Next ‘James Bond’ Movie Reportedly on Hold Because of Problems with Amazon

James Bond is in a tough spot, a tougher one than he’s ever faced in the movies. After Amazon bought MGM for $6.5 billion in 2021, they gained control of the Bond franchise, but things aren’t going smoothly.

The partnership between Amazon and Barbara Broccoli, who oversees the Bond movies, is falling apart, The Wall Street Journal reveals. Broccoli, who inherited control of Bond from her father, doesn’t trust Amazon’s focus on algorithms and data-driven decisions when it comes to shaping the future of the character. She believes in gut instincts and big-screen storytelling, not numbers.

Since the MGM deal, no progress has been made on the next Bond movie. There’s no script, no new story, and no actor lined up to play 007. Broccoli and her family, who see Bond as a precious legacy, are taking their time.

As you probably know, Broccoli’s approach to Bond is very personal. She makes creative decisions based on her instincts, and the role of James Bond is something she treats carefully, especially when it comes to casting.

Amazon has its own plans for Bond, which include TV shows and spinoffs, something that the franchise is not really used to. That is why Broccoli is firm in her stance—Bond isn’t content to be spread across streaming shows or reimagined in ways that don’t fit her vision.

She’s worked with MGM before, and the change to Amazon hasn’t been easy for her. Her frustration with Amazon came to light in a meeting when one of their executives referred to James Bond as ‘content,’ which Broccoli found insulting. As the source reports, to her friends, Broccoli has said the following about the people at Amazon: “These people are f— idiots.”

The two sides are at odds, as the above-cited source reveals. Amazon needs Broccoli’s approval to move forward with any new Bond projects, but she’s unwilling to make that decision until she’s sure that the right direction is taken.

Amazon was willing to release Bond films in theaters, but that hasn’t solved the problem. Broccoli, who controls the creative direction, has made it clear she won’t let Bond be shaped by a company more concerned with data than with the character’s legacy.

This situation highlights the clash between old-school Hollywood and the new entertainment landscape driven by companies like Amazon. In the past, studios were more hands-off with filmmakers, but now, Silicon Valley giants like Amazon try to control every aspect of content creation.

The contrast is stark, with Amazon eager to dive into Bond spinoffs, while Broccoli wants to ensure the legacy of 007 stays true to its origins.

Broccoli’s control of Bond’s future is a rare example in Hollywood, where characters are often sold off to the highest bidder. Her family has always kept tight reins on the franchise, rejecting offers for spin-offs and other commercial opportunities that they felt would harm Bond’s image.

Even though Amazon bought MGM with hopes of using Bond for streaming or new projects, it still needs Broccoli’s approval to move forward. Broccoli isn’t interested in turning Bond into just another franchise; she’s focused on maintaining the character’s dignity and legacy, especially when it comes to choosing who will play the role.

The tension between the two sides also extends beyond creative control. The future of the Bond character has become a personal issue for Broccoli. She’s rejected suggestions like having a female or non-white Bond, even though she’s open to casting someone who isn’t white. But she insists Bond should always be British and male.

So far, Amazon has only managed to produce a reality show, 007: Road to a Million, which was in the works before the sale to Amazon. It had the backing of Broccoli, but it didn’t gain much attention.

With no new Bond movie in sight, the future of 007 remains uncertain. But as long as Broccoli holds the reins, Amazon’s attempts to make Bond a streaming success may be on hold indefinitely.

The situation is a headache for Amazon, especially considering the promise of big returns from the Bond franchise. But for Barbara Broccoli, keeping the legacy of James Bond intact is far more important than quick profits or algorithm-driven success.

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