British actor Idris Elba is addressing rumors that he could be selected as the next James Bond, saying the world is not ready for a black Agent 007.
“I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing,” the 53-year-old celeb <a href="https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/idris-elba-is-flying-solo">told</a> British GQ in a newly published interview. 
“James Bond was written how he was written for a reason. But I was complimented by it. And also, I think, in realistic terms, some markets just don’t go for that. Bond is big all over the world. And [audiences] won’t [all] go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”
He went on to say he doesn’t believe Bond should change, anyway.
“Bond is so unrealistic, so a hint of reality is good, but let’s not try and make it woke,” Elba continued. “I think you’ve got to be pure to what it is: escapism. Don’t try and answer the world’s taste. Just be Bond.”
Fans have been speculating about who could play the next Bond weeks after Amazon Studios announced it had begun casting.
“The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right,” Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement.
The role was last played by Daniel Craig, who retired from the franchise after “No Time To Die” in 2021. There has been a lot of speculation about who the next Agent 007 would be, but now, with Amazon leading the charge, anything can happen.
Former producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli surprised fans in 2025 when they announced they would step back from the James Bond franchise and give creative control to Amazon. The company purchased MGM for $8.5 billion in 2022 and, in doing so, acquired the rights to distribute all “James Bond” projects. 
Broccoli previously said she was open to a black man playing Bond.
“I think [the next James Bond] will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” Broccoli said in 2021. “I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles.”
“I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women,” she added. “He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”

Idris Elba

Idris Elba Reacts To Rumors He’ll Play The Next James Bond

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Amazon recently announced that it&#8217;s one step closer to finding the next Agent 007.
“The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right,” Amazon MGM Studios said in a statement, per the James Bond X account.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Statement from Amazon MGM Studios: 
“The search for the next James Bond is underway. While we don’t plan to comment on specific details during the casting process, we’re excited to share more news with 007 fans as soon as the time is right.” <a href="https://t.co/ngND7VS83I">pic.twitter.com/ngND7VS83I</a>
— James Bond (@007) <a href="https://twitter.com/007/status/2055011724944986357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The comments were filled with suggestions.
“The only person playing Bond should be someone you haven&#8217;t heard of, but also someone who has the charm and wit of Pierce Brosnan,” one person <a href="https://x.com/RajeezusBackup/status/2055025794481819728">wrote</a>.
“I would be extremely excited if Amazon wasn’t involved. I think it’s going to be milked for every penny like Disney did to Star Wars. I’m hoping I’m proven wrong. I’m hoping the quality remains high,” another person <a href="https://x.com/ItsMeChalks/status/2055226174045893034">agreed</a>.
Many of the commenters suggested Henry Cavill or Tom Hiddleston. The thread was filled with various names as fans suggested Amazon put out the statement because it was sick of being asked about who would play Bond next.
Former producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli surprised fans in 2025 when they announced they would step back from the James Bond franchise and give creative control to Amazon, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/amazon-promises-fresh-exotic-new-chapter-for-james-bond-franchise">reported</a>.
The company purchased MGM for $8.5 billion in 2022 and, in doing so, acquired the rights to distribute all “James Bond” projects. But before now, Wilson and Broccoli had maintained creative control.
The role was last played by Daniel Craig, who retired from the franchise after “No Time To Die” in 2021. There has been a lot of speculation about who would be the next Agent 007, but now, with Amazon leading the charge, anything can happen.
“I think [the next James Bond] will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” Broccoli said in 2021. “I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles.”
“I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women,” she added. “He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”

