Dune: Messiah Is Getting a Big Upgrade (& It Could Be Good News for James Bond)

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Denis Villeneuve aims to create an even more expansive vision with his upcoming “Dune: Messiah” films, planning to shoot them entirely using IMAX cameras, as shared by IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond. In an interview, Gelfond expressed optimism that this could set a trend for future Villeneuve projects, including the potential directing of the next James Bond film, “Bond 26”. Although Villeneuve hasn’t discussed “Bond 26” with Gelfond yet, the CEO seems open to the idea of filming the entire project in IMAX.

Speaking from my own perspective, I was genuinely thrilled about it. I’m a big fan of him, Gelfond stated regarding Villeneuve directing Bond 26. I think he’s an exceptional director. The sequel to Dune, in fact, accounted for around 20% of its box office with IMAX screenings. Naturally, my thoughts immediately drifted towards Bond. He’s incredibly creative. He’s planning the next Dune using IMAX cameras and filming the entire project. As of now, we haven’t discussed it, but I sincerely hope that he will be the one directing Bond as well.

By the end of June, it was officially confirmed that Villeneuve would direct the upcoming Bond film, titled Bond 26. However, a specific release date hasn’t been announced yet. It seems that Amazon is in the initial phase of casting for this project. Rumors suggest that they are considering actors under 30, with Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson, and Jacob Elordi being mentioned as potential candidates at the top of their list.

Prior to starting his first assignment with MI6, Villeneuve will direct the third and final installment of Dune, titled Dune: Messiah. This production is set to begin this year, and major roles have been filled. Robert Pattinson will embody the antagonist Scytale, while Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke are cast as the twin offspring of Paul Atreides and Chani. Notably, Dune: Messiah has not yet been officially added to Warner Bros.’ release schedule, but it’s expected to occupy the December 2026 slot that the studio set aside for a Villeneuve-directed feature film.

If Villeneuve indeed films the entirety of “Dune: Messiah” in IMAX, he will join a select group of directors who have created an entire movie using this large-format technology. Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” will pave the way when it hits cinemas next summer. Given the impressive and immersive nature of Villeneuve’s previous “Dune” films, which transport viewers into the world of Arrakis in a breathtaking manner, it makes sense that he would be drawn to this approach for “Dune: Messiah”. The first two films are known for their grandeur, and they seem perfectly suited for the IMAX format. On any large screen, the “Dune” movies look amazing, but with its epic scope, “Messiah” promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle when viewed through IMAX.

If shooting entirely in IMAX were to become standard practice, it wouldn’t be unexpected for the upcoming Bond film, Bond 26, to adopt this approach as well. This franchise is renowned for its grandeur and spectacle, consistently dazzling audiences with cutting-edge action sequences. Villeneuve, having gained valuable experience on Dune: Messiah, could potentially bring those insights to Bond, potentially creating a 007 adventure that surpasses anything seen before. Given that this film marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, shooting it entirely in IMAX would further amplify its event-like quality. Leveraging a director’s distinctive vision is why you hire someone like Villeneuve, and Amazon could immediately reap the rewards, paving the way for an exhilarating new series of Bond films that explore the boundaries of filmmaking.

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2025-07-08 17:09