Berger Still Eyes Bond Directing Gig
Edward Berger says he would still like to direct a James Bond film after Amazon MGM chose Denis Villeneuve for Bond 26.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Film — General
Filmmaker Edward Berger says he would still like to direct a James Bond film, after being one of five candidates considered for Bond 26. Amazon MGM ultimately selected Denis Villeneuve for the job.
Why it matters
The selection of Villeneuve marks the franchise's first new direction since Daniel Craig departed after No Time To Die in 2021. Berger's remarks offer a view into how the search for the next Bond film was conducted.
Five filmmakers, including Berger, Villeneuve, Edgar Wright, Jonathan Nolan and Paul King, were shortlisted by producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman for Bond 26. Whether Villeneuve's film will be a one-off remains unknown.
The players
Edward Berger
Berger is a German filmmaker known for directing the Oscar-winning war drama All Quiet on the Western Front.
Denis Villeneuve
Villeneuve is a Canadian director known for science-fiction films including Dune and Blade Runner 2049.
Amazon MGM
Amazon MGM is the studio that now controls the James Bond franchise and selected the director for Bond 26.
The details
Berger spoke about the role on the Screen Off Script podcast at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, where he received the Evolution Vision Award. He reportedly pitched his take on Bond before Amazon MGM chose Villeneuve, and Steven Knight is writing the screenplay for the Villeneuve-directed film.
Timeline
2024: Berger was linked to Bond, a report he publicly denied as an absolute rumor.
June 2025: Berger was reported as one of five filmmakers considered for Bond 26.
Following summer 2025: Berger reportedly pitched for the Bond job.
2021: Daniel Craig departed the franchise after No Time To Die.
Industry Dynamics
The search for Bond 26 follows the 2021 exit of Daniel Craig after No Time To Die, the first major franchise recasting under Amazon MGM's ownership. The studio's choice of Villeneuve over a field that included Edgar Wright and Jonathan Nolan signals how the franchise is being repositioned.
Viewers will not see a new Bond film until the Villeneuve-directed project is released, and no release date has been announced in this report. Franchise decisions made now will determine which filmmakers are available for future Bond titles.
The takeaway
Filmmakers who are passed over for major franchise roles often remain interested in them, and public statements from candidates can reveal how studios select directors. Following announcements from producers and studios offers the clearest view of how a franchise is changing.
Further reading
Explore more in Film — General for context on the industry's biggest franchise decisions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Playlist.
