Denis Villeneuve Explains Going Back to '007' After 'Dune'

Denis Villeneuve explained why he chose to direct the next James Bond film after completing his work on the Dune franchise, now with the release of the third and final installment. In an interview with Empire magazine, the filmmaker stated that he needed a project capable of taking him out of the science fiction universe of Arrakis and leading him in a new direction.

“I thought, ‘When it's done, I need a very powerful rocket to pull me away from Arrakis.’ When I was asked to do the next Bond, I said, ‘Okay, this is what I need,’ ” Villeneuve recounted.

The director will take the helm of the next James Bond film after completing the Dune trilogy, based on the books by Frank Herbert.

Everything you need to know about the future of 007

With over 20 films released since the 1960s, 007 is one of the longest-running franchises in cinema history. From the very beginning, the Broccoli family has stewarded the character and his films—first with Cubby Broccoli, founder of Eon, and later with his children, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. In 2025, however, the Broccolis decided to sell creative control of the character to Amazon MGM Studios for a reported $1 billion. Within Amazon, Amy Pascal—producer for the Spider-Man films—and David Heyman—who produced the Harry Potter adaptations—were selected to produce and manage the franchise.

It is not yet known when the new James Bond film will be released, let alone who will take on the role of Agent 007. However, Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Dune) will direct, and Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) is handling the screenplay.