Cary Fukunaga, a graduate of Analy High School in Sebastopol, has been named director of the next James Bond film.

Film director Cary Joji Fuku­naga, a 1995 graduate of Analy High School in Sebastopol and winner of a ?2014 Emmy Award for directing the TV drama series “True Detective,” has been chosen to direct the next James Bond film starring Daniel Craig as the iconic spy hero.

Fukunaga replaces Danny Boyle, known for directing “Slumdog Millionaire,” who left the project over what producers said were creative differences, as director of the still-untitled 25th film in the Bond series, which began in 1962 with “Dr. No.”

Fukunaga’s recruitment to complete the project was announced Thursday. He is the first American director chosen to helm a Bond film.

Producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and star Craig said the new Bond movie will start filming at London’s Pinewood Studios on March 4, and is scheduled for release on Feb. 14, 2020.

Originally planned for November 2019, the release date was delayed after Boyle’s departure.

Fukunaga, 41, is also known for directing the 2015 war film “Beasts of No Nation,” starring Idris Elba, and the 2009 Mexican-American adventure thriller “Sin Nombre.”

You can reach Staff Writer Dan Taylor at 707-521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @danarts.