Summary
Now that Denis Villeneuve has signed on to direct the next installment of theJames Bondfranchise, his sci-fi follow-up toDunemay be on hold for some time. TheJames Bondfranchise has been the source of various rumors in the years following the end of Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007. Most of the whispers pertain to who will be the next actor to embody the super spy, and who will direct the massive franchise.
A daunting task for some, James Bond has seen the likes of Sam Mendes, Cary Fukunaga, and Martin Campbell directing installments featuring Craig. Christopher Nolan was even rumored to be a front-runner to tackle the nextBondmovie, with the director refusing to sign on because the studio refused to give him the final cut. However, lauded director Denis Villeneuve has stepped into another massive franchise, as the next confirmed director at the helm ofJames Bond. That also spells bad news for sci-fi fans hoping to see the director’s dream of adapting a classic Arthur C. Clarke story come to fruition.
Denis Villeneuve Has Been Tapped To Direct The NextJames BondAfterDune: Part Three
Villeneuve was recently announced as the nextBonddirector after years of speculation.He’s currently hard at work onDune: Part Three, which has become a huge sci-fi franchise over recent years thanks to the director’s deft hand and love of the source material. Luckily, Villeneuve is also a fan of the 007 films, and his announcement behind the camera will see him bring his award-winning talents to thereinvention of James Bond.
While the story Villeneuve hopes to tell is still unknown, rumors point toward the studio wanting a younger James Bond, likely in his 20s. If that turns out to be true, it will redefine what audiences have come to know, with the super spy generally played by older actors. However, it could also prove to give the new actor longevity in the role, as Bond actors tend to stick around for numerous sequels, except for George Lazenby, who only played him once inOn Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Directors also oftenreturn for moreJames Bond, as Sam Mendes, Martin Campbell, John Glen, Guy Hamilton, and Terence Young have all helmed multiple installments, meaningVilleneuve could help to define a new era of 007 and return for future sequelsif the studio is happy with the results. Ultimately, the studio is hoping for a brand-new spy to carry things forward for years to come, as Craig’s prior tenure lasted 15 years and six movies, and Villeneuve has proven he can carry a franchise.
Denis Villeneuve Has Made A Name For Himself With Acclaimed Sci-Fi Films
Audiences have come to know Villeneuve thanks to his lauded sci-fi works.While he does have stellar thrillers like the Emily Blunt-starringSicarioand Hugh Jackman’sPrisonersunder his belt, he found mainstream notoriety for his alien filmArrival, which tackled a complex idea with thrilling results. He even entered precarious waters in crafting a sequel to thebeloved classicBlade Runner, directing the sequel,Blade Runner 2049, with Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford returning to the role of Deckard.
However,Villeneuve’s stamp on sci-fi cinema has been assured in recent years, with hisDuneadaptations.The director was a fan of Frank Herbert’sDunenovels, setting out to adapt the complex lore for moviegoers. While initially it seemed like an impossible task, Villeneuve directed two films steeped in world building and complex characters that have captured worldwide attention and praise. He is also currently working onDune: Part Three, whichrecently changed its title fromDune: Messiah, opening it up to new story elements. Still, the third film will round out Villeneuve’s sci-fi trilogy, putting him among an elite group of directors.
Denis Villeneuve’s Plans To Adapt An Arthur C. Clarke Sci-Fi Classic May Be On Pause
For years, Villeneuve has been working on a film adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s sci-fi novelRendezvous with Rama.The 1973 novel tells the story of a mysterious, massive, miles-wide alien spacecraft that enters the solar system and the team of people who attempt to intercept it, uncovering the truths it holds. Villeneuve was first announced as adapting the novel in 2021, with progress on it being slowed by the success of theDunemovies.
Now that Villeneuve has signed on to direct the nextJames Bondmovie, his wait forRendezvous with Ramahas now gotten indefinitely longer.While many expected it to be his next projectfollowingDune: Part Three,James Bondwill now take priority, relegating the Arthur C. Clarke novel’s trip to theaters on hold. No official release plans have been shared forRendezvous with Rama, but Villeneuve is said to be working on the script. However, that work may screech to a halt now that he’s focusing onDuneandJames Bond, which will likely take up the next several years. He may be able to squeeze theRendezvous with Ramain betweenBondfilms, much like Christopher Nolan did with hisDark Knighttrilogy and movies likeThe PrestigeandInception.
Denis Villeneuve has become one of the most in-demand directors in Hollywood, with him being lucky enough to work on passion projects with massive budgets. That trend is continuing withJames Bond, but he may have had to sacrifice his Arthur C. Clarke adaptation timeline to do it.
