The future of the James Bond franchise remains uncertain as a result of a growing conflict between the series’ longtime producer, Barbara Broccoli, and its new owner, Amazon. The relationship between Broccoli and Amazon—who acquired MGM studios in 2021—has reached an “ugly stalemate.”
The disagreement centers on key decisions about the direction of the Bond franchise, including whether Bond should be adapted into a streaming series, as well as more fundamental questions about the character’s identity.
For example, one Amazon executive recently stated in a meeting about the franchise’s future, “I have to be honest, I don’t think James Bond is a hero,” a remark that reflects Broccoli’s concern that Amazon may not fully grasp the essence of the character she has spent her career shaping.
Broccoli, who has maintained creative control over the 007 film series for over 30 years, is reportedly wary of Amazon’s approach. She has expressed doubts about the company’s ability to handle such an iconic character, particularly given its focus on data-driven decisions and algorithms.
In contrast, Broccoli has relied on her instincts and the magic of traditional big-screen storytelling to build Bond’s legendary status.
It was further reported that Broccoli has confided in friends about her lack of trust in Amazon, stating that the company’s core business of selling products like toilet paper and vacuums doesn’t align with the high-profile nature of the Bond franchise.
The strained relationship has resulted in a lack of progress on the next Bond film, with Broccoli describing the situation as dire.
As of fall 2023, she reportedly said there was no script, no story, and no new actor lined up to play Bond—an unusual and troubling scenario for a franchise that traditionally releases a new installment every one or two years. This hiatus comes almost three years after the release of No Time to Die in 2021.
James Bond Franchise (Photo: Getty Images)
Broccoli’s frustration with Amazon executives has been so intense that she has reportedly called them “f— idiots” in conversations with friends.
Further complicating matters, Broccoli has voiced her opposition to several ideas proposed by Amazon, including the suggestion to create spin-offs centered around Bond characters such as Moneypenny, or even a female 007. Broccoli firmly rejected these proposals, reportedly asking one executive, “Did you read the contract?”
For years, Broccoli has also fought against industry suggestions that Bond could take on a different identity in terms of gender or race in future films. She has consistently argued that Bond should always be portrayed by a man, and specifically a British man.
Additionally, Broccoli has rejected the idea of creating Bond villains based on contemporary figures who might be considered villains in the real world.
For example, when a friend suggested the idea of Elon Musk as a potential Bond villain, Broccoli reportedly responded, “I did that back in 1997,” referencing the villain from Tomorrow Never Dies, a wealthy media tycoon who controls a global satellite network.
The tension between Broccoli and Amazon is also evident in other public interactions. For instance, during her acceptance speech at a film industry awards show in November 2023, Broccoli notably did not mention Amazon, further signaling the strain in their relationship.
This ongoing feud has put the future of the James Bond franchise in jeopardy, with the beloved character’s next chapter still unclear.
