In a move that has left many Bond fans shaking their heads, Amazon MGM Studios is reportedly in talks with Amy Pascal and David Heyman to oversee the James Bond franchise17. This decision comes on the heels of Amazon’s getting full creative control over the Bond series from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, whom had effectively brought the franchise to a standstill since Daniel Craig’s departure in 20211.
While Pascal and Heyman boast impressive resumes, their track records raise serious concerns about the future of 007. Pascal, in particular, is known for her questionable decision-making during her tenure at Sony Pictures. Under her watch, the Spider-Man franchise suffered through a series of critically panned spin-offs that failed to feature the web-slinger himself. From the ill-conceived “Morbius” to the forgettable “Madame Web,” Pascal’s judgment in handling beloved properties has been dubious at best.
Heyman, on the other hand, brings experience from the Harry Potter franchise, including its less successful “Fantastic Beasts” offshoots. While his involvement might seem promising on paper, it’s worth noting that even the magical world of Hogwarts has lost some of its luster in recent years.
The truth is, Bond fans may have already witnessed the franchise’s golden era. With Amazon’s takeover and the departure of the Broccoli family’s guiding hand, the series faces an uncertain future. The tech giant’s reported plans to take the franchise back to “quips and camp” suggest a fundamental misunderstanding of what made recent Bond films so compelling.
Moreover, the industry’s current climate poses significant challenges. As one insider noted, “Covid and streaming mean movies make less money at cinemas now, so any Bond film needs to be budgeted accordingly.” This financial reality, coupled with Amazon’s apparent eagerness to exploit the IP through spin-offs, paints a grim picture for purists who appreciate Bond for its cinematic spectacle and sophistication.
In the end, it seems that Hollywood’s lack of originality and Amazon’s corporate interests may spell doom for the world’s most famous spy. As the industry fumbles with how to reboot the franchise, true Bond aficionados might do well to revisit the classics and remember 007 as he was – not as what he might become under this new, questionable stewardship.
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