Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond movie, as officially confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios. The 57-year-old acclaimed filmmaker, known for Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival, promises to honor Bond’s legacy while setting the stage for future missions.

“Some of my earliest cinema memories are tied to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, starting with Dr. No starring Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. For me, Bond is sacred ground,” Villeneuve said in a statement.

“I intend to honor the tradition while opening the door to many new missions. This is a huge responsibility but also incredibly exciting for me, and a tremendous honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring Bond back to the big screen. I thank Amazon MGM Studios for their trust,” he added.

Amazon, which recently assumed full creative oversight of the Bond franchise through a deal with longtime producer Barbara Broccoli, expressed confidence in Villeneuve’s vision. Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon Studios, called Villeneuve “a cinematic master” and “one of the greatest storytellers in global cinema.”

“It’s an honor that Denis has accepted to direct the next chapter of James Bond. From Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival to Dune, he has crafted breathtaking worlds, powerful visuals, complex characters, and—most importantly—immersive storytelling that global audiences crave on the big screen. James Bond is now in the hands of one of the finest filmmakers of our time, and we can’t wait for his new adventure to begin,” Hopkins said.

So far, no release date or casting details have been announced. The actor set to replace Daniel Craig as 007 remains a mystery, though recent speculation has included names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and James Norton. Last November, legendary producer Barbara Broccoli stated that Bond should be male, around 30 years old, but emphasized that being white is not a requirement.