Further details have emerged in the wake of yesterday’s official announcement that Denis Villeneuve is set to direct the next entry in the James Bond franchise.
As previously reported, Villeneuve was one of five finalists for the gig, the other four being Edward Berger, Paul King, Jonathan Nolan, and Edgar Wright.
The Insneider reports that while “Dune” and “Arrival” helmer Villeneuve came out on top, Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Conclave”) was the runner-up.
A writer is now being sought who will co-write the script with Villeneuve based on his idea. That writer will be doing the lion’s share of the work while Villeneuve is working on “Dune: Messiah” for much of the next year.
Then, once it wraps, Villeneuve will join in the writing process which is when casting will also get underway. Thus, any Bond casting rumors you hear throughout the rest of this year is almost certainly speculation as there won’t be any serious movement on that front until next year.
Sneider adds people at the studio were “stunned” that Villeneuve got the gigl, of the five he was considered the most unavailable and likely expensive option of them all.
Filming on the project isn’t expected to get underway until late next year at the earliest, more likely in 2027 for either a late 2027 or 2028 release.
