The Broccoli family, long-time guardians of the James Bond film franchise, has handed over full creative control to Amazon in exchange for a major payday. The move comes after Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were honored with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award last November.
At the Oscars, Amazon showcased its new acquisition with a tribute to 007, featuring stars like Margaret Qualley, Doja Cat, and Raye. However, the musical medley was unusual, as it featured artists without any ties to the franchise. The absence of Daniel Craig, Adele, Paul McCartney, and other familiar faces from the Bond universe raised eyebrows.
The shift in creative control has sparked concerns that Amazon’s acquisition will lead to a decline in the franchise’s quality. The Broccolis have traditionally been protective of the character, refusing to update his traits or overindulge in franchise expansion. They also refuse to give filmmakers final cut, which may limit the involvement of directors like Christopher Nolan.
With no clear direction on who will replace Daniel Craig or what tone the next film will take, the future of James Bond remains uncertain. The Oscars tribute, while well-intentioned, felt like a missed opportunity to engage with fans and promote the franchise. As Amazon navigates its new role in shaping the iconic spy series, one thing is clear: the stakes are high.
Source: https://time.com/7263592/oscars-james-bond-lisa-raye-doja-cat