James Bond bosses make bombshell announcement ahead of 007 replacement reveal

James Bond has revealed its next director in a bombshell new announcement from Amazon MGM Studios. Denis Villeneuve, who recently directed blockbusters Dune and Dune: Part Two, as well as Sicario and Prisoners, will be taking the helm as the highly-anticipated film's new dirctor. In a statement he said: "Some of my earliest movie-going 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." Mike Hopkins, Head of Amazon MGM Studios, said: "We are honoured that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond's next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself ... James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007's next adventure."

The new appointment is part of a new series of changes to the franchise following producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson giving creative control to Amazon, a deal which is reported to have cost a whopping $1bn.

Villeneuve is about to begin shooting the third Dune film, Dune: Messiah, which is currently scheduled for a 2006 release.

There has been no confirmation of the release date of the next Bond film, and bosses are also yet to announce the next James Bond following Daniel Craig's exit, with speculation rife about who it could be.

The current top favourites for the coveted role are Theo James, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton. Speaking about the role, Taylor-Johnson appeared to rule himself out, telling GQ: "I don't feel like I need to have a future drawn out for me. I feel like, whatever's drawn out for me, I can fucking do better."

Movie boss Barbara Broccoli has dropped a huge hint about the role, saying the next James Bond actor will be in his 30s and could be of any race, saying: "It will be a man. He'll likely be in his 30s. Whiteness is not a given."