Denis Villeneuve turned down the chance to direct 'Bond 25' to work on 'Dune'.
Denis Villeneuve
The 50-year-old filmmaker - whose last release was 'Blade Runner 2049' - has been one the names touted to helm the upcoming 007 movie but Villeneuve has revealed he had to say no to the spy blockbuster because he is just too "busy right now" getting ready to fulfill his dream to remake the sci-fi epic.
Speaking to website The Playlist, Villeneuve said: "The thing is I don't know about that but listen, Daniel Craig is a very inspiring actor and I had some contact and the thing is that I'm busy right now doing 'Dune'.
"But, I will say to have the privilege to work with him it would be a dream. I would love to work with Daniel and a Bond movie for me would be a treat. It's a matter of timing, I guess."
Villeneuve is a huge fan of David Lynch's epic 1984 movie - which was adapted from Frank Herbert's book of the same name and starred Kyle MacLachlan, Sir Patrick Stewart, Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino and Brad Dourif - and has always held the ambition to bring the story of the battle for the planet Arrakis back to the big screen.
Back in August, 49-year-old Craig revealed he will return as 007 for the landmark film in the series, which will hit cinemas in 2019.
It will be his final outing and will mean that he breaks Sir Roger Moore's record as the longest-serving Bond when 2019 rolls around as he will have been in possession of the iconic part for 13 years.
As well as Villeneuve, Yann Demange and David Mackenzie have also held meetings with the production team about directing the next Bond film.
'Dunkirk' director Christopher Nolan and 'Baby Driver' filmmaker Edgar Wright are also thought to be in the running for the prestigious job.
Sam Mendes, who directed the acclaimed 'Skyfall' and 'Spectre' films, stepped away from the franchise sparking the search for new director for Eon Productions.
Tagged in Daniel Craig Denis Villeneuve