Barbara Broccoli, former producer of the James Bond franchise, has expressed strong support for the selection of Denis Villeneuve as the director of the upcoming 007 film. Speaking on the Kermode on Film podcast, Broccoli described Villeneuve as a “fantastic filmmaker” and shared her excitement by saying,
“I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it.”
Her comments highlight confidence in Villeneuve’s creative vision for the next chapter of the iconic spy saga.
Change in creative leadership with Amazon MGM Studios
Earlier this year, Broccoli and her brother Michael G. Wilson surprised the industry by transferring creative control of the Bond series to Amazon MGM Studios. Since Goldeneye in 1995, Broccoli and Wilson had managed the franchise as co-producers, but under this new arrangement, they maintain co-ownership alongside Amazon MGM Studios, which now guides the direction of Bond’s adventures. This shift marks a significant change in how future films will be developed and produced.
Broccoli’s focus shifts to other projects amid new leadership
When asked about her involvement in Denis Villeneuve’s Bond movie, Broccoli shifted focus to her current work on a stage adaptation of the 2016 film Sing Street. Reflecting on her long tenure with Bond, she stated,
“You know, I did it for 44 years and I loved every minute of it, but I’m getting up there now and there’s a lot of things I want to do… like this beautiful musical. I’m doing a lot of other things. I have other movies I want to make and other stage shows.”
This suggests Camp Broccoli is ready to explore creative ventures outside the spy franchise while Villeneuve takes the helm.
Legacy and family history in the Bond franchise
Barbara Broccoli is the daughter of Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli, who was an original producer on the Bond films starting with Dr. No in 1962. Cubby Broccoli produced sixteen Bond movies, concluding with 1989’s Licence to Kill, and held a presenter credit on 1995’s Goldeneye, after which Barbara and Michael G. Wilson officially took control of the franchise. This family legacy has shaped the series for decades, anchoring the Bond name to their stewardship until the recent transition to Amazon MGM Studios.
Next steps for Denis Villeneuve’s Bond film
The upcoming James Bond installment directed by Denis Villeneuve remains untitled and is still in early stages. Villeneuve is currently dedicating his efforts to completing Dune Part 3, slated for a late 2026 release. Reports indicate that the process of selecting a new actor to replace Daniel Craig as Bond will not commence until the script for Villeneuve’s film is finalized. This measured approach reflects the care being taken to ensure the franchise’s future aligns with creative and production standards.
What awaits fans of the franchise
As anticipation builds for the next James Bond film under Denis Villeneuve’s direction, the evolving stewardship by Amazon MGM Studios and the Broccoli family’s legacy merge to chart a new era for 007. Villeneuve’s reputation as an accomplished director nurtures high expectations, while Broccoli’s shift towards other creative projects signals a fresh phase for both the franchise and its long-time caretakers. The coming years will reveal how this blend of heritage and innovation shapes the world’s most famous spy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Denis Villeneuve’s religion?
A. Villeneuve explains that his Quebec background influenced his work on Dune. He grew up as a Catholic, but like many Quebecers, he distanced himself from the church after the Quiet Revolution in the 1960s.
Q. Is Denis Villeneuve a feminist?
A. Villeneuve mentions that feminism from his mother and grandmother deeply influenced him. This impact was likely strengthened by Montreal’s publicly supported film industry in the early 1990s.
