Rumors concerning the future of James Bond were abundant even prior to Daniel Craig unequivocally announcing his departure.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson? Idris Elba? Henry Cavill? James Norton? A female 007?
Three and a half years after the release of No Time To Die, which faced delays due to COVID and other complications, a definitive announcement remains absent.
However, in an unexpected twist, it has now been revealed that Bond‘s longtime producers and guardians, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, are transferring creative oversight to Amazon MGM Studios.
Daniel Craig in his initial performance as Bond, Casino Royale, in 2006. Pic: Rex/Shutterstock
The extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations leading up to this deal may explain why a fresh 007 has yet to be identified. Speculations are now shifting from the next Bond to the overarching future of the franchise.
Broccoli and Wilson, daughter and stepson of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, the architect of the franchise’s inception and its ensuing prosperity, have consistently shown a strong commitment to safeguarding the legacy of the world’s most renowned secret agent.
During Craig‘s era, only five films have been released since his debut, Casino Royale, which came out nearly 20 years ago in 2006. Pierce Brosnan featured in four films between 1995 and 2002.
Broccoli and Wilson aimed to prevent overwhelming audiences with too much Bond. Fans have been left in anticipation, perpetually desiring more.
With Amazon now steering the ship, might we witness origin narratives for Miss Moneypenny or Q? Or how about the villains? A thoughtful exploration into the formative years of Jaws, Blofeld, or Goldfinger—perhaps even all three and beyond—unraveling their descent into villainy?
Will Jeff Bezos take a hands-on approach? He certainly wasted no time in reaching out on X to solicit fan opinions. Could a cameo from him be a possibility?
Roger Moore as Bond alongside Richard Kiel’s Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me. Pic: Moviestore/Rex/Shutterstock
In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, gaining the rights to distribute James Bond films. At that time, the streaming platform expressed that it was “privileged… to usher in the next chapter”. In 2023, it also launched a reality show revolving around Bond.
When asked her opinion on possible spin-offs by Sky News following that announcement, Broccoli commented: “Well, I don’t think so… our focus has been on making films for theatrical release, and we haven’t wished to pursue spin-offs.
“That is our stance. They have assured us that the films will continue to be theatrical releases in the days ahead, and we will see what unfolds.”
Is that about to shift?
‘Don’t create a cinematic universe for Bond’
Sean Bean and Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye in 1995. Pic: Rex/Shutterstock
In December, the Wall Street Journal published a piece titled “Where Is James Bond? Stuck in an Unsightly Stalemate With Amazon,” which featured interviews with over 20 individuals familiar with the ongoing “feud”.
When one executive referred to Bond as “content,” a friend allegedly remarked to the publication that it felt like a “death toll” to Broccoli.
“It’s somewhat disheartening to witness the last family-operated film franchise handed over to corporate entities, and I’m confident that Amazon MGM is eagerly anticipating this,” filmmaker Joe Russo (not to be confused with the other Russo who has collaborated on Marvel films) noted on X.
“BUT… PLEASE, do not turn James Bond into a cinematic universe. It remains one of our last significant theatrical experiences. Avoid diluting that with a multitude of streaming spin-offs.”
Another user on X expressed their discontent more bluntly: “RIP James Bond.”
Read more:
Brian Cox on Bond reality
A retrospective look at 007 in images
A glance at the recent developments surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe illustrates why these concerns exist.
Though many remain fans, noticeable dissatisfaction has emerged—evident in box office returns—as an increasing number of spin-offs and origin tales have been produced in recent years.
Jenna Ortega, noted for her role in Beetlejuice, is one actress opposed to the idea of a spin-off—or at least a female rendition of Bond.
“I appreciate the rise in female lead characters these days; it’s truly special,” she stated in an MTV interview last year. “However, we should create our own narratives. I dislike the notion of a spin-off—I wouldn’t want to see something like ‘Jamie Bond.’ You know? I want another strong character.”
In response to a message from the British James Bond Fan Club, one fan commented: “The end of an era! We can only hope that future Bond content prioritizes quality over quantity.”
There is also the ongoing copyright dispute that has captured media attention recently.
Austrian real estate mogul Josef Kleindienst is contesting the trademark ownership of the James Bond name in the UK and the EU, as The Guardian disclosed earlier this February. This challenge emerges after five years of “non-use” under trademark regulations.
“James Bond will not fade out on our watch,” he reportedly declared.
The previous longest interval between Bond films stands at six years and four months; given current circumstances, this next installment could very well take longer.
These are precarious times for Bond, leaving fans feeling more than slightly shaken and stirred.