Amazon Updates Fans On Its Search For The Next James Bond

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Amazon Prime Video is backtracking after fan outrage erupted over its decision to digitally erase guns from James Bond promotional artwork — a move critics mocked as absurd.
The images in question featured actors who played the Bond character, including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. But rather than holding guns in the images, all of them stand awkwardly and empty-handed. 
The company’s revised artwork now features images from the movies themselves, though none of the promotional images show 007 with a weapon.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
They photoshopped all the guns out of the James Bond movie thumbnails.
Just in case you still had hope for Amazon being in charge of the franchise. <a href="https://t.co/eeosPEPFnJ">pic.twitter.com/eeosPEPFnJ</a>
— John A. Douglas (@J0hnADouglas) <a href="https://twitter.com/J0hnADouglas/status/1974160271448174917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
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In posters from Connery’s “Dr. No” and Brosnan’s “Goldeneye,” the guns were edited out of the original images and replaced with nothing. In Moore’s “A View To A Kill” and Craig’s “Spectre,” the images were altered and cropped to remove the weapons.
The backlash on social media began on October 5, James Bond Day, when UK-based fans noticed the blatant photo manipulations.
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“They photoshopped all the guns out of the James Bond movie thumbnails. Just in case you still had hope for Amazon being in charge of the franchise,” one person <a href="https://x.com/J0hnADouglas/status/1974160271448174917">noted</a>.
“Amazon have removed the guns from their Bond posters, giving the tantalising impression that Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan think you’re a wanker,” British actor Rufus Jones <a href="https://x.com/rufusjones1/status/1974072843546804499">wrote</a>, echoing what many others were saying. 
“Gaaagh! I feel my testosterone levels dropping just looking at these,” a third fan <a href="https://x.com/NoahRayWrites/status/1974182585602617498">said</a>.
“When are they giving the characters on the posters purple hair and a mask?” another commenter <a href="https://x.com/PaulSkytrace/status/1974504185216610445">joked</a>.
Amazon acquired the rights to the Bond franchise in 2022. Reps for Amazon MGM said at the time of the acquisition that they were “committed to honoring the legacy” of James Bond, a fictional British Secret Service agent created by Ian Fleming in 1953. His popular books were later adapted into films, which became one of the highest-grossing movie franchises of all time, earning more than $7 billion at the box office since Sean Connery first took on the role of “Dr. No” in 1962.
The last film in the franchise, starring Daniel Craig as 007, “No Time to Die,” premiered in 2021 following a COVID delay. 
There are no known Bond movies in the works.

Amazon Prime Dragged For Scrubbing Guns From ‘James Bond’ Artwork

Amazon Prime Dragged For Editing Guns Out Of 'James Bond' Artwork

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Amazon has provided an update on its newly acquired James Bond franchise as fans speculate who will play the next Agent 007. 
Reps from Amazon MGM, the new home of the long-running franchise, provided an update this week during CinemaCon in Las Vegas, per <a href="https://variety.com/2025/film/news/amazon-james-bond-movie-fresh-exotic-1236352644/">Variety</a>.
 “We are committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy [Pascal] and David [Heyman],” studio executives Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll said Wednesday night during an appearance at Caesars Palace. 
“They’re both in London getting started and couldn’t be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know to make an incredible partnership.”
Former producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli surprised fans earlier this year when they announced they would step back from the James Bond franchise and give creative control to Amazon.
The company purchased MGM for $8.5 billion in 2022 and, in doing so, acquired the rights to distribute all “James Bond” projects. But before now, Wilson and Broccoli had maintained creative control.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos polled his 6.8 million X followers, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jeff-bezos-asked-who-the-next-bond-should-be-his-followers-have-a-clear-favorite">asking them</a> who they thought should play the next James Bond role. Commenters mostly agreed that the part should go to Henry Cavill, a 41-year-old British actor. 
The role was last played by Daniel Craig, who retired from the franchise after “No Time To Die” in 2021. There has been a lot of speculation about who would be the next Agent 007, but now, with Amazon leading the charge, anything can happen.
“I think [the next James Bond] will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” Broccoli said in 2021. “I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles.”
“I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women,” she added. “He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”

