In 2006, the James Bond franchise received a substantial makeover that was a breath of fresh air for fans of 007. Daniel Craig introduced a darker, grittier (and blonder) version of MI6’s most prized asset,

With Denis Villeneuve now officially set to direct James Bond 26, it's a good time to look back at what the filmmaker previously called his favorite 007 flick.

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.