Latest news with #AmazonStudios
Metro
2 days 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'
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Twitch CEO Talks Social Media, AI and the Creator Economy
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Tech executives often come across as distant and a bit out of touch — Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, cuts a different figure. When I met with him at Amazon Studios in Los Angeles for The CEO Series, Clancy's authenticity was evident from the start. Dressed in a casual hat and comfortable in his skin, he embodied a leadership style that felt more like collaboration than command. Despite a résumé that includes NASA, Google and YouTube — and a PhD in artificial intelligence — Clancy doesn't carry the weight of his credentials. Instead, he radiates curiosity, openness and a willingness to question even his own assumptions. Related: The CEO of Thomson Reuters Is Betting Big on AI-Driven Innovation. Here's What Every Leader Can Learn From His Approach. We covered everything from Twitch's business model to the broader impact of social media on society. While Clancy acknowledges the dark sides of social media platforms, especially for young people, he was quick to distinguish Twitch from the rest. "It's not just about curated posts or doom-scrolling," he explained. "Twitch is about community-centric live streaming. It's humans being present, connecting." According to Clancy, about two-thirds of Twitch's revenue comes from fans supporting their favorite streamers directly — a dynamic that he says fosters engagement over algorithmic manipulation. One of the more thought-provoking moments came when we discussed AI. Clancy has been working on artificial intelligence since the '90s, long before the current generative boom. But he was quick to dispel the hype: "We've always had AI. What's changed now is the scale and visibility of it." He emphasized that AI won't replace streamers but will instead act as a creative tool. Still, his biggest concern isn't the technology — it's the humans who control it. "We need to stay focused on who is programming the AI and why," he said. Clancy's approach to leadership is equally grounded. He doesn't shy away from difficult decisions, such as recent layoffs, but insists on transparency and empathy. "It's hard," he admitted, "but sometimes you have to do what's right for the long-term health of the platform and the streamers." When asked about the future of social media, Clancy struck a philosophical tone. "We're all creators," he said. "The goal should be to make it easier for more people to express themselves authentically." That belief guides Twitch's evolving model, where live interaction, not just content, is king. And it's why Clancy still streams himself: not for PR, but because he genuinely enjoys it. Related: 5 CEOs Sat Down for a Candid Conversation — What They Revealed Could Change Your Entire Perspective on Leadership As I left the studio, I couldn't help but reflect on the conversation. Clancy's leadership style — equal parts engineer, philosopher and community member — offers a glimpse into what modern tech leadership can look like. He's not just running a platform; he's participating in it. And in a time when trust in tech leadership is fragile, it was a fun example to see, and I enjoyed talking with him.
Geek Tyrant
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
THE WITCHER Writer Reportedly Joins Amazon's GOD OF WAR Series — GeekTyrant
It's been a while since Amazon first announced its God of War series adaptation, but now there's some new movement. According to @RedanianIntel, a usually reliable source for fantasy TV scoops, former Witcher writer and producer Tania Lotia has reportedly joined the God of War writers' room. Lotia worked on Netflix's The Witcher since 2023 and was also part of the Mighty Nein animated series from Critical Role, so she's no stranger to adapting sprawling fantasy worlds with deep lore and fan expectations. Her experience could bring a valuable edge to God of War, especially with its myth-heavy storytelling and emotionally complex lead in Kratos. Amazon hasn't officially confirmed Lotia's involvement, and this hasn't yet been picked up by other major outlets. But, with the door closed The Witcher following dwindling viewership and the controversial recasting of Geralt, it makes sense that some of the creative team would be moving on to new projects, and God of War seems like a natural fit. If Lotia really has boarded the project, she joins a production that's been in flux for a while. Last year, original showrunner Rafe Judkins ( The Wheel of Time ) and several other creatives exited the series, reportedly triggering a full-scale creative reboot. The project was later handed off to Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica), who's now steering the adaptation. Moore confirmed earlier this year that things are 'going well,' though there's still little to go on beyond that. We don't have a release window, casting announcements, or even much detail about the show's direction, just that Amazon has reportedly greenlit two seasons already. Hopefully, this behind-the-scenes movement means Amazon will break the silence on the project soon and throw out some exciting information.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Denis Villeneuve unveiled a new director of James Bond
