Denis Villeneuve Shares Update On James Bond Casting: “I Am Pushing The Gas”

Many names have been tested for the new James Bond, and Denis Villeneuve has shared an update on the casting process.

In a new interview posted by GQ, the Dune director was asked if the new 007 agent had been cast.

“It’s—it’s in the process. In the process,” the filmmaker said, with the publication noting he said it with a smile. “

Villeneuve then added, “I am pushing the gas.”

Robert Pattinson and Nicholas Hoult were the latest names reported to have screen-tested for the iconic role, which was last played by Daniel Craig in 2021’s No Time to Die. Other actors who have reportedly tested include Jack Lowden, Josh O’Connor and Callum Turner.

Pierce Brosnan, who played the role starting with 1995’s GoldenEye, recently shared his thoughts on the names circulating for the role.

“All the men who are on the list now are actors I admire. Callum, Callum Turner is someone I’ve worked with, and he’s so strong,” Brosnan told Vanity Fair. “They all have a voice and a physique, and a presence on film. They all have longevity as actors, all of these young men.”

Brosnan said he was “eager to see who is going to play this epic role of cinematic history,” later adding, “Whoever plays the role, I wish him the very best of life and strength and courage. You know, it’s hard to tell who it would be, but I eagerly await to hear the news and the celebration of the next James Bond.”

Following GoldenEye, Brosnan would reprise his role in 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies, 1999’s The World Is Not Enough, and 2002’s Die Another Day.

The process for casting the next James Bond has been ongoing. In March of this year, Deadline reported that Nina Gold had closed a deal to become the casting director for the next James Bond film. Gold’s credits include HBO’s Game of Thrones, the Netflix series The Crown, and five films in the Star Wars franchise.