Not only was the choice to hire Cary Fukunaga to direct “No Time to Die” a great idea, considering the end result, but the fact that an American was given the reins to the very British James Bond franchise opened up the future to include some top-tier filmmakers that would be great fits to direct their own installment. Case in point—Denis Villeneuve.
READ MORE: ‘No Time To Die’: Daniel Craig’s Final Bow As James Bond Is Worth Toasting [Review]
In a recent episode of the Happy. Sad. Confused. podcast, Villeneuve talked about his deep love of the James Bond franchise, particularly with what Daniel Craig has been able to do with the character over the past 15 years. And if given the chance, the “Blade Runner 2049” filmmaker would jump at the opportunity to craft his own Bond film.
“I would deeply love one day to make a James Bond movie,” the filmmaker said. “It’s a character that I’ve 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. What Daniel Craig brought to Bond was so unique and strong and honestly unmatchable. He’s the ultimate James Bond. I can’t wait to see Cary’s movie. I’m very excited. I’m one of the biggest Bond fans.”
He added, “I don’t know if such a thing would happen, but it would be a privilege. That would be pure cinematic joy.”
I don’t know about you, but if I’m Barbara Broccoli (producer of the Bond film series), I’m making that call immediately. Even though Denis Villeneuve has yet to really make a blockbuster film that has lit up the box office, his features (standouts include “Prisoners,” “Arrival,” “Enemy,” “Sicario,” and, well, all of his films are great, let’s be real) have proven that he is one of the best directors on the planet, full stop. And it would be ludicrous to not talk to him about potentially directing a James Bond film, especially if the next 007 film is a soft reboot, as is most likely. So, let’s make it happen!
Even though we have no idea if he’ll ever get a shot at 007, you can see Denis Villeneuve’s take on Frank Herbert’s “Dune,” a decidedly different type of film, when it hits theaters (and HBO Max…sigh) on October 22.