'James Bond' franchise set for major overhaul under Amazon's ownership: Report

James Bond's character, who first appeared on screen in 1962’s Dr. No with Sean Connery as 007, has captivated audiences through six actors and 25 official films. 

According to Daily Mail, the most recent installment, No Time to Die (2021), marked Daniel Craig’s swan song as Bond and was noted for being the franchise’s most politically aware and contemporary entry to date.

Following Fleming’s death in 1964, after penning 12 Bond novels, the character has remained a cultural cornerstone, with numerous authors and filmmakers keeping his legacy alive.

In March 2022, Amazon completed an $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM, the longtime distributor of the Bond films, as per the outlet. 

Subsequent reports revealed that Amazon paid an additional $1 billion to oust veteran Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, signaling what insiders describe as a “huge change of direction” for the franchise.

With Amazon’s $2 trillion financial clout, the future of Bond is now entirely in the hands of the tech giant. 

Industry observers are keenly watching how the studio will reinvent the legendary spy for modern audiences, as per the publication. 

Recently, Amazon enlisted prominent producers David Heyman (Harry Potter) and Amy Pascal (Spider-Man) to chart the next chapter of the franchise.

Amid the speculation, former Bond girl Halle Berry, who portrayed NSA agent Jinx in 2002’s Die Another Day, made headlines during a Cannes Film Festival press conference. 

When asked about the possibility of a female Bond, Berry responded, “I don’t know if 007 should be a woman,” though she expressed regret that a Jinx spin-off never materialized.

As casting rumors heat up, speculation is swirling around potential successors to the coveted role. 

Candidates reportedly include British actors Henry Cavill, Nicholas Hoult, and Robert Pattinson, all of whom meet the franchise’s traditional criteria of charm, physical stature, and British roots.

There is also interest in a younger, "Baby Bond" reboot—possibly inspired by the Young Bond book series chronicling 007’s early years at Eton.

Names floated for a youthful take on the spy include Spider-Man star Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson (The Iron Claw), and Heartstopper actor Kit Connor.