Amazon Takes Control: Who Will Shape James Bond's Future?

Starting from last Thursday, 20th February, Amazon MGM Studios now holds complete creative authority over the James Bond series.

For several years, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, the masterminds behind the series, will continue as co-franchise owners. However, they are handing over the reins for daily creative choices. Wilson is now dedicating his time to artistic endeavors and philanthropic projects, while Broccoli is exploring new opportunities.

Without a shadow of a doubt, this is a pivotal point in the blockbuster film series, as Broccoli and Wilson have now taken over the management of these movies from their predecessor, Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, who had been the producer since 1962 with the first installment Dr No.

But what does Amazon taking creative control actually mean?

The change isn’t just about swapping one entity for another; Amazon MGM Studios will now have control over all creative aspects of the Bond franchise, such as choosing producers for upcoming Bond movies, essentially taking on the roles previously held by Broccoli and Wilson.

It seems that Amazon has taken charge of the creative aspects of the Bond series, and since this franchise holds significant value, the studio might prefer to maintain a tight rein on its course, rather than entrusting it entirely to someone outside the company. As a result, it appears more probable that an executive within the organization will assume a leading position.

It’s likely that Amazon will delegate a senior employee to manage the franchise, while simultaneously recruiting external artists such as directors, scriptwriters, and potentially a new producer, who have a history of success in action or spy-like movie genres similar to the Bond films, to mold the movies.

Individuals who will potentially influence Bond’s future are Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios with a background in overseeing investments in hit movies, Julie Rapaport, co-head of film productions at Amazon Studios responsible for big-budget films like Air and The Tomorrow War, and Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming, and theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios who previously worked on blockbusters such as Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dark Knight trilogy at Warner Bros.

While these individuals might assume roles with a strategic oversight focus, it’s important to note that they are not intended to replace Broccoli and Wilson directly. These two were not merely producers; they served as guardians of the creative essence of Bond, a role yet to be filled effectively.

Essentially, Amazon executives will guide Bond’s business strategy, but it’s Amazon-chosen creatives who will shape its artistic vision. In other words, the choice of who will lead Bond’s creative team, whether they are producers, directors, writers, or a mix, is crucial.

Who might step forward to guide Bond through the challenges of tomorrow, similar to how Kevin Feige leads Marvel Studios? Essentially, who will be the equivalent of Kevin Feige within the 007 franchise? (It’s highly improbable that it would be Feige himself, as he is currently tied to Disney and there have been rumors of his potential move to Lucasfilm, replacing Kathleen Kennedy.)

For numerous individuals, Christopher Nolan could be considered an ideal choice – a self-acknowledged Bond enthusiast who has frequently acknowledged the series as an inspiration and demonstrated a keen interest in intricate spy tales, evident in his films Inception (2010) and Tenet (2020).

It seems unlikely that the Academy Award-winning director would want a prolonged involvement in the franchise, and it’s not hard to picture potential conflicts between his emphasis on creative freedom and Amazon’s business objectives.

It might be more suitable for Matthew Vaughn, director of both Kingsman and X-Men: First Class, who is also a fan of James Bond, to have a better grasp of the charm in traditional spycraft with a contemporary edge.

2014 saw Vaughn reveal that MGM’s head had once proposed him for directing 2006’s Casino Royale, a role eventually filled by Martin Campbell. More recently, in a 2020 podcast interview on Inside Total Film, Vaughn acknowledged Bond as having a significant impact on his work.

He stated earlier, “I believe the realm of Bond belongs to the Broccoli family, and they are the undisputed rulers there. I don’t envision them welcoming me into their sphere.

Could recent developments re-open the door for Vaughn?

Simon Kinberg, who has previously worked as a producer on X-Men films and The Martian, boasts an impressive background in blockbuster filmmaking and managing big franchise projects. In an interview with DiscussingFilm in 2022 during the promotion of his directorial debut, the spy thriller The 355, he shared his affection for classic spy movies.

Grew up watching James Bond films, which are some of my favorites. I could argue that Bond and Star Wars movies had a profound impact on me during my childhood.

It’s possible that Amazon could make a bolder move and choose an unexpected candidate like Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Since she has already worked on the script for No Time to Die in 2021, there’s speculation that she might continue her involvement by taking on the role of 007’s next creative lead.

She currently has a pre-existing agreement with Amazon Studios, where she is working on a Tomb Raider series, with Sophie Turner set to star as the main character.

As a passionate movie lover, I find myself standing at a pivotal moment alongside Amazon, holding the keys to one of cinema’s most legendary franchises – James Bond. The decisions made in the upcoming months, whether it be entrusting a solitary creative genius to steer this series or assembling a powerful team of visionaries, will shape the future of this iconic character and his next chapter on the silver screen.

Ultimately, the ideal creative guardian will not only mold the future movie but also preserve the core spirit of Bond for future generations.

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Currently, there’s an exciting wave of new movie premieres, with blockbusters like Wicked, Nosferatu, The Brutalist, and the anticipated Moana 2 creating quite a stir in British cinemas.

2025-02-26 20:07

Amazon Takes Control: Who Will Shape James Bond’s Future?

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