The future of the James Bond franchise is mired in uncertainty as tensions rise between longtime producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon, the studio’s new owner.
Amazon acquired MGM, the studio behind the iconic series, in 2021, but disagreements over creative direction have left the franchise in a stalemate.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, debates range from whether Bond should transition into a streaming series to philosophical disputes over whether the character qualifies as a hero. Broccoli has expressed skepticism about Amazon’s approach, reportedly criticising their data-driven mindset and saying, “I don’t think James Bond is a hero,” a sentiment echoed by some Amazon executives.
Broccoli, who has overseen the franchise for over three decades, remains adamant that Bond must remain a male British spy and rejects ideas like TV spin-offs or radical reimaginings.
As of now, there is no script, no story, and no new actor to take on the 007 mantle, leaving the series in an unprecedented state of limbo.
Industry insiders describe the conflict as a clash between traditional Hollywood storytelling and Amazon’s tech-driven priorities, with Broccoli asserting that Bond belongs on the big screen, not in the realm of algorithms and streaming platforms.
Does anyone actually give a s***? The UK/US entertainment industry is a woke joke these days. I rarely watch anything they produce as its guaranteed to disappoint.