Following Amazon’s takeover of James Bond

, Reacher author Lee Child makes the case that it’s a positive thing for the franchise. After more than six decades under the control of the Broccoli family, 007 experienced a major shakeup last week when it was confirmed that producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were ceding control of the franchise to Amazon. Amazon purchased Bond distributor MGM in 2022, but this latest development solidifies its control over all things 007, including the creative direction of the franchise. The move has been a controversial one, to say the least.
In an interview with the BBC, per The Times, Child, whose Jack Reacher novels have been turned into a successful TV show on Prime Video, argues that Amazon taking control of Bond could help to push the franchise in the right direction. According to the author, 007 is in dire need of a change:

“The concept is dated and it needs a shake-up. It needs refreshing. And the people that were looking after it before are just worn out. And so new blood, new energy is going to be good for it.”

Child also shares that he thinks Amazon taking control will lead to spinoffs and TV shows, and that this expansion of the franchise also won’t be a bad thing:

“I’m sure that will happen, because what Amazon likes to do if they get a hit, they want to dominate the entire year with it. And so we can imagine a big Bond production once every few years, and then a lot of Bond origin stories [and] a Miss Moneypenny spin-off.”

The final reason why this change in ownership will be a net positive for the franchise, Child argues, is that Amazon’s deep pockets mean the next actor to play the iconic British spy doesn’t necessarily need to be an A-lister:

“It doesn’t have to be a huge star, because Amazon is the platform. It’s a different financial dynamic. The star doesn’t have to bring the funding. And so it can be anybody.”

Why Amazon’s Takeover Hasn’t Been Widely Celebrated

Now, it’s worth reiterating that Child has a successful working relationship with Amazon as part of the ongoing Reacher show, which is important context for his comments on Bond. It seems unlikely that he would bad-mouth the company currently adapting his novels (and which shows no signs of slowing down on these adaptations following Reacher season 3).

Reacher season 4 is already confirmed to be on the way and there are 25 more books in Child’s novel series that could be adapted next. So far, the show has been very warmly received.

There is something to Child’s comments about Bond needing a creative shakeup, though. From what’s been reported thus far, Broccoli and Wilson had made almost no progress on the announced James Bond 26 prior to Amazon taking control, as they weren’t sure where to take the franchise after 2021’s No Time To Die. The character of Bond has previously been criticized as being misogynistic (including by Reacher star Alan Ritchson), and this was something that the later Daniel Craig 007 movies attempted to fix.

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Predicting Amazon’s James Bond Movies & TV Shows

Now that Amazon has acquired creative control of the James Bond franchise, we’re in for plenty of spin-offs and side projects in the future.

Child’s statement about Amazon making Bond spinoffs and origin stories is also notable because this is exactly why company’s takeover has been divisive. The Broccolis were never interested in the idea of making a Bond cinematic universe, but it’s widely expected that this is what Amazon will do. As for Child’s thoughts on a non-A-lister taking over after Craig, this would fit with how previous Bonds were selected, but Amazon boss Jeff Bezos asking users on X who should be next to play 007 certainly hasn’t given the impression that the company will be taking this approach.
There Are Pros & Cons To Amazon’s Takeoever

After the explosive ending of No Time To Die, it does seem like the franchise needs a fresh start with some new ideas, and Amazon taking control could help to usher in a much-needed new era. The idea of diluting the franchise with endless spinoffs and TV shows, however, is less appealing because it will make each new movie feel less like a special event. For now, it’s hard to say exactly what will become of James Bond under Amazon, but not all are sure to share Child’s enthusiasm.
Source: The Times

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Summary

The James Bond franchise centers on the fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007. Created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has been featured in novels, films, television, radio, comics, and video games. The film series, produced by Eon Productions, is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing franchises in history, known for its blend of espionage, action, and sophisticated style.

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