Latest news with #Dune
San Francisco Chronicle
5 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
9 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'
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Next James Bond? Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson top wishlist for Denis Villeneuve's film
As Amazon gears up for a new chapter in the iconic James Bond franchise, three young names are reportedly leading the race to wear the tux. According to a Variety report, Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are said to be high on the studio's wishlist to play the next 007. Insiders claim the next iteration of Bond will be under 30, signalling a major departure from recent portrayals. No formal meetings have taken place yet, and Amazon has not commented officially on the speculation. File photo of Tom Holland (AP) The casting buzz follows Amazon-MGM's announcement that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next Bond film. The Dune and Arrival filmmaker has reportedly beaten out contenders like Edward Berger (Conclave), Jonathan Nolan (Westworld), Paul King (Paddington) and Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead) for the job. Villeneuve, now working on Dune 3, expressed his excitement. 'I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,' he said in a statement. Earlier speculation had pointed to Gravity director Alfonso Cuarón stepping in, especially given his past work with producer David Heyman. But Cuarón opted out, choosing instead to direct Jane, a dark comedy starring Charlize Theron. Who's who on the 007 shortlist? Tom Holland, 29, best known for his role as Spider-Man, previously pitched a young Bond film to Sony during Spider-Man: Far From Home promotions. 'It didn't really make sense,' Holland admitted in 2022, adding that the Bond estate didn't seem keen on the idea. He's next seen in Nolan's The Odyssey and the fourth Spider-Man film. Harris Dickinson, known for Triangle of Sadness and Babygirl, recently earned praise for his directorial debut, Urchin, at Cannes. Asked in 2023 if he'd consider playing Bond, he replied, 'I mean, listen, man, you'd be a fool to not entertain that role.' Jacob Elordi, the only Australian of the three, may follow in George Lazenby's footsteps. The Euphoria and Priscilla actor is set to appear in Wuthering Heights, alongside Margot Robbie. Speaking last year, he called the Bond rumours 'beautiful,' adding, 'I just like that people maybe want to put me in their movies.' What happens next? The 26th Bond film is still in its early stages, and according to Variety, it won't hit theatres before 2028. Amazon MGM recently gained creative control of the franchise in a deal reportedly worth $1 billion. The upcoming film will be the first since Daniel Craig's swan song No Time to Die, which earned over $774 million worldwide. Earlier this year, Amy Pascal and David Heyman came on board as producers, signalling the franchise's ambitious new direction. All eyes now remain on who will step into one of cinema's most legendary roles. ALSO READ: Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film after Dune: 'Intend to honour the tradition, open path for new mission' FAQs: 1. Has the next James Bond actor been officially confirmed? No, as of now, Amazon and the Bond producers have not confirmed who will play the next James Bond. The current shortlist includes Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi, and Harris Dickinson, according to a Variety report. 2. Who is directing the next James Bond movie? Denis Villeneuve, director of Dune and Arrival, has reportedly been chosen to direct the next Bond film under the Amazon-MGM banner. 3. When is the next James Bond movie expected to be released? There is no official release date yet. However, reports suggest that the film is unlikely to be released before 2028.