Amazon Promises ‘Fresh, Exotic New Chapter’ For James Bond Franchise

Amazon Promises 'Fresh, Exotic New Chapter' For James Bond Franchise

U.S.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos polled his 6.8 million X followers, asking them who they thought should play the next James Bond role. While responses varied, there was an overwhelming consensus on who they preferred.
His question came just after it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios would take creative control of the long-running film franchise. Bezos’ followers mostly agreed that the part should go to Henry Cavill, a 41-year-old British actor. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Who’d you pick as the next Bond? <a href="https://t.co/u7nBaRROlf">pic.twitter.com/u7nBaRROlf</a>
&mdash; Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffBezos/status/1892590064766484622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
He’s best known for his portrayal of Charles Brandon in Showtime&#8217;s “The Tudors” (2007–2010) and for playing Superman in the DC Extended Universe (2013–2023). Cavill also appeared in the Netflix fantasy series “The Witcher” (2019–2023) and played Sherlock Holmes in the Netflix film “Enola Holmes” (2020) and the 2022 sequel.
Other names that came up in the comments included Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Taron Egerton. 
The role was last played by Daniel Craig, who retired from the franchise after “No Time To Die” in 2021. There has been a lot of speculation about who would be the next Agent 007, but now, with Amazon leading the charge, anything can happen.
Longtime producers and custodians of the franchise, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced on Thursday that they would give creative control entirely to Amazon going forward. Amazon purchased MGM for $8.5 billion in 2022 and, in doing so, acquired the rights to distribute all “James Bond” projects. But prior to now, Wilson and Broccoli had maintained creative control.
Fans have been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the next Bond actor and film. Broccoli formerly mentioned that she believed the role should go to a British man, but other than that, had no firm requirements.
“I think [the next James Bond] will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” Broccoli said in 2021. “I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles.”
“I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women,” she added. “He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”
Cavill auditioned for the role when he was 22 and hadn’t earned the name recognition that he has now. The actor lost out to Craig at the time. Later, he said he was open to the role while promoting his film “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.” 
“I have no idea, all I’ve got to go off is the rumors,” Cavill said at the time. “The same information you have. Maybe I’m too old now, maybe I’m not, we’ll see. It’s up to Barbara Broccoli and Mike Wilson, but we’ll see what their plans are.”
The “too old” comment likely referenced Broccoli <a href="https://fictionhorizon.com/james-bond-producer-barbara-broccoli-says-they-are-looking-for-a-male-in-their-30s-for-the-next-james-bond-they-are-also-ppen-to-the-idea-of-bond-being-a-person-of-color/">stating</a> that Bond should be played by a man in his 30s since each actor takes on the role for ten years. But with Amazon in charge, that stipulation might no longer hold true.

Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos Asked Who The Next Bond Should Be. His Followers Have A Clear Favorite.

Jeff Bezos Asked Who The Next Bond Should Be. His Followers Had A Clear Favorite.

In a surprise move, Amazon MGM Studios will take creative control of the long-running James Bond franchise.
The announcement was made on Thursday, per <a href="https://variety.com/2025/film/global/james-bond-amazon-mgm-gain-creative-control-1236313930/">Variety</a>. Producers and custodians of the franchise, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, will step back and cede control of any future projects. The agreement stipulates that Wilson and Broccoli will retain intellectual property rights, but the outlet noted that creative control is moving fully into Amazon MGM’s wheelhouse.
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios Mike Hopkins said. 
“We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theaters around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
Both producers also weighed in on the change. “With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” Wilson said.
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“My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects,” Broccoli added.
Amazon purchased MGM for $8.5 billion in 2022 and, in doing so, acquired the rights to distribute all “James Bond” projects. The last film in the franchise starring Daniel Craig as 007, “No Time to Die,” premiered in 2021 following a COVID delay. 
There are no known Bond movies in the works. There have been rumors for years about creative differences between the producers and Amazon, with Broccoli <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/james-bond-producer-halts-amazons-plan-for-female-007-report">reportedly</a> saying of the execs, “These people are f***ing idiots.”
Craig has yet to be replaced as Bond, and rumors about who could be tapped next are swirling. Broccoli remained adamant that the character should remain a British man, but other than that, she was open. 
“I think [the next James Bond] will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” Broccoli said in 2021. “I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles.”
“I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women,” she added. “He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”
The James Bond franchise focuses on the titular character, a fictional British Secret Service agent created by Ian Fleming in 1953. His popular books were later adapted into films, which became one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time, earning more than $7 billion at the box office since Sean Connery first took on the role of “Dr. No” in 1962.

