Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) confirmed that he has had conversations about directing a James Bond movie in an interview with The Playlist on Thursday.
Even though the filmmaker said his adaption of Dune will be his next film, Villeneuve would love to work with the character and star Daniel Craig. It was that dastardly “timing” that got in the way.
“Daniel Craig is a very inspiring actor and I had some contact [about Bond] and the thing is that I’m busy right now doing Dune,” Villeneuve said. “But, I will say to have the privilege to work with him it would be a dream. I would love to work with Daniel and a Bond movie for me would be a treat. It’s a matter of timing, I guess.”
Unfortunately for Villeneuve to kill two birds with one stone, Craig said that his next outing as Bond will be his last. Even more unfortunate for Villeneuve is that Craig was said to have favored the director for the part in September. The filmmaker was first rumored to direct the new Bond movie back in July with David MacKenzie (Hell or High Water) and Yann Demange (’71). The latter was said to be the frontrunner.
Villeneuve recently helmed Blade Runner 2049, which is playing in theaters now. Last year, he received his first Oscar nomination directing Arrival, a sci-fi drama starring Amy Adams.
It will be Craig’s fifth time as the character since the release of Casino Royale in 2006. The 25th Bond movie is set for Nov. 8, 2019.