Denis Villeneuve Almost Revealed the New James Bond, Then Hit the Brakes

Denis Villeneuve knows how to build suspense, even off screen. At the LACMA Art + Film Gala on Saturday night, the director pretended to reveal the actor who will play the next James Bond, and then stopped right before the name, according to Variety.

It was only a joke, but it gave fans an intriguing glimpse at how close the final decision might actually be. Villeneuve is finishing Dune: Part Three while also starting work on his Bond movie for Amazon.

What did Denis Villeneuve say about James Bond?

Inside the gala, Villeneuve told the crowd that "with the blessing of my new friends at Amazon, I will reveal to you tonight who will be the next James Bond." The announcement reportedly caused an audible stir throughout the room.

"The actor who will play the next James Bond is…" he continued, before pausing dramatically. "And I will stop right now because Amy Pascal is about to have a heart attack," he added, laughing. Pascal is producing the film alongside David Heyman.

Earlier that evening, on the red carpet, he was considerably more careful. "I should not comment right now because every word I'm going to say is going to be scrutinized," Villeneuve said. "I would just say that I'm having a great time."

Who is on the James Bond shortlist?

According to Variety, reports on Friday said Villeneuve and the producers are getting closer to choosing their new 007. The finalists reportedly include Robert Pattinson, Nicholas Hoult, Callum Turner, Josh O'Connor and Jack Lowden.

Pattinson's name has been especially loud lately, and our story on the Pattinson and Hoult screen tests covers those reports in detail.

What did Villeneuve say about AI?

He also delivered a passionate argument for traditional, human filmmaking. "I have a choice. I can create something with a prompt," Villeneuve said, referring to AI tools. "Or I can go into the desert with actors, with a crew, and go on a real adventure where I learn about life and become better at my craft."

Dune: Part Three arrives in theaters on December 18, so he obviously chose the desert experience.

My read is that Villeneuve's joke tells us the choice is either made or extremely close. Nobody teases an announcement like that while the shortlist remains a complete mystery. Whoever gets the role is inheriting a director who clearly loves the work, and that's great news for Bond. (Amy Pascal's heart rate, however, remains a concern.)

Who do you want as the next James Bond? Tell us in the comments.

More movie news is right here.