The announcement positions the next era of Bond as a prestigious exercise helmed by “a cinematic master”, not a journeyman director. Villeneuve was previously offered the opportunity to direct No Time to Die, but turned the role down because of his commitment to the Dune films.

Denis Villeneuve, whose films have won several Oscars, will direct the next movie in the James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios has announced.

Find out which Hollywood actor holds onto top slated spot as news of Denis Villeneuve's directing shakes up 007 actor speculation ahead of all-new character release