Summary
- Amazon acquired creative rights from James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli & Michael G. Wilson.
- Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan supported Barbara and Michael’s decision to step back from James Bond.
- Concerns rise over the franchise’s future under Amazon regarding storytelling and legacy.
There’s a significant shake-up in the James Bond franchise after Amazon acquired the creative rights from its longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. A former James Bond star supported the pair’s decision to step back.
The Broccoli family has been involved in the James Bond franchise for decades, serving as its main producers. Albert. R. “Cubby” Broccoli brought the iconic spy films to the big screen after acquiring the rights to Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels in 1961 with Harry Saltzman. They co-founded EON Productions, which produced almost every Bond film since Dr. No (1962) starring Sean Connery. Wilson and Broccoli are Albert’s stepchildren, who took over and head the franchise after him. However, the Broccolis had already decided to relinquish their creative rights, and a former James Bond actor approved their move.
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Pierce Brosnan played the popular British spy in four films — GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002). The actor weighed in on the recent events involving the franchise and he praised the Broccolis’ decision, saying it took “great courage” from them to step back and even considered their move “the right decision.”
Brosnan told The Telegraph:
In this world that is moving so fast now, at the speed of light, [the takeover] does come with a certain lament. I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael. It takes great courage for them to let go. They will still have a say in matters. I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect.
Brosnan also recounted his time playing the sought-after role. According to him, he was “very proud” to be part of the “history and the legacy of Bond.” He was also pleased with the projects he worked on with Barbara and Michael. In a separate interview, Brosnan also expressed interest in returning to the franchise when asked if he would play an older version of James Bond. “Of course, how could I not be interested?” he told GQ. “But it’s a delicate situation now. I think it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie, really. I think so. It’s a rather romantic notion and idea, but I think everything changes; everything falls apart.” Although he was interested, Brosnan was supportive of a new lead and face for the franchise. He added, “I think that it’s best left to another man, really. Fresh blood.“
Following Amazon’s buyout of producers Barbara and Michael, James Bond is now under the creative control of Amazon MGM Studios. The move received mixed responses from fans, with some expressing concern about the future of the franchise. Barbara and Wilson had protected the franchise for decades and were consistent in their vision of the popular franchise. Some were also concerned that Amazon might prioritize profits over storytelling by pushing for frequent spin-offs, reboots, and rushed films, diluting its prestige. Many are also worried that the franchise’s legacy is at stake following Amazon’s acquisition of the franchise’s creative control. Barbara reportedly wanted the lead to remain a British male, and a report from The Daily Mail claimed that Amazon was keen to continue that. “The spy will not change gender or nationality,” the report read. The concerns surrounding the franchise were reasonable. As long as Amazon honors EON’s creative leadership and will not change the major elements that give the franchise its trademark tone, then there will be no problem.
The James Bond franchise is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
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Source: The Telegraph