on bookies' odds, with Jack's name soaring towards the top of the list when Amazon acquired creative control of the spy franchise. Nothing yet – although his wife Saoirse Ronan seems keen on him taking over as 007. Who is he? The British star of films like Crazy, Rich Asians, A Simple Favour and the Guy Ritchie action film The Gentlemen. Where did the rumour come from? After Daniel Craig's exit from the James Bond franchise was confirmed, fans began campaigning for Henry to take over the iconic spy role. '[The speculation] definitely [came] from Crazy Rich Asians, maybe the white suit coming out of the park. [And] because I'm Asian and everybody's fighting for a diverse Bond – sorry, white guys. 'I don't know. It's an honour to even be in the conversation. It's one of the greatest film roles ever, you'd be stupid to be like, 'I don't want to do that.' 'Isn't it great that people are like, 'OK, now's the time, why the hell can't we have a black Bond, an Asian Bond, a mixed-race Bond, a non-distinct Bond?' Who is he? After appearing in Sunshine On Leith and Pride, George landed his biggest role to date when he took the lead in the Bafta-winning 1917, and he's since appeared in Femme and The End. Where did the rumour come from? According to a 2021 report in Page Six, Bond producers were hoping to reboot the franchise after No Time To Die, making the Bond character, which is where the idea to have George play a rather different 007 was reportedly born. 'You've got to consider it for sure. I mean, it's an amazing thing, but it would also be a massive thing. I don't know if that's a reality, but if it ever became one, of course, it would be a consideration. But be a careful one.' Who is he? Regé-Jean became an overnight sensation earlier this year thanks to his role as the main love interest in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton. Where did the rumour come from? Fans immediately began suggesting Regé-Jean as a potential Bond, and when he announced he wasn't returning for the second season of Bridgerton, the rumour mill hotted up even further. 'Ah, the B word. I think if you are British and do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that. 'That's fairly normal and I'm flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed.' Who is he? Charlie's biggest acting credits include Green Street, Queer As Folk, Sons Of Anarchy and Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen. He was also famously cast in the role of Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades Of Grey franchise, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and was replaced by Jamie Dornan. Where did the rumour come from? Charlie's name being linked with playing James Bond largely stems from his devoted fanbase, as well as bookies' odds. 'I would be so flattered and honoured to be considered to play James Bond as an Englishman. But my intuition tells me that I shouldn't be waiting for that phone call to come. I think there are many people ahead of me on that list. 'It's very flattering sort of fan dialogue. Nobody's ever, on a professional level from within the industry, brought that up to me. 'As much as people want to talk about me playing James Bond – please continue. Maybe that's the genesis of these things. Maybe fan chatter leads to industry people actually talking about it in a more serious way.' Who is he? Sam is best known for playing one of the lead roles in the historical drama Outlander. Where did the rumour come from? Sam has actually been on Bond producers' radars for a while, having previously auditioned to succeed Pierce Brosnan in Casino Royale, which would eventually become Daniel Craig's first outing in the role. 'I don't know if there is a conversation being had apart from in the media, but I think it's an incredible franchise and a great character, so of course I would jump at it.' Who is he? Henry is famous for playing Superman in the superhero's most recent big-screen offerings, and also has the lead role in the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher. Where did the rumour come from? After taking on an action role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., many viewers suggested he'd be a fitting replacement for Daniel Craig, with rumours last month suggesting his name had been raised among producers as a hot favourite. Like Sam Heughan, Henry also auditioned for Casino Royale, back when he was just 21 years old. 'I would absolutely jump at the opportunity. At this stage, it's all up in the air. We'll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.' Who is he? The chart-topping singer made a name for himself as a member of One Direction, before making a name for himself as a Grammy-winning solo artist. He also has two films coming out in the near future, having previously made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk. Where did the rumour come from? This might sound like the work of over-excited Directioners, but in 2021, The Sun reported that Bond producers were hoping to take the character in a 'new age' direction, and tipped Harry for the role. What has he said?Harry's reps said the rumours were 'not even remotely true'. Too bad, tbh. Who is he? Ted Lasso fans will recognise Phil from his Emmy-nominated performance as Jamie Tartt. Where did the rumour come from? Interestingly, unlike most of the names on this list, this rumour comes straight from the horse's mouth, with Phil confirming that a 'conversation' was had about him playing Bond – albeit very a short one. What's he said? 'There was a conversation one of my agents had but they quite firmly shut the door in their face.' Who is he? Another more recent addition to the list of rumoured James Bond stars, Lucien Laviscount's past credits include Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Ryan Murphy's Scream Queens and Emily In Paris. Where did the rumour come from?The Daily Mail first reported in December 2022 that Lucien had caught the eye of James Bond producers, with an unnamed source claiming he 'ticks all of the boxes' as a 'super talented' and 'extremely handsome' young actor. However, it appears there's one drawback. According to the Mail, Lucien's reality TV past (after leaving Waterloo Road, he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, and was involved in a brief showmance with a certain Ms Katona) has put off some execs behind the scenes. What has he said? Again, he's yet to address the rumours directly, so make of that what you will. Aaron Taylor-Johnson Fuels Bond Rumours With This Awkward 28 Years Later Red Carpet Moment Danny Boyle Has This 1 Regret About Stepping Away From No Time To Die Helen Mirren Admits She 'Never Liked' James Bond: 'It Was Born Out Of Profound Sexism'
