Since Amazon acquired Hollywood studio MGM in May 2022, it has set its sights on fully exploiting the intellectual property of the fictional superspy James Bond. The acquisition sparked anticipation for new developments in the Bond franchise, with many speculating that Amazon would bring fresh content to Prime Video.
However, Amazon has yet to release any new Bond movies or cast a new actor to take on the iconic role of 007. Fans have been left waiting, as there has been no major update on the future of the franchise since the 2021 release of No Time to Die. The film marked Daniel Craig’s final appearance as James Bond, leaving a significant gap in the series.
Despite the high hopes surrounding Amazon’s purchase of MGM, the company has not moved forward with a new Bond film or casting choice. Many wonder if Amazon is taking a strategic pause to reimagine the direction of the franchise, or if the company faces internal challenges in advancing the next chapter of Bond’s cinematic journey.
In the meantime, the Bond franchise remains dormant, and Prime Video subscribers continue to wonder when they will see new content. Amazon’s silence regarding the next Bond film has only fueled speculation about the future of 007. Will the next movie bring a bold reinvention, or will the company take a more cautious approach to maintaining the character’s legacy?
As the years pass since No Time to Die, the excitement surrounding the Bond series lingers, but it’s unclear when or how Amazon plans to capitalize on this beloved franchise. Fans eagerly await an announcement that will finally signal the next phase of James Bond’s cinematic evolution.
It seems no new Bond releases are on the horizon, largely due to a significant feud between Amazon, the franchise’s owner, and producer Barbara Broccoli. She shares creative control of the Bond franchise with her half-brother Michael Wilson, having inherited it from their father, Albert R. Broccoli.
According to a Thursday report in The Wall Street Journal, sources close to Barbara Broccoli claim she doesn’t believe Amazon is a good fit for the Bond franchise. The article stated that she can effectively “hold Bond hostage from Amazon for as long as she sees fit.” The report also quoted a line from her father, Albert R. Broccoli, to justify her stance: “Don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions.”
Barbara Broccoli has expressed her frustration with Amazon in more colorful terms. At times, she has referred to Amazon staff as “fucking idiots,” as reported by the Journal, which published a censored version of her remarks.
This ongoing conflict between Broccoli and Amazon has left the future of the Bond series in limbo, with no clear direction for the next film or casting decision. Broccoli’s stance on keeping tight control over the franchise has made it difficult for Amazon to move forward with new projects.
With no resolution in sight, the Bond franchise remains in a standoff. Fans and industry insiders alike are left waiting to see how this feud will play out and whether it will ever lead to the next chapter of 007’s cinematic legacy.
Tensions between Amazon and Barbara Broccoli surfaced during negotiations for Amazon’s acquisition of MGM.
As part of the deal discussions, Amazon promised to release future Bond films in theaters before streaming, according to The Journal. However, when Amazon executives proposed expanding the Bond universe with ideas like a TV show, a Moneypenny spinoff, or even a female 007 series, Broccoli’s response was reportedly consistent: “Did you read the contract?”
Amazon executives appear hesitant to cast an unknown actor as the next Bond, a position that contrasts with Broccoli’s approach, which blends “gut instinct with a healthy amount of risk” in key franchise decisions. This philosophy was evident in her decision to cast a relatively unknown Daniel Craig in 2006’s Casino Royale.
Gregg Wilson, the son of longtime Bond producer Michael Wilson, has been involved in producing recent Bond films and is said to be more open to updating the character.
Broccoli has reportedly told friends that she would be open to casting a nonwhite or gay actor as Bond, but she believes the character should always be portrayed by a British man.
Meanwhile, while Amazon Prime Video is eager to capitalize on the franchise, its executives have made missteps in their dealings with Broccoli.
