For a moment, it seemed like James Bond had become the enemy of the people. I’m February, Amazon MGM Studios announced it had acquired the character's rights from the Broccoli family of producers, who had overseen the superspy for most the hero's cinematic lifespan.

In the 50-plus years of James Bond, the wait between films has never gone longer than six years. The next entry, and first since Daniel Craig’s dramatic exit, may test that — but things are speeding up.

Denis Villeneuve is going from Dune to 007. The filmmaker has been tapped to direct the next James Bond movie, the first from AmazonMGM. Tanya Lapointe, Villeneuve’s artistic partner and wife, will serve as an executive produver. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.