
James Bond (the movie franchise, not the spy) may be in deep jeopardy
The iconic James Bond film franchise has been stuck in a precarious situation ever since Amazon acquired MGM and thus gained control over the rights to distribute Bond films. The drama began back in 2021 when Amazon bought MGM for $8.5 billion, effectively bringing the franchise under its umbrella.
According to sources close to the matter, Barbara Broccoli, the producer who inherited the franchise from her father and film producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, is at odds with Amazon over creative control. It appears that Amazon’s plans for the franchise do not align with those of Broccoli, who has been instrumental in shaping the cinematic legacy of Bond.
The tension escalated when Amazon executives started exploring ways to expand the franchise beyond just films, including TV shows and spin-offs on Prime Video. However, this move was met with resistance from Broccoli, who is fiercely protective of the brand and her father’s legacy. The use of the word “content” by Amazon entertainment executive Jennifer Salke to describe new James Bond projects only added fuel to the fire.
The situation has come to a head, as the parties involved have been unable to reach an agreement on the future direction of the franchise. As a result, production on the next Bond film has ground to a halt.
It appears that Broccoli’s loyalty lies with her father’s vision and legacy, rather than the interests of Amazon. This development is significant, as it signals a potential end to the James Bond franchise as we know it.
Source: www.engadget.com