Denis Villeneuve to look for the new Bond actor soon after finishing Dune: Part Three

Denis Villeneuve is currently working on two iconic franchises: the Dune Saga, of which he is finishing up the third film, and the highly anticipated upcoming James Bond film. Once the cameras stop rolling for Dune: Part Three, the Oscar nominated filmmaker will begin the hunt for a brand new James Bond. But as reported by Deadline, the criteria for the upcoming spy is different than what a lot of fan-castings have cooked up. This cancels out almost all the big names we have heard of in recent times in relation to the recast.

Insiders have revealed that Villeneuve wants an "unknown" British actor to take the mantle from Daniel Craig, who last played the spy on screen. The actor would be in his late twenties to early thirties, as the vision calls for someone younger, unpolished, and lethal in a way that feels immediate. This removes some of the big names we have been hearing about from the roster; namely Austin Butler, Glen Powell, Timothee Chalamet and Jacob Elordi.

As reported by the outlet, insiders have revealed that the casting process has not started yet, and will begin once Denis Villeneuve's work on Dune: Part Three is wrapped up. Adding details about the casting, the insider revealed,

“Whoever it is, has to look like he could kill you with his bare hands in a trice. From the moment you see him, that has to be readily apparent. It’s a new Bond, a new start, a fresh everything. Every name you’ve heard of, and many you’ve never heard of. We’ve been flooded. But understand that the casting process has not begun and it won’t until Denis finishes the Dune movie,”

The script is being worked on by Steven Knight, who is reportedly drawing inspiration from Ian Fleming's earliest novels like Casino Royale and Moonraker. The story may take us back to Bond's roots, charting his rise before he earned the 007 license.

In conclusion, the tux is waiting, the martini glass is empty and somewhere in the British Isles, a not-yet-famous actor is about to have his life changed forever.

More details about Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three

Denis Villeneuve is finishing up the third chapter of his epic franchise with Dune: Part Three, and from everything we know about the project, it's going to be a worthy addition to the franchise. Slated for release on December 18, 2026, the film adapts Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah, a novel that flips the heroic myth of Paul Atreides into something darker and more complicated.

Back in 2024, Denis Villeneuve had opened up about the prospect of making a third film, where he told Variety that he does not see the franchise as a "trilogy," He then added that the third film is not going to close the franchise because he wants to leave the door open for more directors to join in, as he added,

I’m not closing the door. I will not do it myself, but it could happen with someone else.”

The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, and Josh Brolin in returning roles, joined by Robert Pattinson in an undisclosed role.