A leaked memo has confirmed that the next James Bond will remain male, despite ongoing debates over the character’s future. Former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan has voiced his support for keeping the role British, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the character’s roots.
Brosnan Backs Amazon-MGM Takeover
In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Pierce Brosnan praised the Amazon-MGM takeover of the Bond franchise, describing the decision as bold and necessary. “I hope Amazon treats the character with respect, imagination, and dignity,” Brosnan stated. The acquisition, valued at £770 million, resulted in longtime series custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping back from creative control.
Although Broccoli and Wilson will retain ownership, they are no longer responsible for making creative decisions. Tensions reportedly emerged over Amazon’s desire to expand the Bond universe through spin-offs and a TV series. According to the Wall Street Journal, Broccoli called the executives “fucking idiots” for their suggestions. Wilson admitted their reluctance to license the intellectual property for television, with Broccoli confirming, “It’s not something we’ve ever wanted to do.”
Progress on a New Bond Film
With Amazon now in control of creative decisions, progress on a new Bond film could finally move forward, four years after Daniel Craig’s final performance. While no script, director, or confirmed lead exists yet, actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and James Norton are considered top contenders for the role.
A report by Mail Online cited an Amazon source confirming that the next Bond must be male and either British or from the Commonwealth. This announcement has generated mixed reactions from fans worldwide.
Fan Reactions and Franchise Evolution
The Amazon acquisition has raised concerns among some fans about how the franchise may change. Some worry that the US-based company could cast a non-white actor or even introduce a gay Bond. While Bond has always carried campy elements, Pierce Brosnan previously stated that Barbara Broccoli would never approve of a gay Bond during her lifetime, although he personally supports the idea.
Others see Amazon’s involvement as a potential opportunity for modernization. Many fans hope the franchise will address and tone down Bond’s outdated views on women, which Esquire once described as “boring, tasteless, and rapey.” With younger audiences increasingly seeing the character as more “cringe” than cool, change could be essential to keep the franchise relevant.
The Bond series has been struggling to compete with modern action heroes like John Wick and Jason Bourne. With only five films released in the last 23 years, questions about the franchise’s ability to remain relevant continue to surface.
Brosnan Reflects on Bond Legacy
Reflecting on his time as James Bond, Pierce Brosnan expressed pride in his contributions to the franchise. “We revived the franchise after six dormant years, and GoldenEye was a huge success,” he said. “Everything evolves, and I wish them well.”
The future of the Bond franchise remains uncertain as Amazon’s creative control sets the stage for a new era. To stay updated on this developing story, visit EuroNews24.