Amazon CEO Andy Jassy used the company’s second-quarter earnings call to praise director Denis Villeneuve’s forthcoming James Bond adventure, telling investors that “James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers—we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”
The endorsement follows Amazon MGM Studios’ June announcement that Villeneuve will direct the 26th entry in the franchise, with the filmmaker vowing to honor the series while charting “new missions to come.”
Long-time steward Barbara Broccoli, now easing away from day-to-day oversight, called Villeneuve “a fantastic filmmaker” and welcomed the hand-off after four decades at the helm. Her remarks came after a February joint venture granted Amazon creative control of 007, cementing the most significant rights shift in the series’ 62-year history.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight was confirmed last week as screenwriter, joining producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman on the project.
Norwegian outlet VG reports that the studio is targeting a 2028 release and is scouting British actors under 30 to succeed Daniel Craig, while Villeneuve finishes work on the next Dune installment and calls Bond “sacred territory.”
Behind the scenes, Amazon reorganized after former studio head Jen Salke’s push for a “broader, less dangerous” 007 clashed with new leadership, a dispute that preceded her March departure. Analysts note that Jassy’s public support positions Bond 26 as a marquee theatrical play for Amazon MGM and a flagship draw for Prime Video.
