Tim Burton, a man of singular vision, has indeed been dating Monica Bellucci, Bond girl and actor from the Matrix sequels. Bellucci spoke about their long-rumored relationship for the first time in Elle France.

“What I can say…I’m glad I met the man, first of all,” Bellucci said. “It’s one of those encounters that rarely happens in life…. I know the man, I love him, and now I’m going to meet the director, another adventure begins.”

As Bellucci alluded, the actor is meeting the director in a very straightforward way: Burton cast her in Beetlejuice 2, which has already begun filming in London this summer. It’s slated for release in September 2024. 

“I love Tim,” Bellucci added. “And I have great respect for Tim Burton.”

The pair met in a very ah, cinema! way, crossing paths on the 2006 Cannes Film Festival red carpet, according to People. Last October, she presented him with a lifetime achievement award at France’s Lumière Film Festival. In subsequent months, they were spotted together, and on Valentine’s Day of this year, they were photographed kissing. Still, this is the first time either has spoken publicly about the romance. 

Bellucci was formerly married to French actor Vincent Cassel, though they separated in 2013 after 14 years of marriage. They share daughters Deva, 18, and Léonie, 13.

Burton and Helena Bonham Carter were partners from 2001 to 2014; they share son Billy, 19, and daughter Nell, 15.