Amazon Takes Control of James Bond: Who Will Be the New 007?
February 24, 2025. On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Amazon announced its acquisition of creative control over one of the most iconic film franchises of all time – James Bond. This move has sparked a wave of speculation and discussions about the future of the film series, which has entertained audiences worldwide for over 60 years.
The End of Family Control
Amazon MGM Studios has reached an agreement with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the heirs of the original Bond producer Albert Broccoli. Until now, they have fiercely guarded the legacy of James Bond, a character created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953. The deal means that Amazon will now gain creative control over the franchise and will be able to make decisions about future Bond films without the approval of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
According to an Amazon spokesperson, the financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed, but it was confirmed that the company has established a joint venture to manage the intellectual property of James Bond. This move raises concerns that, following the example of Star Wars (acquired by Disney) or Marvel, the Bond franchise might fragment into a series of TV spin-offs and supplementary content.
Who Will Be the New James Bond?
Let’s recall: the iconic Bond series has been running for over 60 years. The first film, Dr. No, starring Sean Connery, was released in 1962. After Connery, the role of James Bond was taken on by Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
One of the biggest questions now hanging in the air is who will replace Daniel Craig (*1968) as the sixth and most recent Agent 007. Who will be the seventh 007? Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon, recently sparked a poll on social media platform X, where fans could voice their opinions on who should be the next Bond. Among the most frequently mentioned names was British actor Henry Cavill, known for his roles as Superman and The Witcher.
Figure 1: Henry Cavill as the seventh James Bond? (source: Craiyon)
Other candidates who appeared in the poll included:
- Tom Hardy: Known for films like "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Mad Max: Fury Road."
- Idris Elba: A long-time fan favorite who could become the first Black Bond.
- James McAvoy: An actor with a wide range, known for films like "X-Men" and "Split."
- Michael Fassbender: Another veteran of the "X-Men" franchise and a multiple award winner.
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson: An actor who gained fame in "Kick-Ass" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron."
Although Henry Cavill leads the poll, Amazon has not yet officially confirmed any name. However, fans speculate that the new Bond could be announced within the next few years.
The Future of Bond Under Amazon
Taking control of the Bond franchise is a huge opportunity for Amazon, but also a responsibility. The legendary film series is known for its consistency and fidelity to the original spirit of Fleming's novels. The question remains whether Amazon can preserve this integrity or if the Bond films will become part of a broader universe with TV series and spin-offs.
While some fans are excited about the possibility of new stories and characters, others fear that the series could lose its unique character. One thing is certain – the era of James Bond under Amazon will definitely be different from what we have been used to.
Conclusion
Amazon's takeover of James Bond is a historic milestone for one of the most famous film series. While fans eagerly await the announcement of the new 007, questions about the future of the franchise remain open. One way or another – James Bond will continue to be one of the most influential characters in film history, regardless of who stands behind or in front of the camera.
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Based on the original Czech article: Amazon přebírá kontrolu nad Jamesem Bondem – kdo bude novým 007?.