Denis Villeneuve Announced as Bond 26 Director

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  • Posts: 5,729
    Dyson forgives nonsense when he likes the movie. He's not a very reliable critic.

    Don’t we all when it comes to Bond? 😉 I think he’s pretty good at those reviews (even his NTTD one has some great points, as much as I’ve come to call his final argument against it nonsense).
  • VenutiusVenutius Yorkshire
    Posts: 3,310
    Villeneuve's not the man for light-hearted and witty, though, right? Choosing him to direct must be a pointer towards the kind of film they want to make, no?
  • SeveSeve The island of Lemoy
    edited August 8 Posts: 742
    While they aren’t exactly like TSWLM or OP, I’d probably say the Marvel films are the closest of today’s blockbusters. They’re usually lighthearted and witty but not at the expense of dramatic stakes.

    Personally I do find that Marvel movies have quite often promoted humour at the expense of the stakes. It's a tightrope act to get right, and not as easy as they made it look, when at their best.

    For example I liked "The Avengers" and have rewatched it many times, but not "Age of Ultron", which I will probably never rewatch.

    Ditto for the Spiderman sequels "No Way Home" and "Far From Home" which are increasingly more "Disney-fied" and unconvincing in the "stakes" department.

    While I enjoyed the humour of the Deadpool films from Fox, I always felt they were weak in "stakes" department. The movies never made me feel like Deadpool was in any real jeopardy, because he never stops making wiseass comments and if he's not scared why should I be?

    "Guardians 2" is another where the "stakes" side was wanting IMO, but they recovered strongly in the third leg of the trilogy.
    I’m not saying Bond should copy those films nor would I want them too (I hate the type of humor presented in the Marvel movies) but they’re the type of lighthearted affairs that I’d say are the most comparable to Moore’s tenure.

    Comparable to the Moore serious Rog efforts, rather than the Moore silly ones, maybe, but better at maintaining a consistent tone, where the humour isn't jarring and doesn't break the spell, in the way a penny whistle or a Tarzan yell does.
    I think Hollywood has pulled itself out of its “dark and gritty” phase and that post 911 realism popularized by Bourne and expanded upon by the likes of Nolan’s Batman and Craig’s Bond has somewhat settled down. Heck we even saw this in Craig’s final three Bond films where they become much more fantastical. In that sense, I don’t think going back to the likes of TSWLM is a bad idea - it’s certainly no less valid than using Craig’s era as a reference. But ultimately I want something that’s original and that I haven’t really seen from the series before.

    IMO at this stage of the Espionage genre's evolution it's hard to imagine there is anything really "original" left to discover, the best we can hope for is to dress up a tried and tested idea in different clothes, which is where the new director (and actor) comes in...

  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,836
    Venutius wrote: »
    Villeneuve's not the man for light-hearted and witty, though, right? Choosing him to direct must be a pointer towards the kind of film they want to make, no?

    I’m not sure. He might be “professional” enough to slip into the Bond world without breaking a sweat. After all, that light-hearted, witty Bond flavour isn’t something the director cooks up alone. It’s the result of screenwriters, actors, producers, and a whole team throwing ingredients into the mix. One thing you can say about Bond films: they’re never the work of a lone genius. So whatever Villeneuve’s usual style, he won’t be the only one deciding the tone.

    I’m no insider, but my guess is that Villeneuve was picked not because he’s shown a passion for spy thrillers, but because he can wrangle big, expensive franchises and actually bring them home on time, on budget, and without driving the producers up the wall. That’s no small feat. In this business, it’s often less about showing off your love for a genre, and more about proving you can deliver a glossy, high-profile production without chaos. But I could be wrong. ;-)
  • SeveSeve The island of Lemoy
    Posts: 742
    I think Hollywood has pulled itself out of its “dark and gritty” phase and that post 911 realism popularized by Bourne and expanded upon by the likes of Nolan’s Batman and Craig’s Bond has somewhat settled down. Heck we even saw this in Craig’s final three Bond films where they become much more fantastical. In that sense, I don’t think going back to the likes of TSWLM is a bad idea - it’s certainly no less valid than using Craig’s era as a reference. But ultimately I want something that’s original and that I haven’t really seen from the series before.

