Barbara Broccoli has given her verdict on Denis Villeneuve after the director was chosen to helm the new James Bond movie.
The longtime producer shocked 007 fans when she announced her decision to step back from the franchise earlier this year, alongside Michael G Wilson, after Amazon MGM Studios had acquired full creative control.
While we still have no answers over who will be replacing Daniel Craig as the superspy, the Dune filmmaker was recently confirmed to be behind the camera for the upcoming flick.
During an appearance on the Kermode on Film podcast, Barbara was asked for her thoughts on the new appointment.
‘He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it,’ she told host Mark Kermode.
‘I did it for 44 years and I loved every minute of it but I’m getting up there now,’ she laughed. ‘There’s a lot of things I want to do.
‘I’m doing a lot of other things. I have other movies I want to make, and other stage shows.’
Denis was unveiled as the new Bond director in June, and will also serve as executive producer beside wife Tanya Lapointe – while Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing it.
‘Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr No with Sean Connery,’ he said in a statement.
‘I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.
‘This is a massive responsibility, but also incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.’
Although we’re still waiting for any inkling over who could take the starring role, Tom Holland, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Idris Elba and Aaron Pierre are just some of the famous faces who have been linked to the superspy.
Fans may get answers soon as production is officially underway in London, with Amazon MGM executives promising that it will be ‘a fresh, exotic new chapter’.
Appearing at CinemaCon in Vegas recently, Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll said, via Variety: ‘We are committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy and David.
‘They’re both in London getting started and couldn’t be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know to make an incredible partnership.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.