Amazon MGM Takes Creative Control Of ‘James Bond’ Franchise In Surprise Move

Creative Control Of 'James Bond' Franchise Given To Amazon MGM In Surprise Move

James Bond has done it all, from defeating iron-jawed foes to bedding the loveliest lasses across the pond.
He may have met his match with Amazon/MGM, and the battle over 007’s future speaks volumes about where Hollywood goes in the next decade.
So far, the signs are ominous, according to leaks shared in an <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/james-bond-movies-amazon-barbara-broccoli-0b04f0db?mod=hp_lead_pos7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explosive Wall Street Journal investigation</a>. As is, it’s been a while since the British Super Spy graced the big screen. The last 007 outing, “No Time to Die,” hit theaters in 2021 following a COVID delay.
It’s now 2025 and there’s no new Bond movie script or even a story in the works. Heck, we still don’t know who will take over for Daniel Craig, who played the British secret agent for five feature films.
<div id="attachment_852927" style="width: 877px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-852927" class="size-large wp-image-852927" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-55920525-867x576.jpg" alt="UNDATED: In this undated handout photo from Eon Productions, actor Daniel Craig poses as James Bond. Craig was unveiled as legendary British secret agent James Bond 007 in the 21st Bond film Casino Royale, at HMS President, St Katharine's Way on October 14, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Greg Williams/Eon Productions via Getty Images)" width="867" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-55920525-867x576.jpg 867w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-55920525-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-55920525-768x510.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-55920525.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 867px) 100vw, 867px" />Greg Williams/Eon Productions via Getty Images</div>
It might be several years before 007 sips a new martini on the big screen. Will franchise fans wait that long, or will they move on to other action sagas?
How could Hollywood let a beloved property sit on the proverbial shelf?
It all began at the top at Amazon. In 2021 the <a href="https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a36543339/james-bond-amazon-mgm-deal-explained/">company purchased MGM</a> for a gaudy $6.5 billion, instantly acquiring the power of classic IPs like “Rocky,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Legally Blonde” and a certain spy franchise dating back to “Dr. No” in 1962.
The deal has a unique complication, however, when it comes to the Bond saga. Amazon owns half of the franchise, while the rest is held by siblings Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson – Broccoli being the main power broker at this point.
The pair inherited the series from veteran Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli. The duo retains considerable control over all things Bond, from spinoffs to casting the next 007.
<div id="attachment_852929" style="width: 799px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-852929" class="size-large wp-image-852929" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-2166387-789x576.jpg" alt="Jack Lord hold Sean Connery at gunpoint in a still from the James Bond film, 'Dr. No,' directed by Terence Young, 1962. (Photo by United Artists/Courtesy of Getty Images)" width="789" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-2166387-789x576.jpg 789w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-2166387-300x219.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-2166387-768x561.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-2166387.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 789px) 100vw, 789px" />Jack Lord hold Sean Connery at gunpoint in a still from the James Bond film, &#8216;Dr. No,&#8217; directed by Terence Young, 1962. (Photo by United Artists/Courtesy of Getty Images)</div>
That’s good, on paper. The Broccoli family has lorded over the franchise for decades, and they’ve treated it with great care. They’re not eager to leverage the property or lunge for a quick cash grab.
Amazon has other ideas.
They see the series as content to be exploited in the not-so-grand “Star Wars” tradition. How well has that turned out?
No matter. The oh, so modern Amazon envisions a Bond universe where a Miss Moneypenny series can coincide with new Bond adventures.
The creative tug of war reflects where Hollywood stands in 2025. Beloved IPs (intellectual properties) are the coin of the realm, be it a plastic Barbie doll or “The Planet of the Apes.” They allow studios to deliver remakes, sequels, prequels and reboots, all retaining the precious name recognition fans crave.
The “Star Wars” brand serves as a cautionary tale. We haven’t seen a new “Star Wars” film since 2019, and every few months an “announced” film project gets scrapped or sent to the back burner.
The less said about “Star Wars” TV shows like “The Acolyte,” gone after one terrible woke season, the better.
The “John Wick” saga <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/12/john-wick-spinoff-the-continental-producer-season-2-update-1236194645/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stumbled with the TV series prequel “The Continental.”</a> Next up? The Wick-ian movie spinoff “Ballerina” starring Ana De Armas.”
Suddenly, Keanu Reeves’ antihero seems less special, no? Can Bond avoid that ignominious path?
The only Bond-related project to come out since the purchase? The reality show, “007: Road to a Million,” hosted by an actor who signed on thinking he had snagged a role in a Bond film, not a spinoff project (Brian Cox of “Succession” fame).
The Broccolis have retained the core of the Bond brand for more than 60 years. They let Bond evolve over time, but only by degrees. He no longer swats the fannies of his female co-stars like Sean Connery’s spy once did.
He might rely less on gadgets today than during the Roger Moore era (1973-1985). His enemies reflect modern woes more than Cold War villains of the past.
<div id="attachment_852933" style="width: 924px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-852933" class="size-large wp-image-852933" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-110953720-914x576.jpg" alt="KINGSTON, JAMAICA - MARCH 1: Roger Moore poses driving a speedboat during the filming of James Bond film 'Live And Let Die' on March 1, 1973 in Kingston, Jamaica (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)" width="914" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-110953720-914x576.jpg 914w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-110953720-300x189.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-110953720-768x484.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/01/GettyImages-110953720.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 914px) 100vw, 914px" />Roger Moore during the filming of James Bond film &#8216;Live And Let Die&#8217; on March 1, 1973 in Kingston, Jamaica (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)</div>
That consistency has made Bond an icon bridging generations of fans. It doesn’t matter who portrays Bond – the rugged Connery or the suave Pierce Brosnan – the character’s enduring appeal matters most.
He’s a traditionally masculine figure who knows the risks but saves the day over and again. Yes, he’s a straight white male who kills without mercy when needed. He also rarely embraces monogamy, and that’s being kind.
All of the above drives his detractors crazy, including press outlets eager to dub Bond’s canon “<a href="https://metro.co.uk/2024/07/03/james-bonds-problematic-moments-goldfinger-skyfall-21126674/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">problematic</a>.” Even the last Bond movie director, “No Time to Die’s” Cary Fukunaga, said <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/09/23/james-bond-director-says-sean-connery-character-basically-rapes-woman/5826149001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Connery’s Bond was practically a rapist.</a>
So far, the Broccolis have resistant cultural pressure along the way. Even “No Time to Die,” marketed with plenty <a href="https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/woke-bond-box-office-disappointment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">of woke eye rolls</a>, stuck mostly to formula. It also made $774 million worldwide despite the lingering pandemic.
The James Bond saga represents old school Hollywood. It’s a connection to our pop culture past, a franchise that belongs on the big screen. Always. You don’t “stream” a new 007 movie. It’s not “content” based on algorithms.
It’s cinema, resisting the flavors of the month to deliver timeless thrills. Women want to bed him, while men want to be like him. Those biological norms never go out of style.
Unless 21st century Hollywood has its way.
The most chilling part of the WSJ story came via an Amazon employee considering the world of 007.
“I have to be honest. I don’t think James Bond is a hero.”
Team Broccoli has its work cut out for it.
* * *
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic and editor of <a href="https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at <a href="https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