San Francisco Chronicle
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
I love Denis Villeneuve. Here's why the ‘Dune' director making the next James Bond film is a bad idea
This is a bad idea, but more on that in a minute. Amazon MGM Studios and the new producers of the 007 franchise, Amy Pascal and David Heyman, announced Wednesday, June 25, that the ' Dune ' filmmaker will direct the next Bond picture, which would be the first without Daniel Craig in a quarter of a century. No actor has been cast to slip on the shoulder holster yet, although a report said Spider-Man Tom Holland, 'Euphoria' actor Jacob Elordi and 'Babygirl' star Harris Dickinson top Amazon's wish list. 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,' Villeneuve said in a statement. '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.' On the surface, this is a no-brainer. Villeneuve is possibly the best big-budget genre filmmaker out there. He will turn his attention to Bond after completing 'Dune: Messiah,' the third chapter in the trilogy, which is due out in 2026. The first two, 'Dune' and 'Dune: Part Two,' were Oscar-nominated for best picture. He also directed a compelling sequel to a classic, ' Blade Runner: 2049 ' (2017), and his science fiction film ' Arrival ' (2016) has popped up on several ballots for the top 10 movies of the 21st century in a recent New York Times poll. Nevertheless, the choice has left me shaken, not stirred. Villeneuve is exactly who the Bond films don't need right now. Craig reinvigorated the franchise with a tough, serious approach in five films beginning with 'Casino Royale' (2006), a throwback to Connery after years of a more lighthearted approach by Pierce Brosnan and especially Roger Moore. By ' No Time to Die ' (2021), Craig's take on the character took personal torment to an almost Shakespearean level, and when he finally did find time to die, it was … quite the choice. 'No Time to Die,' directed by Oakland native Cary Joji Fukunaga, was an impressive, large-scale movie, no doubt, and it was exciting and compelling, a worthy coda to Craig's reign. But I walked out of the movie theater thinking, 'I remember when James Bond films were fun.' Double-oh-seven needs to be fun again. I'm not saying we should go back to 'Moonraker' (1979), the most unserious Bond film, an almost self-parody in which Moore is one step removed from Leslie Nielsen in the ' Naked Gun ' movies. But let's lighten up a bit. As terrific a filmmaker as he is, Villeneuve is the antithesis of 'lighten up.' His films are deadly serious. The guy who made the FBI drama ' Sicario ' can certainly direct an action sequence, but generating a laugh doesn't seem to be in his wheelhouse. Or, for that matter, a sex scene. When was the last sexually charged moment in a Villeneuve film? The Bond films, of course, are famous for their women, cringey in the 1960s but at least up to date in the Craig universe. Who should Pascal and Heyman have hired instead? Apparently, Christopher Nolan, who has long expressed interest in directing a Bond film, is occupied with his adaptation of Homer's ' The Odyssey,' the Oscar-winning filmmaker's first film since ' Oppenheimer,' the 2023 best picture winner. Villeneuve reportedly got the job over Edward Berger (' All Quiet on the Western Front,' ' Conclave '), Edgar Wright ('Shaun of the Dead,' ' Baby Driver '), Paul King (' Paddington,' ' Wonka ') and Jonathan Nolan, Christopher's brother who has worked mostly in television. My choice would have been David Leitch, the action specialist of ' Bullet Train ' and ' The Fall Guy.' Leitch rose up through the ranks as a stunt performer and coordinator, used to be an actor and co-directed the first ' John Wick ' movie. He has style and, when the script demands it, substance. The old Bonds of Connery and Moore were directed by genre directors, and two of the most successful reboots of the series, 'Goldeneye' (1995) and 'Casino Royale' (2006) were directed by action specialist Martin Campbell.
Metro
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Beloved British actress edges out Zendaya as favourite for Bond Girl
There's a new name in the Bond girl conversation, just days after it was finally confirmed that Denis Villeneuve will be directing the upcoming 007 film. The Canadian director, best known for directing Dune and Dune: Part Two, as well as Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, and Prisoners, is now stepping up to the directorial plate amid major upheaval at Bond HQ. Amazon Studios officially purchased MGM for $8.45billion (£6.7billion) in 2022, with a new agreement over creative control meaning Bond — and whoever is next to play 007 – is entirely under the streamer's control. Now that a director is officially attached, the speculation around who will play who has ramped up a notch. Zendaya has been top of minds to take on the iconic role of the next Bond girl – admittedly, not the best terminology for the iconic female lead – but Florence Pugh's name has now also entered the conversation. Florence Pugh has taken over as the favourite to be the next Bond Girl, at 11/8, according to She already has a working relationship with Villeneuve, having joined the Dune fold for the second film. While Pugh once ruled out being the first female Bond, she has signalled her interest in portraying a spy. She told Digital Spy: 'I think everyone's always interested in playing a spy, right? 'That's something we grow up admiring, which is so strange, but it's just a very clever and quick world that we all want to be a part of.' Pugh's Dune co-star Zendaya – who was directed by Villeneuve in both his sci-fi films and is set to reprise her role in the upcoming third – is also in contention to be the Bond role, currently at 6/4 odds. She has also been produced by new Bond producer Amy Pascal in a number of films, including last year's sensational sweat-fest Challengers. More Trending The other names currently in contention according to the bookies include Ana de Armas, who had a scene-stealing turn in No Time To Die as Paloma, as well as Emma Watson and Rebecca Ferguson. It comes after Villeneuve shared an emotional statement about taking on the next film, saying: 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. '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.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Whoever the next James Bond is, Denis Villeneuve threatens to overshadow him MORE: James Bond fans convinced they've cracked the next 007 actor after director is confirmed MORE: James Bond fans crushed after discovering Hollywood legends' 1960s-set pitch 'will never happen'
