Amazon’s CEO addresses the future of the James Bond franchise. Last week, Amazon MGM Studios released a shocking announcement that 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 ᴀssistant incorporating AI technology, Amazon CEO Andy Jᴀssy addressed James Bond’s future, per ᴅᴇᴀᴅline‘s report. While he revealed that they “don’t have a plan yet,” he promised that Amazon 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 that we 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’s No Time to Die, Amazon’s takeover further pushes the reset ʙuттon for the franchise. With Amazon now having the final say, the weight to cast the next Bond falls onto the studio. Jᴀssy’s comment suggests that the 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 in James Bond‘s future. Amazon’s involvement also means sufficient funding, which could change the conventional approach of casting established actors. On the other hand, Amazon’s approaches to other franchises, such as The Lord of the Rings and the global spy saga Citadel, have earned some criticism. Nevertheless, Jᴀssy’s comments indicate it’s a bit too soon to panic over Bond‘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 Bond is at a turning point. It seems that No Time to Die really marks the end of an era for 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, but its 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 13 James Bond movies, is retiring, and she is unenthusiastic about Bezos’ approach since she believes in finding the 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.
Source: ᴅᴇᴀᴅline
