If you read Collider regularly, you know we’re big fans of cinematographers over here, so it’s with a significant degree of excitement that we now have word on who may be shooting two of the most highly anticipated films currently in development. First and foremost,Bond 25. WhenDanny Boylewas attached to helm the nextBondmovie, the prospect of his longtime DPAnthony Dod Mantleshooting aBondfilm was supremely exciting. Alas, that wasn’t meant to be, but current directorCary Joji Fukunagahas a great cinematographer of his own on tap.
Variety’sKristopher Tapleyreports that Oscar-winningLa La LandandFirst MancinematographerLinus Sandgrenis in line to shootBond 25, marking his first collaboration with Fukunaga and his first major franchise film. Indeed, Sandgren gained significant prominence back in 2013 for shootingDavid O. Russell’sAmerican Hustle, then went on to bring his tactile touch to films likeJoyandBattle of the Sexes. He most recently reunited with directorDamien ChazelleonFirst Man, for which they chose an ambitiously intimate approach to the camerawork.
Sandgren has big shoes to fill, asSam Mendes’Skyfallwas shot by the master himselfRoger Deakinsand Mendes’ follow-upSpectrebrought inHoyte van Hoytema, who’s certainly no slouch himself. It’ll be interesting to see what Sandgren and Fukunaga put together, assuming this pans out. Fukunaga doesn’t exactly have a mainstay DP. His Netflix seriesManiacwas shot byDarren Lew, and he served as his own cinematographer on the filmBeasts of No Nation. TheBond 25script is still in development, but shooting is scheduled to begin on June 27, 2025 in anticipation of a June 28, 2025 release date.
And in other exciting cinematographer news, filmmakerDenis Villeneuvewill continue his streak of working with incredible DPs on his ambitious sci-fi adaptationDune. Tapley again reports that Oscar-nominatedRogue One: A Star Wars StoryandZero Dark ThirtycinematographerGreig Fraseris in line to handle DP duties onDune. Fraser most recently shotAdam McKay’s ambitiousViceand is currently in the midst of shooting Disney’s live-actionStar WarsseriesThe Mandalorian, but it appears he’ll be behind the camera for Villeneuve whenDunestarts production next year.
Villeneuve struck up a fruitful collaboration with Roger Deakins onPrisonersthat continued withSicarioandBlade Runner 2049, the latter of which finally won Deakins that elusive Best Cinematography Oscar. It’s unclear if Villeneuve went to Deakins first, but the legendary DP is attached to reunite with Sam Mendes on the World War I film1917, so perhaps scheduling conflicts prevented his involvement withDune.
Regardless, Fraser is a fantastic choice. He’s done some incredible work on films likeFoxcatcherandLion, not to mentionVice, and I’m mighty excited to see what a collaboration with Villeneuve looks like.Dunedoesn’t currently have a release date, but the sci-fi film hasTimothée ChalametandRebecca Fergusonattached to star.
