(Image Source: Pinterest, Sony Pictures)
Following recent rumors about the shortlist of directors vying for the next "James Bond" film, Amazon MGM Studios today officially announced their choice: "Dune" series director Denis Villeneuve.
Villeneuve emerged victorious over a competitive field of candidates, which reportedly included Paul King, director of "Wonka"; Edward Berger, known for "Conclave"; Edgar Wright, director of "Baby Driver"; Jonathan Nolan, director and producer of "Fallout"; and Steve McQueen, director of "12 Years a Slave".
(Image Source: MGM Studios)
A self-proclaimed lifelong Bond fan, Villeneuve has frequently been rumored to take on a 007 installment and has openly expressed his strong interest in the franchise. His dream is now coming to fruition. However, Villeneuve's schedule remains packed with several other high-profile projects in development. These include a new adaptation of "Cleopatra," "Dune Messiah," a film based on Arthur C. Clarke's novel "Rendezvous with Rama," and the nuclear war-themed "Nuclear War: A Scenario." Among these, "Dune Messiah," which is nearing the end of its casting process, is currently slated as the highest priority for production.