Many James Bond fans are worried about the future direction of the spy movie franchise after the handing over of creative control to Amazon MGM by long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
But superfan David Lowbridge-Ellis MBE, editor-in-chief of the 007GB Club and creator and editor of Licence to Queer, is excited for the future of Bond and its creative potential under Amazon.
“It’s too easy to see this pessimistically,” Lowbridge-Ellis, speaking in a personal capacity, told Newsweek. “Let’s see it as an opportunity. I don’t think Amazon will change James Bond himself all that much. But if we’re lucky, we’ll get to see an expansion of Bond’s world.”
The Bond announcement on February 20 detailed a newly formed joint venture between Amazon MGM Studios, Broccoli and Wilson in which all parties will co-own the intellectual property rights to the 007 brand while Amazon MGM assumes full creative leadership.
“We simply don’t know how this is going to turn out and a lot of Bond fans are worried,” Lowbridge-Ellis said. “But as Fleming said (in the novel On Her Majesty’s Secret Service): ‘worry is a dividend paid to disaster before it is due’. Let’s wait and see.”
Miles Winterburn, vice-president of 007GB, told Newsweek the news had “created a huge talking point” among Bond fans online, adding that Broccoli and Wilson had “steered the good ship 007 to a wide variety of cinematic destinations during their decades in charge, but everything must end.”
He continued: “Disney’s acquisition of Star Wars has been referenced, but for all the content they have released, and the criticism received, there have still been some excellent new stories told.
“Here is hoping Amazon can pick up the creative torch and do the same for 007.”
The actor Sean Connery as James Bond pictured in 1966, leaning against a bar and looking out across the room. Connery is wearing a white tuxedo and bow tie with a red carnation in his… The actor Sean Connery as James Bond pictured in 1966, leaning against a bar and looking out across the room. Connery is wearing a white tuxedo and bow tie with a red carnation in his lapel.
Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images
Why It Matters
Broccoli and Wilson have long been the stewards of the Bond legacy, overseeing the evolution of the iconic spy across multiple decades and six actors in the lead role.
Their father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, helped bring Ian Fleming’s creation to the big screen in 1962 with Dr. No, setting the stage for a multibillion-dollar franchise that has spanned 25 official films.
Amazon MGM’s creative takeover signals a shift in strategy, though it remains unclear how the studio will approach future Bond films or potential expansions into television or digital content.
There has been much speculation about the future face of Bond, most recently played by Daniel Craig, and heated debate among fans over if 007 could be portrayed by a non-white or a female actor.
Amazon MGM, which often uses color-blind casting in its productions, may bring such a prospect closer under its creative leadership of James Bond.
What To Know
The move comes amid reports of creative differences between Broccoli, Wilson and Amazon MGM regarding the franchise’s future, particularly following the conclusion of Craig’s tenure as 007 in 2021’s No Time to Die.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, and the deal is expected to be finalized later this year.
Amazon acquired MGM Studios for $6.5 billion in 2022, gaining access to a vast library of over 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows.
The purchase granted Amazon the distribution rights to all James Bond films and the company has since explored expanding the franchise beyond traditional films, potentially through streaming projects or spin-offs.
What People Are Saying
David Lowbridge-Ellis to Newsweek: “I find the whole ‘could Bond be a woman/gay/black, etc?’ discourse so unimaginative. It would be far more interesting to surround Bond with other Double O agents who reflect the real life MI6: all genders, sexual orientations and ethnicities.
“There’s a reality check here: whether ‘diversity, equality and inclusion’ policy is currently in vogue or censured by political leaders matters very little; audiences nowadays expect to see people more like themselves represented on screen. These more true-to-life characters would, if well written, bring a broader audience into Bond.
“Bond has been ‘woke’ (whatever that means) since Fleming, particularly in his treatment of women who, contrary to what people who haven’t read the books claim, are often more intelligent and empowered than Bond himself.”
Miles Winterburn to Newsweek: “We now enter genuinely exciting, if not slightly scary times. There is no doubt that we will finally see more frequent content, which for numerous Bond fans cannot come soon enough. We all need to remain open-minded about what Amazon will deliver us from the world of our favorite secret agent.”
Dan Marcus writing on X: “Star Wars used to feel like an event, and Disney has commodified it and stripped it of nearly everything that made it feel special. Amazon is going to do the same with James Bond. What was once a long-running, theatrical FILM franchise will now be stripped bare and commodified.”
Former Bond girl Valerie Leon to GMB: “It’s not a question of worrying me, because life changes and everything moves on and changes. I just…the Bond franchise was very British, and it won’t be anymore. And, obviously, if they make films, they won’t go into the cinema…Everything is so changed now, it won’t be the same, and I’m very old fashioned anyway.”
Mike Beauvais writing on X: “We used to get a (generally) very good James Bond movie every few years, but that’s all out the window now. Get ready for Young Q and 00 Origins: Trevelyan and other unwatchable Amazon Prime slop going forward.”
Darren Dixon writing on X: Barbara Broccoli steps down. Amazon will now control the James Bond franchise. I’m guessing DEI s**t will dictate. Bond will probably be black, who comes out as gay and finally transitions into Jane Bond, whilst wearing a dress made from a Palestinian flag.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios: “We are honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
Warren Carrigan writing on X: “I can’t say I was a fan of the most recent #JamesBond films but I am still greeting this with mixed emotions. I hope it’s a return to movies that are more exciting and less dour than those of the Craig era.”
Davina Connector writing on X: “Love this! It will be exciting to see where Amazon takes the James Bond franchise!”
Barbara Broccoli: “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time To Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.”
What Happens Next
While no official casting or production announcements have been made regarding the next installment, speculation continues over who will take up the mantle of 007 and what creative direction the franchise will take under Amazon’s leadership.
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