Amazon To Gain Creative Control Of The James Bond Franchise In A New Joint Venture Deal
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Carl Roberts 
Ian Fleming’s greatest creation is to come under the control of Amazon in a new joint venture. What does the future hold for James Bond now?
A shock has been handed down to James Bond fans today. In a surprise move that has come like a bolt from the blue, Amazon has officially gained control of the James Bond franchise in a new joint venture deal. Longtime owners of all things 007, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, will remain as co-owners of Bond. However, they will be stepping back to focus on other projects. This news could bring the curtain down on the Eon era. This started back in 1961 when Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman bought the rights to Ian Fleming’s novels. They started the Bond franchise with the adaptation of the 1958 novel Dr No.
REPORTED PROBLEMS
There have been reported problems with the franchise and between Amazon and Eon for a few months now. Fans have been waiting for the announcement of the new actor to play Bond ever since Daniel Craig stepped down from the role after No Time To Die in 2021. Wilson and Broccoli stated at the time they would be taking a period away before getting down to finding the new actor to fill 007’s tuxedo. With names being banded about, such as Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Rege Jean-Page and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, fans have kept speculating about who it might be.
However, it was said that Amazon wanted to push on with Bond projects, including TV series. That didn’t sit well with Wilson and Broccoli, who said under no circumstances would that happen. They both resented being pushed by Amazon to get rolling on 007’s next adventure, favouring a slower approach. With the news today, it seems as if Amazon have gotten their way after all.
WHAT NOW FOR 007?
So, that leaves the question, what now? Where does this news leave the James Bond franchise? Amazon is bound to want to get things rolling on the next 007 adventure. But at what cost? Will they suddenly announce that they have found the next James Bond? Will they go woke, as many fans are fearing? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Bond couldn’t be played by an ethnic actor. I’m simply stating, as a Bond movie lover and a huge fan of the Fleming novels, that I’d rather have a true representation of the character as written by the novelist.
Times do change, attitudes change, and fads change. But at the same time, going woke will alienate a section of the fanbase into simply not showing up for the movies. Sure, it will move with the times but can Amazon be 100% convinced that the fans will go along with it? They would be playing a risky game is all I am saying. Will Amazon suddenly decide to make the TV series that they want to do? Could Bond no longer be a theatrical event? Instead, is it becoming a made-for-streaming movie series? That thought alone sends shivers down the spine.
THE FUTURE
Whatever the future holds for the franchise, Amazon needs to make the correct choice for the character, now and going forward. We’ve all heard that the next incarnation of the character would be a younger actor stepping into Bond’s shoes. That would rule out Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and possibly Henry Cavill, who is the fans’ choice to hold Bond’s license to kill. Personally, I’d like to see Aaron Taylor-Johnson get the role, or Theo James. Both could easily take on the (not so) secret agent’s mantle. Either one for me would be a perfect choice. But whoever straps on Bond’s Walther PPK, I will be one of the first in line to see it. Assuming, of course, that the franchise continues to be a theatrical affair.
A BOND TV SERIES?
As for the TV show that Amazon wants to pursue, I have to say no unless it concerns a spin-off featuring other characters and not Bond. A series focussing on ‘M’ as a young naval officer, climbing the ranks to become head of the ’00’ section would be a winner in my eyes. Or a series showing how ‘Q’ became such an esteemed quartermaster. There are possibilities. But none should feature Bond at any point. He is suited to appear on the big screen before the movie hits streaming and digital to buy. Bond is a theatrical experience and has been for the past sixty-three years. Yes, viewing habits have changed. But Bond is best suited for cinema screens, not premiering on the small screen in our own homes on a subscription service.
We now wait and see what will happen with the franchise. Check back here at The Future Of The Force for any further developments on this breaking story.
*NOTE: The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not represent The Future Of The Force or any other writers for the site*
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
