The upcoming unтιтled Bond 26 finally has a director in Denis Villeneuve, and the filmmaker has revealed his favorite James Bond movie, suggesting some details about how he may approach his take on the franchise. All of Villeneuve’s movies have had dark and cerebral textures, from the tense drama of Enemy to the powerful science fiction action of Dune: Part Two.

Villeneuve is the latest in a series of excellent filmmakers who have taken on the world of James Bond, but his entry in the franchise will be especially important. The introductory movie for each Bond actor has set the tone for an entire era of the character. Films from GoldenEye to Dr. No have had to introduce a new world.

Fortunately, Villeneuve is proficient at beginning franchises. A Sicario 3 is in the works based on the world he crafted, and the Dune series is set up to be one of the biggest science fiction series of today. It is worth looking at Villeneuve’s influences, including his favorite Bond movie, to see where he may be headed with his film.

Casino Royale Is Denis Villeneuve’s Favorite James Bond Movie

He Also Singles Out Another Daniel Craig Film

In an interview with BBC Radio 1 from several years ago, Villeneuve was asked if he had any guilty pleasures in cinema. The director quickly turned to 007 as one of his favorite franchises: “I’m a major Bond fan, and there’s nothing like a good James Bond to cheer you up.” Following this, he was asked about his favorites in the series, and he replied:

I would say that Casino Royale, the first Daniel Craig movie Bond, is one of my favorites of all time, I would say, and Skyfall as well. I went through these movies several times at difficult periods.

Notably, unlike the host of the program, who spoke about his appreciation for underwater lairs, Villeneuve’s focus was on what are largely considered Craig’s best Bond films. Casino Royale is an especially important point of comparison for Bond 26, as it set up a whole new era for the franchise, which Skyfall was later able to build upon further.

These considerations are notable, because they speak to Villeneuve’s specific interests within Bond. Especially seeing how things in the franchise naturally grow into Skyfall, it is notable that these two films encapsulate the evolution of an entire era. As far as inspirations can go for the next Bond film, it would be difficult to highlight two more telling films for Villeneuve.

Denis Villeneuve’s Love Of Casino Royale Suggests What His James Bond Movie Will Be Like

The Tense Drama And Action Will Likely Be An Influence On Villeneuve’s Take

Casino Royale was a tense and exciting installment in the James Bond franchise that set up a new era for the hero. Much of the camp and corniness that had been used, especially during the Brosnan and Moore eras of the franchise, was removed in favor of a darker, more human look at the character.

As alluded to in the interview, Casino Royale did not have the underwater lairs and gadgets of the earlier Bond films, but they did still have the same spirit for the character. It is likely that whoever is cast in Villeneuve’s Bond will need significant dramatic chops to carry the weight of the material.

While some might have hope for a Bond movie with funny lines, harkening back to earlier incarnations of the franchise, Villeneuve’s work and comments suggest this is unlikely. The director has a great understanding of action, tension, and drama, and Casino Royale has some of the best of these elements in the entire series.

It is certain that Villeneuve will bring his own distinct style to Bond, but Casino Royale will be a significant influence for the director. Featuring one of the best Bond love stories, the film adeptly balanced intrigue, drama, and humanity, due to the complexities of Bond’s relationship with Vesper. Similar elements may become a focus for Bond 26.

Casino Royale Being Denis Villeneuve’s Favorite 007 Movie Makes Him Directing Bond 26 Even Better

Villeneuve Understands The Importance Of Beginning A Bond Era

Beginning a new era of James Bond is a challenging task, but Villeneuve appears to have the right appreciation for what came before. Directed by Martin Campbell, Casino Royale set up a new era for the franchise, but did so within the confines of a spectacular, singular film. Bond 26 will need to do much of the same.

Just as important, however, is having an eye for the future of the franchise. Casino Royale naturally built into Quantum of Solace, crafting a larger, more interconnected story than anything that the Bond series had done up to that point. Understanding the scale of Bond and the size of the franchise is just as important as any individual film.

Noting Villeneuve’s appreciation for Skyfall in addition to Casino outlines the director’s holistic view of the series. Skyfall shows the ways that Craig’s Bond grew into some of the more cliché components of the series. Many believe Skyfall to be the best Bond movie due to how it evolves into the hallmarks of the franchise.

Both Skyfall and Casino Royale addressed the legacy of Bond in a cinematic way, which is important for the series. Villeneuve’s task is similar, as he must contend with the tremendous weight of the beloved franchise and create something that feels genuinely new, while still feeling in line with what has come before.

Denis Villeneuve’s James Bond Movie Needs To Avoid Too Many Casino Royale Similarities

The New Film Must Be A Genuinely New Take

As the latest reboot of the 007 franchise, Denis Villeneuve’s Bond cannot feel too similar to Casino Royale. Whichever James Bond actor frontrunner winds up taking the role will play a significant part in differentiating the new film, but this must also be done creatively. The outlook and style to the film will need to be a new approach.

Fortunately, separating what came before from what is ahead has occurred before, even with Casino Royale. The film was a significant departure from the Pierce Brosnan era, despite coming from Campbell, who previously launched that era with GoldenEye. It is possible to appreciate what came before while still crafting something fresh.

Villeneuve has a distinct style that is atmospheric and tense. This has been used to great effect in his science fiction work, and it is compelling to see how this is employed in crafting a new era for Bond. Perhaps the director will do his own take on the science fiction elements that predated Casino Royale in films like Moonraker.

Just because Villeneuve’s favorite Bond movie is Casino Royale does not mean the director will not pull from the larger canon in Bond 26. The director is one of the most creative and thoughtful filmmakers working today, and however he executes his vision will certainly be exciting to see.