    The dark and gritty still seems to a force, particularly down at DTV level (or whatever that is called nowadays) and evedences itself higher up in the form of John Wick / Equaliser type films

    But post marvel there has also been a strong trend of "comedy action", where directors lean into the humour, often at the expense of the "stakes"

    Too often the villain is too comedic, or the script will contain twists which fundamentally undermine the story, like Ryan Gosling's recent attempts

    I've given up hope of The Rock ever doing an action movie as fundamentally sound as "Walking Tall" again

    The Stath also struggles to get the formula right most of the time

    Dodgy days out there in action movie land I'm sad to say...
  • Posts: 2,308
    The thing about The Rock and Statham is that many people see them as guilty pleasures. If they make very serious films, they're punished
  • Posts: 7,005
    If Amazon is truly smart about it, they’ll understand that Bond films are not action films. The are espionage thrillers with action. Get that particular formula right and win, Amazon. So far, the people they’ve chosen for it are top notch, cirurgical choices.
  • SeveSeve The island of Lemoy
    edited August 10 Posts: 742
    Univex wrote: »
    If Amazon is truly smart about it, they’ll understand that Bond films are not action films. The are espionage thrillers with action. Get that particular formula right and win, Amazon. So far, the people they’ve chosen for it are top notch, cirurgical choices.

    Personally I think your splitting hairs, many would argue that James Bond was the birth of the modern action film as we know them, with the larger than life spectacle and the stunts

    Action films are not some purist genre, they generally cross pollinate with another and there is always as much action as spying in a Bond film

    Lethal Weapon - cop ction
    Lethal Weapon 2 - buddy cop action comedy
    Die Hard - cop action
    The Last Boy Scout - buddy action comedy
    Beverly Hills Cop - buddy cop action comedy
    48 Hours - buddy cop action comedy

    Alien - science-fiction horror
    Aliens - science fiction action horror
    Mad Max - post-apocalyptic dystopian action
    The Terminator - science fiction action
    Star Wars - action adventure science fiction

    Indiana Jones - action adventure
    The Fugitive - action thriller
    Air Force One - political action thriller
    First Blood - war action
    Cliffhanger - action thriller
    True Lies - spy action comedy thriller

    Dr No - spy action adventure thriller
    Casion Royale - spy thriller action adventure
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,836
    Seve wrote: »
    Univex wrote: »
    If Amazon is truly smart about it, they’ll understand that Bond films are not action films. The are espionage thrillers with action. Get that particular formula right and win, Amazon. So far, the people they’ve chosen for it are top notch, cirurgical choices.

    Personally I think your splitting hairs, many would argue that James Bond was the birth of the modern action film as we know them, with the larger than life spectacle and the stunts

    Action films are not some purist genre, they generally cross pollinate with another and there is always as much action as spying in a Bond film

    Lethal Weapon - cop ction
    Lethal Weapon 2 - buddy cop action comedy
    Die Hard - cop action
    The Last Boy Scout - buddy action comedy
    Beverly Hills Cop - buddy cop action comedy
    48 Hours - buddy cop action comedy

    Alien - science-fiction horror
    Aliens - science fiction action horror
    Mad Max - post-apocalyptic dystopian action
    The Terminator - science fiction action
    Star Wars - action adventure science fiction

    Indiana Jones - action adventure
    The Fugitive - action thriller
    Air Force One - political action thriller
    First Blood - war action
    Cliffhanger - action thriller
    True Lies - spy action comedy thriller

    Dr No - spy action adventure thriller
    Casion Royale - spy thriller action adventure

    I'm with @Univex on this. The Bond films usually bring good action, but they are much more. Action is a part of them, but not something that defines them. At least not anymore. The Bond films played a big part in creating the genre several decades ago, but the action genre has outgrown the series, I'd say.
  • Posts: 7,005
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    Seve wrote: »
    Univex wrote: »
    If Amazon is truly smart about it, they’ll understand that Bond films are not action films. The are espionage thrillers with action. Get that particular formula right and win, Amazon. So far, the people they’ve chosen for it are top notch, cirurgical choices.