Denis Villeneuve will helm the next James Bond film. Despite there still being no actor confirmed to take over from Daniel Craig as the suave spy after he hung up his tuxedo in 2021's No Time To Die, the Dune and Blade Runner 2049 helmer has been unveiled as the director. He takes over the job from Cary Joji Fukunaga. Villeneuve, 57, has vowed to "honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come." In a statement, he said: "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. "To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come." His promise comes amid much discussion surrounding the blockbuster action franchise and the hope that it will be entirely overhauled in its next era. Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins, commented: "Denis has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and - most importantly - the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theatres. "James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007's next adventure." Earlier this year, Amazon Studios took control of the franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, while Amy Pascal and David Heyman are attached to produce the next film in the super spy series. Speaking at CinemaCon in April, Amazon MGM executives Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll told the convention: "We are committed to honouring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy and David. "They're both in London getting started and couldn't be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know to make an incredible partnership.' As for the next Bond, Aaron Taylor-Johnson recently hinted he could be 007. The 35-year-old actor has been heavily rumoured to be the next Bond and gave a very coy response when asked about what he'll be doing after working on 28 Years Later. Quizzed by Deadline at the horror movie's premiere on June 18, he said: "I can't talk about it." Taylor-Johnson was already being led away before the question was asked, and flashed a smile after his cryptic answer. A few weeks prior, the Hollywood star was announced as a global ambassador for Swiss brand Omega, which has been the Bond franchise's go-to watch brand since 1995's GoldenEye, with every 007 since Pierce Brosnan wearing their timepieces on screen. Taylor-Johnson said at the time: "I have always had an appreciation for timepieces, but especially for Omega. 'Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.' Meanwhile, Omega's CEO Raynald Aeschlimann praised him as a "versatile actor with a range that covers action, thriller, romance, and much more".
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Denis Villeneuve unveiled a new director of James Bond
Denis Villeneuve will helm the next James Bond film. Despite there still being no actor confirmed to take over from Daniel Craig as the suave spy after he hung up his tuxedo in 2021's No Time To Die, the Dune and Blade Runner 2049 helmer has been unveiled as the director. He takes over the job from Cary Joji Fukunaga. Villeneuve, 57, has vowed to "honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come." In a statement, he said: "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. "To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come." His promise comes amid much discussion surrounding the blockbuster action franchise and the hope that it will be entirely overhauled in its next era. Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins, commented: "Denis has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and - most importantly - the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theatres. "James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007's next adventure." Earlier this year, Amazon Studios took control of the franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, while Amy Pascal and David Heyman are attached to produce the next film in the super spy series. Speaking at CinemaCon in April, Amazon MGM executives Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll told the convention: "We are committed to honouring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy and David. "They're both in London getting started and couldn't be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know to make an incredible partnership.' As for the next Bond, Aaron Taylor-Johnson recently hinted he could be 007. The 35-year-old actor has been heavily rumoured to be the next Bond and gave a very coy response when asked about what he'll be doing after working on 28 Years Later. Quizzed by Deadline at the horror movie's premiere on June 18, he said: "I can't talk about it." Taylor-Johnson was already being led away before the question was asked, and flashed a smile after his cryptic answer. A few weeks prior, the Hollywood star was announced as a global ambassador for Swiss brand Omega, which has been the Bond franchise's go-to watch brand since 1995's GoldenEye, with every 007 since Pierce Brosnan wearing their timepieces on screen. Taylor-Johnson said at the time: "I have always had an appreciation for timepieces, but especially for Omega. 'Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.' Meanwhile, Omega's CEO Raynald Aeschlimann praised him as a "versatile actor with a range that covers action, thriller, romance, and much more".