“No Time To Die” – World Premiere – VIP Arrivals

Shaken, Not Stirred: James Bond Franchise Caught In A Tug Of War With Amazon

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<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/james-bond">James Bond</a> producer Barbara Broccoli has reportedly made it clear to Amazon executives that she will not support plans for a spinoff female 007 TV series.
Broccoli — who acquired all the rights to the James Bond franchise from her late father Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and holds all approval rights for anything associated with the franchise — has reportedly not agreed with Amazon’s woke plans for the next spy film or even TV series, the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/media/james-bond-movies-amazon-barbara-broccoli-0b04f0db?mod=hp_lead_pos7">Wall Street Journal</a> reported.
In March 2022, the giant e-retail acquired the rights to the franchise from <a href="https://nypost.com/2022/03/17/amazon-closes-8-5b-mgm-acquisition-despite-ftc-scrutiny/">Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio for $8.5 billion</a>, WSJ noted.
“These people are f***ing idiots,” <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/20/business/james-bond-producers-nixed-amazons-woke-female-007-idea/">Broccoli reportedly</a> told others when describing Amazon executives.
Those with knowledge told the Journal that Amazon has pitched ideas like the female 007 spinoff series for the streaming service, noting that it would focus on Miss Moneypenny, the secretary of MI6 spy chief M. However, Broccoli has made it clear she wants nothing to do with it.
It’s reportedly gotten so bad that Broccoli has threatened to delay the release of a Bond sequel, by in essence, holding the film, “hostage,” WSJ noted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shaken and stirred: James Bond is stuck in a tug-of-war between the family that controls 007 and his new overlords at Amazon <a href="https://t.co/Uz5oV6APBY">https://t.co/Uz5oV6APBY</a>
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/WSJ/status/1870119822236737837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
There was also talk about having a gay or nonwhite take on the role of the famed spy that she was reportedly more open to, with the caveats that the person portraying Bond was a man and a Brit, the Journal noted.
The comments were similar to ones she’s made in the past when she said the next Bond should definitely be a male, and not a woman, as some at the time had suggested, The <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jenna-ortega-james-bond-franchises-1235990259/">Hollywood Reporter</a> noted.
“I think [the next James Bond] will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” Broccoli said in 2021. “I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles.”
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“I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women,” she added. “He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”
Former Bond girl Gemma Arterton recently slammed the idea of gender-swapping the next 007 character and said you “have to respect the tradition” of the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/james-bond">famed role</a> being played by a man.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/celebrity/article/gemma-arterton-sex-scene-james-bond-the-critic-g5j5fqllj">The Times</a>, the 38-year-old actress and “Quantum of Solace” star agreed that “a female James Bond” would be the same as “Mary Poppins being played by a man,” calling the idea ridiculous. 
“They talk about it, but I think people would find it too outrageous,” Arterton said. “Sometimes you just have to respect the tradition. I don’t regret doing a Bond film, but I am perplexed why it has followed me around. I was only in the film for five minutes.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/former-bond-girl-slams-idea-of-gender-swapping-007" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Former Bond Girl Slams Idea Of Gender-Swapping 007</a>

