Denis Villeneuve used his big night at LACMA to argue that making films with real people matters more than generating them from a prompt, then closed with a joke about the next James Bond that briefly stopped the room. IGN reports that the Dune: Part Three and Bond director spoke on Saturday 7 November at the museum’s Art+Film gala in Los Angeles, where he was honoured for his contribution to cinema.
The case for the desert over the prompt
Villeneuve framed AI as a live choice for filmmakers rather than an abstract debate. He said he could make something with a prompt, or head into the desert with actors and a crew and learn something about life and his craft along the way. Those, he argued, are two different things, and he acknowledged that producers in the room would point out one of them costs more than the other.
His answer was that the process counts for more than the result, because the process is where human experience acquires its meaning. He added that it’s more important than ever for people to keep making art together, calling that the heritage he wants to leave his children. He tied the theme back to Dune: Part Three, saying its heart is Paul and Chani fighting to give their children a better world than the one they inherited.
The Bond joke
Villeneuve ended on a lighter note. As reported by Cover Media on Yahoo, he thanked his “new friends at Amazon”, said he would reveal who the next James Bond is, then stopped mid-sentence because producer Amy Pascal was “about to have a heart attack”. No name followed, and Amazon MGM Studios hasn’t confirmed any casting.
The same report says Villeneuve had declined to discuss the casting on the red carpet. He told Variety that every word he says will be scrutinised, adding only that he’s having a great time. The speech joke played on that caution, and it landed because the speculation is running hot. IGN notes that Robert Pattinson reportedly screen-tested for the 26th Bond film last week and that Nicholas Hoult was also considered, joining Jack Lowden, Callum Turner and Josh O’Connor on the reported shortlist.
Amazon MGM Studios has previously said it’s taking its time with the decision. Villeneuve was announced as director in June 2025, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay and Pascal and David Heyman producing.
What’s next
Casting rumours will keep circulating until Amazon says otherwise. The sure date on Villeneuve’s calendar is Dune: Part Three, which IGN says reaches cinemas on 18 December 2026.
Did Villeneuve announce the next James Bond?
No. He joked that he would reveal the actor, then cut himself off before naming anyone. Amazon MGM Studios hasn’t confirmed who has the role.
What did Villeneuve say about AI?
He said filmmakers can make something with a prompt or go on a real shoot with actors and crew, and that the process matters more than the result. He called it important that people keep making art together.
When does Dune: Part Three come out?
IGN reports it opens in cinemas on 18 December 2026. We haven’t confirmed UAE showtimes or booking dates yet.
