Denis Villeneuve Praises Human Creativity Over AI Prompts, Almost Announces New Bond

Denis Villeneuve has praised human creativity over AI prompts, and playfully stirred the pot over the increasing rumours and speculation surrounding the casting of the main character in his upcoming James Bond film.

Addressing the crowd at Saturday night's Art+Film fundraiser at the LACMA museum in Los Angeles where he was being honored for his contributions to cinema (thanks, THR), the Dune: Part Three director took the opportunity to praise his heroes including Steven Spielberg and James Cameron, before speaking to the existential crisis currently being suffered by artists as a result of the rise of artificial intelligence.

"At the heart of every one of my films, there’s a question I need to answer," said Villeneuve. "The audience may see it or they may not, and that is fine. For me, each film is a statement to the unknown to try and find that answer. Perhaps those questions are more urgent now than ever."

"We are at the crossroad, asking what defines a human being and what human expression is worth? Every parent on Earth is a little worried about the world of our children will inherit. That question is at the heart of Dune: Part Three with Paul and Chani fighting to give their children a better world than the one they were given.”

The director went on to discuss the vital role that human creativity plays in the process of creating art.

“For a filmmaker today, it is very real," said Villeneuve. "I have a choice. I can create something with a prompt 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. Those are two different things. Well, I know there’s producers in the room and they will say that one is more expensive than the other. More important than the result is the process. The process is how the human experience acquires its meaning. In this moment in time, it is more important than ever that human beings keep making art together. That is the heritage I want to give to my children.”

On a more lighthearted note, Villeneuve closed his speech by referencing the growing hype surrounding the casting of the next James Bond. Playing up to the headlines, Villeneuve said, "To express my gratitude with the blessing of my new friends at Amazon, I will reveal to you tonight who will be the next James Bond. The new James Bond is… and I will stop right now because Amy Pascal is about to have a heart attack. Thank you very much.”

Just last week it was reported that The Batman's Robert Pattinson had screen-tested for the role of 007 in the 26th James Bond film, and that Superman's Nicholas Hoult had also come into consideration. The two join Jack Lowden, Callum Turner, and Josh O'Connor on the shortlist for the hotly-contested role, although nothing official has been confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios.

Casting for James Bond has been underway since spring, and since then rumours about who will take the role of the British super spy have been flying around from all angles like misfiring gadgets in Q Branch. Slow Horses' Jack Lowden would appear to be the frontrunner at least based on the feedback from fans, although former Bond Daniel Craig appears to be rooting for Josh O'Connor.

Meanwhile, Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three is set to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026. Also arriving in theaters around that time are three Dune: Part Three popcorn buckets, including one with two sandworm mouths. Watch those teeth.