A major shift is underway for one of the most iconic franchises in cinematic history.
James Bond, the suave British spy known for his thrilling missions and timeless appeal, is now under the creative control of Amazon MGM Studios.
The change has sparked backlash from fans and industry veterans alike, including former Bond girl Valerie Leon, who fears the franchise may lose its British essence.
Valerie Leon Speaks Out
Valerie Leon, who starred in The Spy Who Loved Me and Never Say Never Again alongside Roger Moore and Sean Connery, voiced her concerns during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
She lamented that James Bond “won’t be British anymore” and expressed skepticism about the future of the franchise under Amazon’s leadership.
Leon also pointed out how cinema itself has changed, noting that upcoming Bond projects might prioritize streaming over theatrical releases.
“Everything is so different now,” she remarked, adding that she’s “very old-fashioned anyway.”
Fans React: Fear of a Franchise Lost
Die-hard Bond fans have taken to social media to air their concerns, drawing comparisons to other beloved franchises that have undergone corporate takeovers.
Many cite Star Wars as a cautionary tale, pointing to Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, which led to a wave of new films and spin-offs that divided the fanbase.
Some worry that Amazon will dilute Bond’s cinematic prestige by overproducing spin-offs and prequels.
One user bluntly wrote, “RIP James Bond. Amazon will destroy a great franchise, like Disney did with Star Wars.”
Another speculated that audiences should brace for “Young Q” and “00 Origins: Trevelyan”—suggesting a flood of unnecessary content aimed at maximizing streaming profits.
Is a Bond Cinematic Universe on the Horizon?
One of the biggest fears among fans is that Amazon will turn Bond into yet another sprawling cinematic universe, a trend popularized by Marvel.
Some argue that Bond’s strength has always been in its standalone films rather than interconnected spin-offs.
“DON’T cinematic universe James Bond,” pleaded one fan online, emphasizing that the franchise should remain a major theatrical event rather than a collection of streaming shows.
Others have drawn parallels to Doctor Who, which saw its global distribution rights acquired by Disney in 2022.
Many long-time Doctor Who fans have criticized the show’s recent direction, accusing it of prioritizing modern political trends over storytelling.
Could Bond face the same fate?
Barbara Broccoli’s Resistance and Final Farewell
For decades, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the daughter and stepson of Bond co-founder Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, have overseen the franchise, fiercely protecting its legacy.
Broccoli has previously dismissed suggestions of major changes, such as making Bond a female character, arguing that it’s better to create new strong female leads rather than altering an existing one.
Reports indicate that tensions had been building between Broccoli and Amazon, with insiders suggesting she was wary of the tech giant’s approach to storytelling.
The Wall Street Journal even reported that she privately referred to Amazon executives in frustration, saying, “These people are f***ing idiots.”
Now, with Wilson retiring and Broccoli stepping back to focus on other projects, Amazon has taken full creative control of the 007 universe.
The deal, announced this week, marks a significant turning point in Bond’s cinematic journey.
The Future of 007 Under Amazon
With Amazon MGM Studios now at the helm, questions loom over the direction of future Bond films.
Will the next 007 installment embrace the grand, theatrical style that has defined the franchise for decades, or will it pivot toward a streaming-first strategy filled with spin-offs and experimental projects?
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, reassured fans that the company is “honored to continue this treasured heritage” and is committed to “ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
Despite these assurances, many fans remain skeptical.
Some jokingly compared Bond’s apparent death in No Time to Die to the symbolic death of the franchise under Amazon’s control.
“James Bond dies in his latest movie? ‘Nah, Bond isn’t really dead.’
Amazon buys James Bond? ‘Okay, now Bond is really dead,’” one fan quipped.
What’s Next for Bond?
As Amazon takes charge, the next Bond film remains in limbo.
No script, no director, and, most notably, no actor to don the iconic tuxedo.
With Daniel Craig’s tenure officially over, speculation continues over who will be the next 007 and whether Amazon’s influence will alter the essence of the character.
While change is inevitable, fans hope the studio will honor Bond’s legacy rather than transform it beyond recognition. ‘
Whether Amazon can deliver a new era of 007 that satisfies both longtime fans and modern audiences remains to be seen.