Popular James Bond leading lady "sad" after Amazon acquisition – but this Bond 26 news assured her it will be "cinema"

Casting for the new 007 is under way.

Daniel Craig as James Bond, wearing a smart suit and pointing a gun.

MGM

Published: Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at 12:30 pm

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James Bond franchise star Léa Seydoux, who played Madeleine Swann in the two most recent films, Spectre and No Time to Die, has given her thoughts on the next film – and she had a mixed reaction.

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Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Variety, Seydoux said she was "sad" about Amazon MGM Studios taking over creative control of the franchise.

That deal was announced last year, with long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stepping back from the franchise as part of a new joint venture agreement to house the James Bond intellectual property rights.

They have remained co-owners of the franchise alongside Amazon, but Amazon MGM Studios has gained creative rights.

Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann and Daniel Craig as James Bond in Spectre.

Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann and Daniel Craig as James Bond in Spectre. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Danjaq, LLC and Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc.

However, despite Seydoux's sadness, there is one aspect of the upcoming film which has given her reassurance – the fact that Denis Villeneuve is directing.

Seydoux said: "I was a bit sad when I heard that it was sold, but now that it’s Denis, I was like, 'Oh, at least it’s him, so it will be cinema.'"

She added of Villeneuve, who she worked with on last year's Dune Part Two: "He’s super cultured – he knows so much about cinema, but not only cinema."

Villeneuve will be directing the new film from a script written by Steven Knight. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the project.

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It was recently confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios that the casting process to find the next Bond has begun, with the studio releasing a statement saying: "The search for the next James Bond is under way. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right."

Reports have suggested that Sunset Boulevard actor Tom Francis has auditioned for the role, but it is not yet known who else is in the running.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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