Opinion
James Bond is in danger of turning into a soulless franchise
by Luca Fontana
Glimmer of hope for the James Bond franchise as Villeneuve steps in as director
26.6.2025
Translation: Katherine Martin
James Bond is getting a new director – and what a director he is. Denis Villeneuve is set to take over the most tradition-steeped franchise in cinema history. A glimmer of hope for everyone who thought 007 was a lost cause.
It’s official: Denis Villeneuve is directing the next James Bond film. Amazon MGM Studios confirmed the news last night, triggering nothing short of a cinematic earthquake. Why? Because with Villeneuve stepping in, one of today’s best, most visually ambitious directors will be spearheading the most tradition-steeped spy franchise in film history.
So what does this mean for the future of 007? And more importantly, what will it do to the soul of the franchise?
Who? What? Where? When?
The French-Canadian filmmaker, renowned for hits such as Dune, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, will be making the next Bond film alongside long-time partner Tanya Lapointe (as executive producer). Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and David Heyman, whose filmography includes the Harry Potter films and Paddington, have been announced as producers. There’s still no word on what the film will be called or when it’ll be released.
Source: Warner Bros.
In the official announcement, Villeneuve seems buzzing – reverential, even: «I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,» the director says. «I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also a huge honour.»
Admittedly though, that wording sounds like a pre-written press release.
Why this is a turning point for Bond
Cynical jabs aside, I think the decision to have Villeneuve make the next Bond is more than just a creative one. It’s a signal. A glimmer of hope. And to be honest, it’s a little surprising.
Just a few months ago, things looked very different. After Amazon took over MGM in 2021, the Broccoli family, who’d been the creative force behind Bond for decades, were nudged further and further out of the picture. At the end of February, it became official: Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson would relinquish creative control over 007, handing the reins to Amazon. The news left a bitter taste in my mouth.
«James Bond is in danger of becoming a soulless franchise,» I wrote at the time. My concern was that a company rooted in online retail as opposed to cinema would reduce Bond to cheap, Prime-worthy fare. That there’d be spin-offs, prequels, algorithm-driven content – and some day, perhaps even a James Bond Cinematic Universe.
I’m looking at you, Disney.
Hope over polish
With Denis Villeneuve now on board, it seems like this fate could be prevented. After all, this man doesn’t churn out run-of-the-mill films. Villeneuve stands for elegant, decelerated, visually powerful cinema with substance. Even when he’s dealing with billion-dollar franchises like Dune or Blade Runner. He knows how to combine myth and modernity without taking away the dignity of either. It’s exactly what Bond needs right now.
Of course, even having Villeneuve in the credits is no guarantee that the Bond franchise won’t eventually split off into series and spin-offs. Remember Dune: Prophecy? Villeneuve neither directed nor scripted the spin-off series – and it shows. In fact, it was panned by critics and audiences alike.
Even so, Villeneuve will still be a creative counterforce. An authority that’ll put quality over quantity. He might be just the director to stop Bond becoming watered down à la Marvel and instigate its return as an event film.
Who’ll be the next Bond?
We still don’t know who’ll be taking on the iconic role of the martini-sipping secret agent. There are many candidates, ranging from Aaron Taylor-Johnson to Henry Cavill. Whoever it is, Villeneuve’s bound to put his own stamp on the character. An elegant, grown-up, perhaps even existential Bond?
One thing’s for sure: things are going in the right direction. And who knows? Maybe this time, Amazon has been smarter than I thought.
Header image: Warner Bros.
Luca Fontana
Senior Editor
Luca.Fontana@digitecgalaxus.chI'm an outdoorsy guy and enjoy sports that push me to the limit – now that’s what I call comfort zone! But I'm also about curling up in an armchair with books about ugly intrigue and sinister kingkillers. Being an avid cinema-goer, I’ve been known to rave about film scores for hours on end. I’ve always wanted to say: «I am Groot.»
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