    Personally I think your splitting hairs, many would argue that James Bond was the birth of the modern action film as we know them, with the larger than life spectacle and the stunts

    Action films are not some purist genre, they generally cross pollinate with another and there is always as much action as spying in a Bond film

    Lethal Weapon - cop ction
    Lethal Weapon 2 - buddy cop action comedy
    Die Hard - cop action
    The Last Boy Scout - buddy action comedy
    Beverly Hills Cop - buddy cop action comedy
    48 Hours - buddy cop action comedy

    Alien - science-fiction horror
    Aliens - science fiction action horror
    Mad Max - post-apocalyptic dystopian action
    The Terminator - science fiction action
    Star Wars - action adventure science fiction

    Indiana Jones - action adventure
    The Fugitive - action thriller
    Air Force One - political action thriller
    First Blood - war action
    Cliffhanger - action thriller
    True Lies - spy action comedy thriller

    Dr No - spy action adventure thriller
    Casion Royale - spy thriller action adventure

    I'm with @Univex on this. The Bond films usually bring good action, but they are much more. Action is a part of them, but not something that defines them. At least not anymore. The Bond films played a big part in creating the genre several decades ago, but the action genre has outgrown the series, I'd say.

    Exactly, @DarthDimi, old friend. They must go back to what ignited the spark. That original flair of espionage and exoticism. And that’s pretty much down to the narrative, that’s why I’m very excited about Knight.
  • Posts: 307
    Do people think they will do a big press conference like old days or will be different when they reveal the title and new Bond?
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 18,780
    It’s really hard to say, isn’t it? Do any other movies do that? I can’t remember seeing it happen, so MGM may decide they don’t need to, and yet it’s always big news so they may well keep it.
    Certainly the Bond actor reveal feels like it makes front pages every time so if it were me I’d keep it up.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,836
    It would be clever marketing and unwise not to do it.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 18,780
    I guess the most similar I can think of is when some movies do a bit of a reveal of cast/crew at ComicCon, or maybe that cast reveal video for the new Avengers movies they did a month or two back. Do any other movies do the press conference thing like the Bonds?
  • Posts: 471
    Do people think they will do a big press conference like old days or will be different when they reveal the title and new Bond?

    I’ve thought about that as well! I hope so. The selection of a new James Bond is something akin to a coronation. It’s unique, even amongst other hallowed franchises.

  • Posts: 651
    Do people think they will do a big press conference like old days or will be different when they reveal the title and new Bond?

    I sure hope so. I think going BIG in all aspects is an asset to Bond.
  • SeveSeve The island of Lemoy
    edited August 11 Posts: 742
    DarthDimi wrote: »
    Seve wrote: »
    Univex wrote: »
    If Amazon is truly smart about it, they’ll understand that Bond films are not action films. The are espionage thrillers with action. Get that particular formula right and win, Amazon. So far, the people they’ve chosen for it are top notch, cirurgical choices.

    Personally I think your splitting hairs, many would argue that James Bond was the birth of the modern action film as we know them, with the larger than life spectacle and the stunts

    Action films are not some purist genre, they generally cross pollinate with another and there is always as much action as spying in a Bond film

    I'm with @Univex on this. The Bond films usually bring good action, but they are much more. Action is a part of them, but not something that defines them. At least not anymore. The Bond films played a big part in creating the genre several decades ago, but the action genre has outgrown the series, I'd say.

    Fashions change over time for sure, and Action movies follow film fashion trends to some extent

    Advances in CGI effects have promoted Sci-fi and Superheros to the top of the Action movie pile at the moment, but who knows what the future holds
    mtm wrote: »
    It’s really hard to say, isn’t it? Do any other movies do that? I can’t remember seeing it happen, so MGM may decide they don’t need to, and yet it’s always big news so they may well keep it.
    Certainly the Bond actor reveal feels like it makes front pages every time so if it were me I’d keep it up.

