The James Bond franchise has lain dormant for four years, since Daniel Craig’s swansong as 007, No Time to Die. A legal quarrel between Bond’s producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, and Amazon Studios resulted in a stalemate and production on a new Bond film has remained in limbo.

What does a James Bond movie directed by Denis Villeneuve look like? That has become a significant question for 007 fans in recent days, as the acclaimed filmmaker behind Blade Runner 2049, Dune, and Dune: Part Two has signed a deal that will see him helm the first film in the post-Daniel Craig era of the superspy franchise.

Denis Villeneuve has been chosen to direct the new James Bond movie, and while this might turn a few heads, he is a solid choice for several reasons.