Yesterday, it was officially confirmed that Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to direct the next James Bond movie for Amazon MGM Studios. Before Villeneuve was chosen, there were actually four other directors who pitched on the project.
Who was the second choice to direct the new James Bond movie?
In a new report, it has been revealed that acclaimed filmmakers Edward Berger, Paul King, Jonathan Nolan, and Edgar Wright were also part of the studio’s short list. Insider Jeff Sneider claimed that the final choices was between the Dune director and Berger, with the studio ultimately enlisting Villeneuve for the new 007 movie. Berger is best known for his work on award-winning movies Conclave and All Quiet on the Western Front.
“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,” Villeneuve said in a previous statement. “I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
At the moment, further plans for the next James Bond movie have yet to be revealed, with casting speculations about which actor would be chosen to become the next 007 continuing to circulate online. Among the popular rumored choices are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Richard Madden, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Henry Cavill. Prior to the Dune director signing on to project, Amazon MGM Studios recently obtained creative control over the iconic 007 franchise through a new joint venture deal with James Bond franchise co-owners Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
(Source: The InSneider)