New “Casino Royale” James Bond Is Unveiled

James Bond Producer Halts Amazon’s Plan For Female 007: Report

Wokeness

Former Bond girl Gemma Arterton slammed the idea of gender-swapping the next 007 character and said you “have to respect the tradition” of the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/james-bond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">famed role</a> being played by a man.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/celebrity/article/gemma-arterton-sex-scene-james-bond-the-critic-g5j5fqllj">The Times</a>, the 38-year-old actress and “Quantum of Solace” star agreed that “a female James Bond” would be the same as “Mary Poppins being played by a man,” calling the idea ridiculous. 
“They talk about it, but I think people would find it too outrageous,” Arterton said. “Sometimes you just have to respect the tradition. I don’t regret doing a Bond film, but I am perplexed why it has followed me around. I was only in the film for five minutes.”
The comments were the latest against having a “female Bond” just in order to flip things around as <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/hollywood">Hollywood</a> continues to do these days. &#8220;Skyfall&#8221; actress Ana de Armas previously said there’s no need to “steal someone else’s character,” as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/actress-ana-de-armas-says-theres-no-need-for-a-female-bond-no-need-to-steal-someone-elses-character">reported</a>.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
‘Qunatum Of Solace’ Star And Former Bond Girl Gemma Arterton Disagrees With Idea Of Gender-Swapping 007: “Isn’t A Female James Bond Like Mary Poppins Being Played By A Man?” <a href="https://t.co/9jCkqXTZd7">https://t.co/9jCkqXTZd7</a>
— Bounding Into Comics (@BoundingComics) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoundingComics/status/1867013310979223915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
During an interview with <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/19253997/ana-de-armas-bond-woman/">The Sun</a>, the 36-year-old actress was asked about <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bond-james-bond-he-him-future-007-could-be-non-binary-producer-says">reports</a> that the next installment in the James Bond franchise could feature a “non-binary” Bond, meaning a person who doesn’t consider themselves either male or female.
“There’s no need for a female Bond,” the “Knives Out” star shared. “There shouldn’t be any need to steal someone else’s character, you know, to take over.”
“This is a novel, and it leads into this James Bond world and this fantasy of that universe where he’s at,” she added.
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/gift-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE</a>
“What I would like is that the female roles in the Bond films, even though Bond will continue to be a man, are brought to life in a different way,” de Armas continued. “That they’re given a more substantial part and recognition. That’s what I think is more interesting than flipping things.”
De Armas played a new version of a “Bond girl” as the mysterious CIA agent Paloma across from Daniel Craig in 2021’s “No Time to Die.” The movie was Craig’s final outing as 007 after playing Bond in “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall,” and “Spectre.”
During an interview in 2019, the producer and overseer of the Bond franchise, Barbara Broccoli, admitted that a future 007 could be “non-binary.” Broccoli discussed the replacement of Craig on the “<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-100-exclusive-barbara-broccoli-talks-bond-feminism/id1439182513?i=1000544545978">Girls On Film</a>” podcast.
“I think we should be making more films about women and create female characters,” the producer explained. “So, I think Bond will be a man.”
When the podcast host pressed further if the next Bond could be “non-binary, perhaps, maybe one day?” Broccoli replied, “Who knows? I mean, I think it’s open. We just have to find the right actor.”

