W hat does a James Bond movie directed by Denis Villeneuve look like? That has become a significant question for 007 fans in recent days, as the acclaimed filmmaker behind Blade R

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.

He could make the most visually stunning Bond movie ever — or the least fun one in franchise history.