Amazon’s CEO addresses the future of theJames Bondfranchise. Last week,Amazon MGM Studios released a shocking announcementthat it will take creative control of the spy franchise, while longtime producers and custodians of the 007 brand, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, are stepping back, per a new agreement on intellectual property rights. The three parties will remain co-owners of the franchise.
During a TV interview with CNBC regarding Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant incorporating AI technology, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy addressed James Bond’s future, perDeadline’s report. While he revealed that they “don’t have a plan yet,” he promised thatAmazon will “take great care” of the franchise. Check out what he said below:
We don’t have a plan yet on what the next theme is going to be. We haven’t – nobody’s written the story yet. But we will take great care. It’s an amazing franchise that we care a lot about and thatwe expect to develop over a long period of time.
First of all, I don’t believe that AI is going to write a Bond movie any time soon. [Amazon executives are] incredibly honored to have the ability to help shepherd the Bond franchise for the next generation. And we have amazing filmmakers that we have hired over time at MGM Amazon Studios.
What This Means For James Bond
All Doors Are Open For James Bond
After Daniel Craig’s final installment as 007,2021’sNo Time to Die, Amazon’s takeover further pushes the reset button for the franchise. With Amazon now having the final say, the weight to cast the next Bond falls onto the studio. Jassy’s comment suggests thatthe franchise is at a stage of regrouping. There’s currently no active plan for where it will go or for the next film. There have been mixed responses to Amazon’s takeover. Some fear this will lead to an oversaturation of the Bond property, while others feel the change could infuse new blood and push the franchise further.
It also seems likely that TV shows and other spinoff projects might be inJames Bond’s future. Amazon’s involvement also means sufficient funding, which couldchange the conventional approachof casting established actors. On the other hand, Amazon’s approaches to other franchises, such asThe Lord of the Ringsand the global spy sagaCitadel, have earned some criticism. Nevertheless, Jassy’s comments indicate it’s a bit too soon to panic overBond’s future, as things are only just coming together at the studio.
Our Take On Amazon’s Takeover Of James Bond
James Bond Is Entering A New Era
James Bondis at a turning point. It seems thatNo Time to Diereally marks the end of an erafor the franchise. While changes are scary, they are not always a bad thing. Of course, along with changes come concerns. Amazon has produced some great shows, butits theatrical releases sometimes find themselves lacking. If not careful, the change could potentially ruin the iconic franchise, and one of the biggest concerns is casting.
Amazon head Jeff Bezos appeared to be trying out a new method in the hours after the initial announcement. He took to social media to ask fans who should be the next Bond. Debbie McWilliams, responsible for casting 13James Bondmovies, is retiring, and she is unenthusiastic about Bezos' approach since she believes in findingthe right actor for the job over fan service. The Amazon era of the franchise will be different, and the changes are likely to be big.
