MOVIE NEWS – With Daniel Craig’s emotional farewell to the James Bond franchise in No Time to Die, the search for a new 007 began in earnest. While debates have raged over the potential identity, background, and age of the next Bond, longtime producer Barbara Broccoli remains steadfast that Bond will always be British and male. Yet, a significant challenge for Eon Productions could stem not from casting but from Amazon’s influence after its purchase of MGM, granting the tech giant a foothold in the iconic franchise.

Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in March 2022, reportedly valued at $8.5 billion, included high-profile properties like Rocky, The Silence of the Lambs, and The Pink Panther. However, James Bond remains the crown jewel. Despite the addition of Bond films to Prime Video’s extensive library, disagreements over the franchise’s future have reportedly brewed since before the deal’s completion.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that Amazon and Broccoli have conflicting visions for Bond’s next chapter. Broccoli has allegedly expressed reluctance to collaborate with Amazon, citing concerns over their understanding of the franchise’s essence, while Amazon appears eager to wield more creative influence.

Clashes Over Creative Direction

According to insiders, Broccoli has voiced sharp criticism of Amazon, making it clear that the tech giant’s approach doesn’t align with her vision for the franchise. She has insisted that the series should continue to prioritize theatrical releases and that Eon Productions maintain full creative control over future films.

One major sticking point reportedly arose during a meeting with Amazon executive Jennifer Salke, who referred to the franchise as “content”—a term that apparently didn’t sit well with Broccoli, who views Bond as far more than just another intellectual property.

Prior to finalizing the MGM deal, Amazon had reportedly pitched expansion plans for the franchise, such as spinoff series and additional films. These proposals have been likened to turning Bond into a “Marvel-style” universe—an approach Broccoli is said to oppose, given the franchise’s tightly controlled and family-oriented history.

Speculation surrounding the next Bond has been rampant since Daniel Craig’s final appearance in 2023. From potential casting to narrative directions, little has been confirmed, and the future of Bond remains uncertain. What seems clear, however, is that Bond’s most formidable challenge might not be a cinematic villain but the behind-the-scenes power struggle that could shape the iconic franchise.

Source: Movieweb