Latest news with #Villeneuve
San Francisco Chronicle
12 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
16 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'
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Denis Villeneuve to direct bond 26 with jacob elordi, tom holland, and harris dickinson eyed for 007
Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the next James Bond movie, with Amazon eyeing a 2028 release for Bond 26, according to sources. Villeneuve was selected over several notable directors, including Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, Paul King, and Jonathan Nolan. With the film's large scale, insiders suggest a 2028 timeline is the most feasible, as a faster production would be challenging. Amazon's next step involves securing a writer and an actor for the coveted role of Agent 007. The studio and producers are reportedly focusing on a British actor under 30, with Jacob Elordi ("Saltburn"), Tom Holland ("Spider-Man"), and Harris Dickinson ("Babygirl") among the top contenders. Though Elordi is Australian, Amazon is not concerned, as seen with George Lazenby, who was Australian and played Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. While Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill have been mentioned as possible options, their ages—35 and 42—make them less likely to fit the studio's preference. Director Alfonso Cuarón was initially considered for the role but withdrew to focus on other projects, including Jane, a film starring Charlize Theron. Christopher Nolan, a potential contender as director, was also of interest to Amazon, but his schedule is occupied with The Odyssey, a project starring Holland. Villeneuve, best known for Dune, is currently planning to film Dune: Messiah later this year, with a 2026 release date in mind. His deal for the Bond film is a one-off, meaning he is not contracted for sequels and does not have final cut privileges, a decision that deviates from previous Bond films where the Broccoli family held tight creative control. Villeneuve's appointment marks a significant shift in the franchise's creative direction as Amazon takes over from MGM.
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Denis Villeneuve to Direct Next James Bond Film at Amazon
Yara Sameh Oscar-nominated Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, the first from Amazon MGM Studios. Tanya Lapointe, Villeneuve's artistic partner and wife, will also serve as an executive producer, along with Villeneuve. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers. '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,' Villeneuve said. 'I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust." Pascal and Heyman added, 'Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it's ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.' Bond is one of the most sought-after franchises for filmmakers. Reportedly, directors who met for the upcoming film also included Edward Berger, Edgar Wright, and Paul King. Villeneuve is an acclaimed, Oscar-nominated French-Canadian filmmaker who most recently helmed 'Dune' and 'Dune: Part Two' for Warner Bros. The filmmaker is currently in prep on a third installment, 'Dune: Messiah', which is in development and dated for release in 2026. With the 'Dune' franchise and 'Blade Runner 2049,' Villeneuve has proven immensely capable at refreshing and wrangling established I.P., as well as helming standout original stories including 'Arrival,' 'Sicario,' 'Prisoners,' 'Enemy,' and 'Incendies.' Pascal will produce the new film via Pascal Pictures, and Heyman will produce via Heyday Films. The duo officially signed on for the roles in March, after Amazon MGM struck a landmark deal with longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson that saw them cede creative control of the Bond franchise to the streaming giant. When Amazon purchased MGM in 2021 (to the tune of $8.5 billion), the streamer acquired the rights to distribute the highly lucrative spy movies, but only owned 50% of the franchise and was relegated to being a passive partner in terms of artistic choices. Then, this Feburary, after years of stalls and false starts on a new installment following 2021's 'No Time to Die,' which saw Daniel Craig's five-film tenure as 007 come to an end, the three entities — Wilson, Broccoli and Amazon MGM — formed a joint venture to house the intellectual property rights while allowing all three to remain co-owners of the property. At CinemaCon in April, Amazon executives Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll teased that Pascal and Heyman were hard at work on a 'fresh, exhilarating new chapter' to the franchise. 'We are committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character,' Valenti and Kroll said on stage at Caesars Palace. '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.' Now, the question is who will play the superspy? read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Dynamic director Denis Villeneuve can breathe new life into flagging James Bond franchise