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Kylie Jenner earns more from Instagram than boyfriend Timothée Chalamet made from both Dune films
Getty Images Kylie Jenner's Instagram earnings reportedly surpass Timothée Chalamet's combined pay for both Dune films. Kylie Jenner gave her fans a peek into Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's lavish wedding weekend in Venice, and may have also made more from sharing it than some A-list actors earn in major films. According to reports, the beauty mogul has earned more from just a handful of sponsored posts than actor Timothée Chalamet did for starring in both parts of the blockbuster Dune series. This week, Kylie and her sister Kendall arrived in Venice for the celebrations and attended the welcome party on Thursday, June 26, at the historic Madonna dell'Orto church. On Friday, Kylie shared a behind-the-scenes Instagram post that captured moments from the star-studded event. Also Read: What happened to Yung Filly? Inside the allegations that made the Beta Squad star fall from fameThe post included photos of the sisters dressed up and cruising through the Venice canals by boat. In one video, Kendall, 29, is seen kissing Kylie on the cheek and smiling during their ride. Kylie wore a sheer marigold lace dress with black sunglasses, while Kendall chose a floral halter dress with pink and green seemingly simple post, like many others on her profile, could be worth millions, literally. With over 393 million followers on Instagram, Kylie reportedly charges up to $2.3 million per sponsored post, according to statistics by 'Influencers Marketing Hub'. That comparison becomes even more striking when looking at her boyfriend Timothée Chalamet's reported earnings from the Dune franchise. This role cemented his status as one of Hollywood's brightest young Chalamet, known for his role as Paul Atreides in Dune and Dune: Part Two, reportedly earned $2.2 million for the first film, released in 2021. Also Read: Who is Dermot Mulroney's wife Prima Apollinaare? The Italian singer whose private life couldn't save her 14-year marriage For the sequel, released in 2024, his pay reportedly increased to $3 million. That brings his total earnings for the sci-fi saga to just over $5 million (source: Parade).Timothée Chalamet, known for his role as Paul Atreides in Dune and Dune: Part Two, reportedly earned $2.2 million for the first film, released in 2021. For the sequel, released in 2024, his pay reportedly increased to $3 million. That brings his total earnings for the sci-fi saga to just over $5 million (source: Parade).Despite the film's success and Chalamet's rising profile, the figure is relatively modest compared to what some influencers can earn through social media means Jenner could potentially earn nearly $7 million with just three paid posts, more than Chalamet's combined Dune earnings. Also Read: Tammy Hembrow announces her divorce on TikTok, puts her $50M fitness and fashion empire at risk For context, she is the fourth highest earner, according to the 'Influencers Marketing Hub' report, just after Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Selena Gomez. These posts don't just include brand promotions. Jenner also uses Instagram to drive engagement for her own businesses, including Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Skin, and her fashion label Khy. Each upload functions as both content and advertisement to her growing empire.
Newsweek
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Christopher Nolan Came Close to Directing James Bond
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Now that we know Denis Villeneuve of "Dune" fame will be directing the next "James Bond" film, Variety reports that "Oppenheimer" director Christopher Nolan came closer than we thought to helming a film in the franchise. Read More: 'Lilo & Stitch 2' Already On the Way from Disney Variety says initially Amazon was "very interested" in recruiting Nolan to helm the long-awaited follow-up to "No Time to Die", even if that meant giving Nolan the final cut (something "James Bond" directors have historically been denied). Christopher Nolan attends the 77th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards held at The Beverly Hilton on February 8, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Christopher Nolan attends the 77th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards held at The Beverly Hilton on February 8, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. JB Lacroix/FilmMagic As recounted by RadioTimes back in March, this isn't Christopher Nolan's first near-miss with the "Bond" franchise. The filmmaker pitched a "Bond" film after making "Tenet". His vision took the story back to the 1960s and would've been the first of a two-parter. Things reportedly broke down between Nolan and Barbara Broccoli when the latter wouldn't compromise on giving Nolan the final cut. Right now, Nolan is busy making "The Odyssey", which stars Tom Holland who is apparently on the shortlist to become the next James Bond. Variety reports the "Spider-Man" star is joined on that list by Jacob Elordi ("Saltburn") and Harris Dickinson ("Babygirl"). While Christopher Nolan ultimately won't be directing the next "Bond" film, his brother Jonathan Nolan was reportedly one of the directors beat out of the final running by Villeneuve. Variety reports the other directors up for the job were Edward Berger ("Conclave"), Edgar Wright ("Baby Driver"), and Paul King ("Wonka"). It's worth mentioning that while Villeneuve is locked in for "Bond 26", there's no telling who might follow for "Bond 27" and beyond. Villeneuve doesn't have final cut and he's only signed on for a single film. Variety recounts that the last time a director helmed two "Bond" films in a row was Sam Mandes who directed both 2012's "Skyfall" and 2015's "Spectre." Alfonso Cuarón ("Gravity") is another filmmaker who was, for a time, a favorite to helm the next "Bond" film, but he took himself out of the running by focusing on other projects, including "Jane" which will star Charlize Theron. There's no word yet on who will write "Bond 26". Some early speculation tapped Jonathan Nolan for the job, but Variety reports that he isn't available to write. More Movies: 'F1' Director Teases 'Top Gun 3' Arnold Schwarzenegger Chooses the Worst 'Terminator' Movie