Gemma Arterton

Former Bond Girl Slams Idea Of Gender-Swapping 007

Non-binary

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/hollywood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hollywood</a> star Jenna Ortega said she thinks women have made great strides in Hollywood, but said she has no interest in seeing a “Jamie Bond.”
During an interview with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjZd3W7kgxc&amp;t=3s">MTV</a> about her upcoming movie “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the 21-year-old actress said she doesn’t think women should simply be swapped into movie roles previously given to men and said that actresses should have their own franchises.
“I love that there’s a lot more female leads nowadays, I think that’s so special, but we should have our own,” Ortega told the reporter. “I don’t like it when it’s like a spinoff — I don’t want to see, like, ‘Jamie Bond.’ You know? I want to see another bada**.”
<iframe loading="lazy" title="“I just read it and went, oh sh*t” Jenna Ortega &amp; Catherine O’Hara on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjZd3W7kgxc?start=3&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The comments echoed that of “James Bond” producer Barbara Broccoli, who previously said that she thought the next Bond should definitely be a male, and not a woman, as some at the time had suggested, The <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jenna-ortega-james-bond-franchises-1235990259/">Hollywood Reporter</a> noted.
“I think [the next James Bond] will be a man because I don’t think a woman should play James Bond,” Broccoli said in 2021. “I believe in making characters for women and not just having women play men’s roles.”
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“I don’t think there are enough great roles for women, and it’s very important to me that we make movies for women about women,” she added. “He should be British, so British can be any [ethnicity or race].”
“Knives Out&#8221; star and former &#8220;Bond girl &#8220;Ana de Armas made headlines when she also said there’s no reason for there to be a “female Bond” just in order to flip things around, as <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/hollywood">Hollywood</a> continues to do.
During an interview in 2022 with <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/19253997/ana-de-armas-bond-woman/">The Sun</a>, the then 34-year-old actress was asked about <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bond-james-bond-he-him-future-007-could-be-non-binary-producer-says">reports</a> that the next installment in the James Bond franchise could consist of a “non-binary” Bond, meaning a person who doesn’t consider themselves either male or female.
“There’s no need for a female Bond,” the “Knives Out” star shared. “There shouldn’t be any need to steal someone else’s character, you know, to take over. This is a novel, and it leads into this James Bond world and this fantasy of that universe where he’s at.&#8221;
“What I would like is that the female roles in the Bond films, even though Bond will continue to be a man, are brought to life in a different way,” de Armas continued. “That they’re given a more substantial part and recognition. That’s what I think is more interesting than flipping things.”

Jenna Ortega

Hollywood Actress Says She Doesn’t Want To See A ‘Jamie Bond,’ Says Women Should Have Their Own Franchises

