Amazon’s acquisition of MGM has raised concerns in the film industry and among James Bond fans. For over six decades, the Broccoli family managed the iconic British spy franchise, maintaining its consistency and quality through 25 movie installments. With Amazon now taking creative control, most fear that James Bond will become yet another victim of mass production like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Entertainment giants often struggle to balance creativity with profitable decisions, and Amazon’s history suggests the focus will be on maximizing content output instead of preserving the James Bond legacy. Should that happen, the franchise could lose its signature appeal.
James Bond movies have always been in a class of their own with wittingly crafted plots, carefully chosen actors, and practical effects over CGI. This deliberate approach has kept the franchise for decades and recent developments pose a risk of creating generic, overextended intellectual property (IP) instead of the usual standard. Fans anticipate rushed productions, unneeded spin-offs, and inclusivity that feels out of place. Amazon’s control over MGM gives them the freedom to expand the James Bond universe in ways that guarantee constant profits.
‘James Bond’ may decline under Amazon’s corporate leadership
Amazon’s entertainment division is constantly attached to controversy, having demonstrated their preference for spectacle over substance. Their making of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is a fitting instance, as the billion-dollar series failed to replicate the appeal of the original installments. The company’s track record raises concerns that James Bond will go down the same path. “It’s kinda sad to see the last family-owned movie franchise handed over to the suits, and I’m sure Amazon MGM is salivating, BUT…DON’T cinematic universe James Bond. It is one of our last, great theatrical events. Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs,” an X-user said.
James Bond fans might soon see projects like Young Q: The Early Days or Moneypenny: License to Kill. While these may cause some excitement at first, it will ultimately turn into disappointment as viewers begin to seek the original appeal of James Bond. “That sucks. Something becomes a little plastic when the boys take it. They are leaving in a high. I think DC’s portrayal is the best yet. Likely to never be topped now,” another James Bond fan on social media said, while someone else joked that we might see actor James Bond fight against evil alongside Dr. Strange and Spiderman. “Here’s to hoping they don’t do to James Bond what they did to Lord of the Rings. I never thought I’d feel sorry for the Orcs?” a third person said in panic.
Uncertain future
Amazon acquired MGM in 2022 for $8.5 billion, and there have been discussions ever since about the future of the James Bond franchise. Although Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson maintained their creative influence, reports say they have stepped down, leaving it in Amazon’s control. There are no confirmed plans for the next movie as speculation continues to grow about the potential main actor. The uncertainty around the franchise might cause one of the longest gaps between releases.
Barbara has expressed frustration with Amazon’s corporate style and called the executives “idiots” for wanting to exploit James Bond, ruining its history of singular focus and avoiding unnecessary spin-offs. While James Bond will surely return, the real bother is whether he will be the same sophisticated spy or be reshaped into a different character altogether. Fans are making jokes online to cope with the update while imagining what Bond might become. “Behold trans James Bond who goes on a quest to destroy a tyrannical orange president,” someone teased. “It’s the end of an era with the Broccoli family stepping back. Another cherished franchise stolen by a joy sucking corporation,” another said in defeat.