While the cinema-loving world was celebrating Daniel Craigโs farewell to the iconic mantle of 007 in No Time To Die โ and speculating about his potential replacement; with Aaron Taylor-Johsnon reportedly being the current frontrunner โ visionary director Denis Villeneuve revealed heโd be more than interested in helming a future James Bond franchise instalment.
The auteur behind Prisoners, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, as well as the upcoming adaptation of Frank Herbertโs Dune tossed his proverbial hat into the equally proverbial ring during his interview on MTVโs Happy Sad Confused podcast; stating in the event he were to be approached by longtime producers / Bond mythology gatekeepers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, โfranklyโฆ the answer would be a massive yes.โ
โI would deeply love one day to make a James Bond movie,โ said Denis Villeneuve.
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โItโs a character that Iโve been with since my childhood. I have massive affection for Bond. It would be a big challenge to try and reboot it after what Daniel did.โ
โWhat Daniel Craig brought to Bond was so unique and strong and honestly unmatchable. Heโs the ultimate James Bond. I canโt wait to see Caryโs movie. Iโm very excited. Iโm one of the biggest Bond fans.โ
โJust thinking about it, Iโm tired [laughs]. One thing at a time,โ he added, in reference to the release of his sci-fi epic Dune featuring an all-star cast of Timothรฉe Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Zendaya, and more.
โItโs really a massive privilege. I donโt want to say Iโm very arrogant or pretentious right now. Itโs true that it would be a dream to do 007.โ
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โI donโt know if such a thing would happen, but it would be a privilege. That would be pure cinematic joy.โ
The mere prospect of a 007 film in the style of Sicario โ or indeed Prisoners โ is enough to make our mouths water. In the first half of his career as a mainstream Hollywood director and household name, Denis Villeneuve demonstrated his remarkable ability to create slow-burn and tense thrillers rich with claustrophobic psychology; and punctuated by action sequences that served as temporary relief to said claustrophobia.
In the latter half, however, he proved it was possible to successfully apply the same principles of that detail-oriented filmmaking on larger-scale productions like Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and of course, Dune (without compromising his unique vision).
Suffice it to say, more than a few parties would be keen to see this in living colour.