The China Mail - After 'Dune,' Denis Villeneuve to helm next James Bond film

The online retail giant has chosen a filmmaker very much in vogue in Hollywood as he makes his first foray into the world of the now-iconic British agent 007, first brought to life seven decades ago by writer Ian Fleming.

Villeneuve, who is Canadian, said he grew up watching Bond films with his father. "I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he's sacred territory," Villeneuve said in a statement released by Amazon.

"I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come," he added. "This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor."

There is no word yet on who will play Her Majesty's spy.

Daniel Craig's final portrayal of James Bond came in 2021 following the release of "No Time to Die." Since then, 007 has seen many twists and turns.

Amazon paid nearly $8.45 billion to buy legendary Hollywood studio MGM in 2022, which included distribution rights to Bond's extensive back catalog.

But for the subsequent three years, the retail behemoth was met with resistance from Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, the franchise's historic producers who for decades had jealously guarded the governance of one of cinema's most valuable properties.

The company run by Jeff Bezos finally reached a financial agreement with the pair in February to take creative control of the franchise.

Some fans have expressed concern that the character will be exploited by Amazon through a multitude of new films, or spinoff series that go direct to its streaming platform Prime.

Against this backdrop, the choice of Villeneuve, who also directed "Blade Runner 2049" and "Arrival," resonates as a pledge to purists.

"We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter," Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM Studios, said in the statement, noting Villeneuve's track record with "immersive storytelling."

"He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself."

Villeneuve's two installments of science-fiction saga "Dune" were each nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. "Dune: Part Two," released in 2024, grossed $700 million globally and won Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.

B.Clarke--ThChM