Yesterday morning, the blockbuster auteur behind the Dune films and Arrival was announced as the director of the 26th Bond film, which remains − for now − untitled and un-cast. These two further puzzle pieces will doubtless slot into place soon enough, though Villeneuve's appointment offers a tantalising glimpse of what the future direction of 007 under his new owners at Amazon might be, as well as granting the tech giant's handling of the franchise a much-needed PR boost. After Amazon's acquisition of Bond cost them $9.5bn (€8bn) and a creative falling out with Barbara Broccoli's Eon Productions – the keepers of the Bond flame since the Sean Connery years – the stakes have never felt higher for appointing the right director. Securing Villeneuve hushes complaints from every direction imaginable – this is a director whose work has screened at Venice and Cannes, is a four-time Oscar and five-time Bafta nominee and has taken almost $2bn at the global box office. His two Dune films alone grossed just over $1.1bn, despite the first being semi-nobbled by Covid. It's also a move that Broccoli herself could have never taken issue with, since she tried to do the same around 10 years ago during the search for a director for No Time to Die, the last instalment in the Daniel Craig run. Villeneuve is known to be bloody-minded when tangling with executives Back then, Villeneuve recused himself as he was busy with the first instalment of Dune − and indeed he's currently consumed with part three, Dune: Messiah, which is expected to shoot later this summer then land in cinemas by the end of next year. This means that even with a Ridley Scott-like work ethic, we won't be seeing Villeneuve's Bond until the summer of 2027 at the earliest. Yet Broccoli's smartest directorial hirings were always journeymen rather than visionaries – think Martin Campbell of GoldenEye and Casino Royale and Sam Mendes of Skyfall and Spectre. These were filmmakers who would bend to Bond's will, rather than vice versa. Villeneuve is quite a different kettle of fish and known to be bloody-minded when tangling with executives on stylistic matters. The first major scenes he shot for Dune: Part Two were nightmarish monochrome infrared sequences, which led to frantic calls from studio heads who wanted to 'put the colours back in' in the edit. Because Villeneuve had shot them on infrared cameras, this was impossible. Nor is he the type to take a gun-for-hire approach when working on an established movie brand. The last – and only – time he hopped into a franchise mid-stream was Blade Runner 2049, a film whose cold visual magnificence, dreamlike texture and tone of mounting existential disquiet was wholly in keep- ing with his earlier, self-authored work. And that suggests his take on 007 is unlikely to appease the sizeable Make Bond Fun Again cohort − if Timothee Chalamet's Paul Atreides and Ryan Gosling's Nexus-9 replicant K are anything to go by, his 007 will be a pre-institutionalised pretty boy who bridles at the system that dispassionately puts him to use. You could say the same, in fact, of Emily Blunt's FBI agent Kate Macer from his chokingly tense 2015 cartel thriller Sicario − presumably the film that offers the most clues as to how a Villeneuve Bond might look and move. Meticulously staged, strikingly shot action scenes are a given, as well as a commitment to realism, or at least plausibility: in other words, no invisible cars or tsunami kite-surfing ahead. Even the Dune films, with their bizarre technology, costumes and rituals, presented all of that spectacularly designed strangeness without explanations or excuses. The result may be the strangest Bond film ever made I remember Villeneuve once telling me that in order to make Dune's spacecraft feel truly cinematic, he had to force himself to shoot them as if they were ordinary cars, using atmospheric effects like mist, rain and dust to force the audience to crane in, rather than flaunt them like crisp 4K tech demos. All of the above suggests that Bond 26 will be a film that doesn't fall over itself to make the world love it – which, at this make-or-break juncture, is exactly what the franchise needs. Amazon will have surely made this decision with one eye on their tepid and muddled Lord of the Rings prequel series, The Rings of Power – without strong direction, prestigious acquisitions can become corporate humiliations fast. After the Broccoli rift, 007 had to be taken firmly in hand, and the hiring of Villeneuve represents a stern summons to Whitehall for a rigorous briefing. True, the result may be the strangest Bond film ever made, but if the alternative was to be 12 hours of Blofeld: Origins on Prime, we should all be glad of it.