New reported James Bond star <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/marvel-actor-says-weve-had-enough-of-studios-churning-out-stuff-that-dilutes-wanting-to-go-to-the-cinema" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aaron Taylor-Johnson</a> reflected on the importance of fatherhood and said a dad&#8217;s &#8220;job&#8221; is &#8220;to protect the purest, most innocent thing that&#8217;s come into the world.&#8221;
Speaking to <a href="https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/film/aaron-taylor-johnson-britains-next-leading-man-bond-interview-37853/">Rolling Stone UK</a> magazine, the 33-year-old British actor talked about setting an example for his four daughters.
&#8220;You realize it&#8217;s your job to protect the purest, most innocent thing that&#8217;s come into the world,&#8221; the actor said. &#8220;And it&#8217;s your duty to be their role model.&#8221;
&#8220;You are going to be reflected in their choices later on in life, from who their partners are to how they carry themselves in the world,&#8221; he added.
And as far as having a family and career, the &#8220;Avengers: Endgame&#8221; star said, &#8220;I&#8217;m just trying to juggle my family and my work. I&#8217;m doing normal life; dentist appointments.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Aaron Taylor-Johnson has not been offered the highly sought-after gig to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond. At least, not just yet. <a href="https://t.co/ovGSYIWZDw">https://t.co/ovGSYIWZDw</a>
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) <a href="https://twitter.com/VanityFair/status/1770576219643269559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
&#8220;Career doesn&#8217;t necessarily take a back seat, but it takes a different thought behind the choices that you make,&#8221; he added. &#8220;But you also discover characters you&#8217;re drawn to because of that, you&#8217;re not just some 20-year-old anymore.&#8221;
&#8220;You unlock some secret thing,&#8221; the actor continued, noting that despite being offered jobs for television limited series, he hasn&#8217;t taken them because he doesn&#8217;t want to be away from his family. 
At one point, Taylor-Johnson also defended his 23-year age gap with his current wife, 57-year-old Sam Taylor-Johnson. The two met when he was auditioning for her movie in 2008, <a href="https://people.com/aaron-taylor-johnson-doesn-t-understand-criticism-of-age-difference-with-wife-sam-8612681">People magazine</a> noted.
 &#8220;You&#8217;re doing something too quickly for someone else?&#8221; the British star said of the criticism. &#8220;I don&#8217;t understand that. What speed are you supposed to enjoy life at? It&#8217;s bizarre to me.&#8221;
The two got engaged in 2009 and announced they were expecting a year later, People magazine noted. In 2010, they welcomed their first daughter together to the world, Wylda Rae, and two years later, Romy Hero in January 2012. Sam also has two older daughters, 27 and 17, from a previous marriage. 
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Taylor-Johnson, who&#8217;s been acting since he was 6, said, &#8221; What you gotta realize is that what most people were doing in their twenties, I was doing when I was 13.&#8221;
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the actor had been officially offered the famed <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/eon-productions-offers-role-of-the-next-james-bond-to-british-actor-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">role of 007</a>, taking over the part from Daniel Craig. Speaking to the outlet ahead of the announcement, Taylor-Johnson made it clear it wasn&#8217;t something he was going to talk about.
&#8220;I can only really talk about the things I&#8217;m going to show and tell,&#8221; the &#8220;Bullet Train&#8221; star said. &#8220;So, &#8216;The Fall Guy,&#8217; &#8216;Nosferatu,&#8217; &#8216;Kraven the Hunter.&#8217; I&#8217;m here to promote those.&#8221;
&nbsp;

Aaron Taylor-Johnson

New Reported Bond Actor Reflects On Importance Of Fatherhood

actor

fatherhood

Eon Productions has reportedly offered the opportunity to be the next <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/james-bond" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James Bond</a> to British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, according to a publication in the U.K.
The news comes after Daniel Craig starred in the iconic role of 007 for more than a decade, starting with &#8220;Casino Royale&#8221; in 2006 before making &#8220;Quantum of Solace&#8221; in 2008, &#8220;Skyfall&#8221; in 2012, &#8220;Spectre&#8221; in 2015, and &#8220;No Time to Die&#8221; in 2021.
&#8220;Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back,&#8221; a source <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/26774029/aaron-taylor-johnson-offered-role-james-bond/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> The Sun. &#8220;As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.&#8221;
Other top candidates for the role reportedly included Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, and James Norton.
Work on the next Bond film has been delayed due to the Hollywood strikes last year, the report said. The script is currently being written.
When he was asked recently about whether he would be the next Bond, Taylor-Johnson responded: &#8220;I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.&#8221;
Taylor-Johnson is known for his roles in “Kick-Ass,” “Kick-Ass 2,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Nocturnal Animals,” “Godzilla,” “Tenet,” and “Bullet Train.”
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Taylor-Johnson&#8217;s most recent film was Sony Pictures&#8217; &#8220;Bullet Train,&#8221; directed by David Leitch, in which he plays British assassin Tangerine. The film was hit with a 54% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, though it performed better with general audiences with a 76% score. &#8220;Bullet Train&#8221; ultimately went on to gross $239.3 million worldwide on a reported budget of $85-90 million.
Taylor-Johnson can next be seen in &#8220;The Fall Guy&#8221; with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, as well as &#8220;Kraven the Hunter,&#8221; the latter having been delayed one year due to the 2023 actors&#8217; strike.

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