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.

Amazon MGM Studios announced earlier this year that it had gained creative control over the Bond franchise after a family had held those duties for more than 60 years.

Denis Villeneuve, the Oscar nominated French-Canadian filmmaker, will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced. In a statement released by the studio, Villeneuve says he is a "die-hard James Bond fan" and intends to "honor the tradition" of the franchise.