Denis Villeneuve reportedly wants ‘unknown’ actor to play James Bond

The director of the next 007 movie is apparently hunting for a ‘fresh face’

Denis Villeneuve is reportedly searching for an “unknown” actor to play James Bond.

A number of high-profile actors have been rumored to be in contention for the role of 007, with Bullet Train star Aaron Taylor-Johnson considered the favorite to take over from Daniel Craig and others, including Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi in the running.

However, Deadline reports that sources say the Dune director would prefer a “fresh face” and will commence a search next year after completing production on Dune: Part Three.

The report also claims that the criteria set will be that the actor is male, born in the British Isles, and likely in his late 20s or early 30s.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been recruited to write the film’s script.

As well as creating the hit Birmingham-set gangster series, Knight is also known for writing films such as Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke.

Denis Villeneuve at a photo call in London for ‘Dune: Part Two’ (PA Archive)

His most recent screenplay to be produced was Maria, the biopic of opera singer Maria Callas, which starred Angelina Jolie and was directed by Pablo Larraín.

This will be the first Bond film after the franchise changed hands with Amazon MGM taking full creative control after striking a deal with long-time producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

When he was announced as director, Villeneuve said: “Some of my earliest moviegoing memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory.

“I intend to honour 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. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Pascal and Heyman added: “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.”

Kingsman star Taron Egerton has ruled himself out of the running for the part, saying the opportunity would be “wasted” on him.

“I think I’m too messy for that. I think I’m not [the right fit]– I really love James Bond and particularly Daniel Craig’s tenure,” he told Collider.

“But I think I wouldn’t be good at it, and I think there’s so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it. I think it would be wasted on me, probably.”

The film is not expected to be released until 2028.