What will Amazon do with James Bond?

Daniel Craig, the actor known for his role as James Bond, made a memorable appearance at the premiere of his final film, No Time To Die, wearing a striking berry-colored suit. As the credits rolled, viewers were greeted with the familiar phrase, 'James Bond will return. ' However, for the past few years, fans have been left in suspense about what that return would entail. Following the release of Craig's last film, Amazon made a significant move by acquiring MGM, the parent company of the Bond franchise. Since that acquisition, there has been a noticeable lack of activity regarding new Bond projects. Recently, however, a major development occurred when it was announced that Amazon would take full creative control of the Bond series, which means that long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson would be stepping back from their roles. This shift has sparked a mix of reactions among fans of the iconic 007 character. David Zaritsky, the creator of The Bond Experience, a popular fan channel on YouTube and Instagram, expressed his ambivalence about the news. He stated, 'On one hand, I feel a sense of sadness because Broccoli and Wilson have been the guardians of the Bond legacy for so long. It feels like a part of the royal lineage has been severed. On the other hand, inactivity has plagued the franchise for years, and I believe Amazon will not tolerate that. I am hopeful and even a bit excited that they will bring something fresh and interesting to the table. ' As Amazon takes the reins, there is speculation about the direction the franchise might take. Some industry experts suggest that the company could explore character extensions similar to successful spin-offs like Cruella, which focused on the villain from 101 Dalmatians. Lancelot Narayan, a Bond historian and journalist, drew parallels between this situation and George Lucas's sale of Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012. He noted, 'Disney quickly produced a sequel trilogy for Star Wars, and while opinions on those films vary, they were made without the long waits that have characterized Bond's recent history. ' However, there is also concern that the rapid expansion of franchises like Marvel and Star Wars has led to creative fatigue. Narayan pointed out that while some Star Wars series have been well-received, others have struggled to find their footing. He remarked, 'The creative voices behind these projects can be quite disparate, leading to a lack of cohesion. ' This raises questions about whether Amazon can maintain the integrity of the Bond brand while also expanding it. Fans are hopeful that any new Bond projects will be of higher quality than the recent game show, 007: Road to a Million, which received poor reviews. The enduring popularity of the Bond franchise has even inspired a new theatrical production titled A Role To Die For, which explores the cultural significance of the character. Derek Bond, the director of the show, commented, 'Many people have grown up with Bond, and his ability to evolve with the times has been key to his longevity. However, I wonder if we have reached a point where Bond feels outdated and requires a radical transformation to remain relevant. ' One avenue that Amazon is likely to explore is the potential for character origin stories, similar to other successful film franchises. Recent spin-offs like Cruella and Wonka have introduced beloved characters to new audiences, and it is easy to envision similar projects centered around iconic Bond villains such as Jaws, Oddjob, or Blofeld. Derek Bond humorously suggested, 'Why has nobody created a series about Moneypenny? There is a rich narrative to be explored there. ' However, Zaritsky cautioned that while spin-offs may be on the horizon, Amazon will likely focus on key characters rather than diluting the brand with excessive side stories. Not all fans are enthusiastic about Amazon's involvement. One fan expressed their discontent, stating, 'This could be the worst thing to happen to the franchise. James Bond was more than just a series of films; it had class and prestige. Now, it feels like it will be exploited for profit. ' Broccoli has long been seen as a protector of the Bond legacy, ensuring that the character remains true to his roots. However, with Amazon's focus on maximizing profits, there are concerns about whether the brand will retain its essence. The question of how to attract younger audiences is also at the forefront of discussions. Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, has even solicited suggestions from followers on social media regarding who should take over the role of James Bond. This indicates that Amazon is keenly aware of the franchise's future direction. Some believe that Amazon may attempt to reposition Bond to appeal more to younger viewers and the American market, which has historically been less engaged with the character. Movie journalist Hannah Strong expressed her apprehension, stating, 'This is concerning for the franchise and British cinema as a whole. Bond is a quintessentially British property, and the control shifting to an American company raises questions about the commitment to quality storytelling. ' Despite these concerns, it is important to note that Bond remains a lucrative franchise, and any drastic changes could pose significant risks. The most pressing question remains who will succeed Craig in the iconic role. Broccoli has previously stated that Bond could be portrayed by any race, but he would still be male. With her stepping back, it remains to be seen whether this stance will change. Fans are eager to see what Amazon's next move will be regarding the Bond franchise, and many believe that we may not have to wait long for new developments.