The Bunker – News without the nonsense James Bond vs Bezos – Will Amazon ruin 007?
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Feb 26, 2025 Helen O’Hara, film journalist and Empire magazine's editor-at-large, discusses the future of James Bond now under Amazon's control. She questions whether Amazon will revive or dilute the franchise with cheesy spins, similar to Disney's handling of Star Wars. The conversation dives into the delicate balance of modernizing Bond's long-standing themes of masculinity and imperialism while ensuring the character remains relevant in today's world. O’Hara also reflects on how the evolution of villains mirrors contemporary global issues.
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Broccoli's Bond Legacy
- The Broccoli family's stewardship of James Bond is the most successful long-term management of a single movie character by one entity.
- Their gift for adapting Bond to the times while preserving his core has been key to the franchise's success.
Barbara's Hands-on Approach
- Barbara Broccoli has been deeply involved in Bond production, even overseeing stunts and choosing directors.
- She preferred directors who would maintain the Bond essence rather than auteur filmmakers.
Bond's Character in Today's World
- Remaking Bond now poses challenges due to his original character traits: alcoholic, womanizer, violent, and a symbol of British imperialism.
- These characteristics clash with modern sensibilities and geopolitical realities.
