In a stunning development for the James Bond franchise, Amazon has assumed full creative control following the departure of long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. This shift has sparked considerable interest and speculation about the future direction of the iconic series, particularly with reports emerging about the next steps and potential directors who were considered but not selected.
According to a recent Variety report, despite rumors of a possible shift to a Bond TV series, a new film remains the "top priority" for Amazon. The company is now on the hunt for a new producer to steer the franchise. David Heyman, renowned for his work on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, is reportedly the kind of visionary Amazon is seeking to bring a cohesive vision to the Bond saga.
The report also highlighted an intriguing missed opportunity with acclaimed director Christopher Nolan. Nolan had shown interest in directing a Bond film following his 2020 release, Tenet. However, Broccoli's insistence on retaining final cut control led to Nolan's rejection. Subsequently, Nolan directed Oppenheimer, which not only grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide but also clinched the Best Picture and Best Director Oscars.
Amidst this backdrop, fans are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the next actor to don the 007 mantle. While names like Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who was previously rumored to be a top contender) have been floated, the fan-favorite appears to be Henry Cavill, known for his roles as Superman and in The Witcher.
However, Amazon's ability to move forward with casting and production is currently on hold. The completion of the Broccoli-Wilson deal, expected later this year, is a prerequisite for any new developments. The Wall Street Journal described the situation as an "ugly" stalemate, with the future of the franchise "on pause" amid tensions between the Broccoli family and Amazon, which acquired the rights to Bond films through its $8.45 billion purchase of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2021.
As of now, neither Amazon nor Eon Productions have issued any official statements regarding these developments.
Who’d You Pick as the Next Bond?
- Henry Cavill
- Tom Hardy
- James McAvoy
- Michael Fassbender
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Idris Elba
- Someone else (tell us who in the comments!)
[Answer][See Results][Fans are particularly keen to know who will play Bond next. While some are calling for the likes of Venom star Tom Hardy, the MCU's Idris Elba, Professor X actor James McAvoy, Magneto actor Michael Fassbender, and Kraven’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who was previously rumored to be top of the list) to be given the role, the clear fan-favorite is Superman and The Witcher star Henry Cavill.]