    Football clubs and Formula One teams still hold big in person media events to reveal the signing of new big name players and drivers, or new chassis / engine combinations, so I'm sure a new Bond actor will warrant one

    Maybe not just for the Title though, but it's still probably the easiest and most effective way of getting the traditional media outlets to do some free marketing work for you
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    edited August 11 Posts: 18,780
    Yeah, they got a bit better at that, I think maybe only NTTD didn't have a title when they did the press launch? Might be misremembering. Whereas I remember DAD's title just creeping out on about page 4 of the papers that day; TND was title-less for a long time too.
    And then they did that rather natty title reveal for NTTD on the socials.
  • Posts: 50
    No, there was no title announced at the DAD press launch in Jan '02. The press pack from that day only has Bond 20 on the front.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 9,150
    Does it seem fairly safe that Bond 26 will arrive sometime in 2028?
  • Posts: 2,325
    Does it seem fairly safe that Bond 26 will arrive sometime in 2028?

    Dune 3 releases on 18th Dec 26, so Villeneuve will be busy finishing that and then doing the press tour for it. Theoretically he could jump straight into Bond and start in January, assuming the pre-production has been running in the background, but that seems unlikely. So yeah probably 2028.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    Posts: 18,780
    Monorailer wrote: »
    No, there was no title announced at the DAD press launch in Jan '02. The press pack from that day only has Bond 20 on the front.

    Yes that's what I meant; they crept the title out later on its own. I phrased it badly; I meant only NTTD of the Craigs (can't fully recall if that's true but I feel like SF and definitely SP had their titles at the press launch, plus CR of course).
  • edited 9:16am Posts: 2,325
    mtm wrote: »
    Monorailer wrote: »
    No, there was no title announced at the DAD press launch in Jan '02. The press pack from that day only has Bond 20 on the front.

    Yes that's what I meant; they crept the title out later on its own. I phrased it badly; I meant only NTTD of the Craigs (can't fully recall if that's true but I feel like SF and definitely SP had their titles at the press launch, plus CR of course).

    I remember the host of the Bond 25 announcement in Jamaica asking about the lack of title, and Micky G claimed that he couldnt remember a time when they had the title at the launch. Er... all of the Craig ones did.

    In fact, watching that live reveal back, its really bad. Both from a presentation and a technical perspective.
  • mtmmtm United Kingdom
    edited 9:27am Posts: 18,780
    Yeah, from (dodgy) memory, GE did have a title at press launch (that is the big launch at Leavesden, not the beardy Brosnan launch in a hotel the year before); TND didn't; can't remember about TWINE but I've feeling it didn't either; DAD didn't; then all of the Craigs bar NTTD did have their titles.

    Must admit I can't remember the launches for TND or TWINE though.
  • Posts: 50
    The title of Skyfall leaked before the press conference, of course. I remember Michael G Wilson introducing it as "the worst kept secret in London"!

    Trying to remember if any of the other titles leaked... NTDD's original title of A Reason To Die definitely did.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 9,150
    Mallory wrote: »
    Does it seem fairly safe that Bond 26 will arrive sometime in 2028?

    Dune 3 releases on 18th Dec 26, so Villeneuve will be busy finishing that and then doing the press tour for it. Theoretically he could jump straight into Bond and start in January, assuming the pre-production has been running in the background, but that seems unlikely. So yeah probably 2028.

    Maybe March/April?

    They already have some key figures, and with Amazon's capital they could move heaven and earth if they think they're on the right track.
  • Posts: 2,325
    Monorailer wrote: »
    The title of Skyfall leaked before the press conference, of course. I remember Michael G Wilson introducing it as "the worst kept secret in London"!

    Trying to remember if any of the other titles leaked... NTDD's original title of A Reason To Die definitely did.

    I remember that... Sony started registering website names a couple of days beforehand (i.e. skyfall007movie.com etc).

    Genome of a Woman was heavily rumored around these parts, as well as Shatterhand.

    Die Another Day was 'Beyond the Ice' for a bit.
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