‘I will reveal the next James Bond’: Villeneuve jokes at LACMA gala

Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve teased the identity of the next James Bond actor during his acceptance speech at the 15th LACMA Art Film Gala in Los Angeles on November 7, but stopped short of revealing a name.

Villeneuve, who was honoured alongside artist Vija Celmins at the annual event, joked that he would announce the next actor to play 007 with the approval of his new partners at Amazon, before abruptly cutting himself off.

“To express my gratitude with the blessing of my new friends at Amazon, I will reveal to you tonight who will be the next James Bond,” he began.

“The actor who will play the next James Bond is… and I will stop right now because Amy Pascal is about to have a heart attack. Thank you very much,” he added.

Earlier in the evening, the director had also addressed the casting speculation in an interview with Variety, saying he preferred not to comment while the search was under way.

“I should not comment right now because every word I'm going to say is going to be scrutinised,” Villeneuve said, adding that he was “having a great time” with the process.

The search for Daniel Craig’s successor has prompted speculation about several actors, including Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden. Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult have also reportedly been linked to the role and are said to have screen-tested for it.

The next Bond film will be the first in the franchise since Craig’s final appearance as the spy in No Time to Die (2021).

Villeneuve was announced as the director of the upcoming film in June 2025. Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is set to write the screenplay, while Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.

Known for films including Dune, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, Villeneuve has previously described himself as a lifelong James Bond fan.

His next project, Dune: Part Three, is scheduled for release on December 18.