Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022 handed the tech giant full creative control over the Bond films, ending the Broccoli family’s long-standing leadership of the franchise
Production on the next James Bond film, dubbed Bond 26, is reportedly underway, with significant changes on the horizon for the iconic franchise. Following Amazon’s landmark $1 billion acquisition of MGM, which holds the rights to the Bond films, the movie has been “fast-tracked” as part of the company’s ambitious plans for the 007 saga. The film, expected to be released by the end of 2027, has a reported budget of £250 million, in line with the high costs of its predecessor, No Time to Die.
Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022 handed the tech giant full creative control over the Bond films, ending the Broccoli family’s long-standing leadership of the franchise. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the two producers who have overseen the series since its inception, remain co-owners of the franchise, but Amazon now holds the reins for all future productions. This shift has raised concerns among some fans, who worry that the character of 007 could be diluted by a flood of content. Nevertheless, a source close to the production stated that the team is keen to make a bold and spectacular return to the big screen with Bond 26, emphasizing that the creative process is moving forward swiftly, with a “writers’ room” being assembled to secure a quick financial return on the investment.
The next installment will also mark a pivotal moment in the search for the next James Bond, as Daniel Craig’s departure from the role in 2021 left fans eagerly speculating about who will step into the famous tuxedo. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Harris Dickinson, and James Norton have been rumored to be in the running, with Taylor-Johnson recently making headlines after reports emerged claiming he had secured the role. However, the actor distanced himself from these rumors, saying he doesn’t feel the need to have his future “drawn out,” further fueling speculation.
Industry insiders suggest that Amy Pascal, who produced the Spider-Man films, and David Heyman, the producer behind the Harry Potter series, are in talks to develop the next chapter of the Bond legacy. Their selection marks a significant change for the franchise, as this will be the first Bond movie to be produced outside of the Broccoli family’s direct control. While the change in leadership has been met with mixed reactions, the involvement of Pascal and Heyman, who are known for their success with large franchises, is seen as a positive step forward by Amazon MGM Studios. Courtenay Valenti, head of film at Amazon MGM Studios, emphasized the responsibility they feel in preserving the Bond legacy while steering the franchise into new territory.
Meanwhile, former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has weighed in on the future of the franchise, expressing concerns over the shift in creative control. In a recent interview, Brosnan stated that it is a “given” that the next Bond should remain British, echoing concerns that the change in ownership could signal a shift away from the character’s British roots. Despite this, Brosnan acknowledged the courage required for Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to relinquish creative control to Amazon, and he wished the new team success in continuing the Bond legacy.
As Amazon pushes ahead with plans for the future of 007, the company is also expected to explore spin-off projects. A source close to the production revealed that while there is a strong desire among fans for a Bond film, Amazon is exploring other avenues to expand the franchise, signaling that the era of standalone Bond films may be evolving into a broader media presence. Despite these developments, fans can rest assured that the next Bond 26 movie is a top priority for Amazon, with plans in place to have filming completed by the end of next year.
Beyond Bond 26, Daniel Craig has opened up about the emotional toll that playing 007 took on him, reflecting on how fame and the Bond role made him feel disconnected from the world. Speaking in a recent interview with Il Corriere della Sera, Craig admitted that becoming a global superstar due to his portrayal of Bond left him feeling alienated and detached. He described fame as “disembodying” and explained how it caused him to lose part of his life. Despite these challenges, Craig has continued to build a diverse career, including roles in Knives Out and Glass Onion, and he recently tackled complex themes of identity and fame in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer.
With Amazon now overseeing the future of 007, the stage is set for a new chapter in the Bond franchise, blending the iconic legacy of the character with fresh energy and new creative directions. While there is still much speculation surrounding the next Bond actor, one thing is certain: Bond 26 will mark a major turning point in the evolution of the beloved spy series. Fans will be eagerly awaiting to see how the combination of Amazon’s influence, the legacy of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, and the new creative team will shape the future of James Bond.
