Next James Bond film enters new era with acclaimed director

Amazon MGM Studios officially announced on June 25 that acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will direct the upcoming 26th James Bond film. He will also serve as an executive producer alongside his longtime collaborator Tanya Lapointe.

Villeneuve, widely recognized for his work on Dune, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, and Sicario, expressed his deep connection to the Bond franchise, calling himself a “die-hard fan” and stating his intention to both honor the series’ legacy and open a path for “many new missions to come.”

The upcoming film will be the first developed under Amazon MGM’s leadership, following a joint venture finalized earlier this year with longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

Prominent producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman have been brought on board to guide the new phase of the Bond universe. No casting announcements or release date have been disclosed.

The deal, reportedly worth $1 billion, granted Amazon MGM creative control while retaining the legacy producers’ involvement.

Villeneuve is currently preparing to shoot Dune Messiah, the next installment in his Dune series. Bond pre-production is expected to begin in 2026, after that project wraps, with a likely release window of 2027 or beyond.