The Town with Matthew Belloni
Amazon and James Bond: What Could Go Wrong?
Feb 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw sheds light on the surprising deal where the Broccoli family hands over James Bond's creative control to Amazon. They explore the necessity of this move for Amazon and its implications for the franchise's future. Lucas highlights the tension between traditional oversight and corporate ownership as the Bond brand navigates this new path. They also draw intriguing parallels with Disney, considering lessons learned in franchise management. The conversation concludes with a fun take on the box office landscape.
33:25
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Quick takeaways
- Amazon's acquisition gives them full creative control of the James Bond franchise, altering the historic balance of power in Hollywood.
- Concerns arise that Amazon's focus on commercial appeal might compromise the essence and quality of the beloved Bond legacy.
Deep dives
Amazon Gains Creative Control of James Bond
Amazon's acquisition of MGM included the James Bond franchise, allowing the tech giant to finally take full creative control over this iconic series. Previously, while Amazon held release rights, the Broccoli family maintained significant authority over the franchise, managing everything from casting to the development of storylines for 25 films over 60 years. Tensions arose during negotiations, as Barbara Broccoli, a key figure in Bond's legacy, was reportedly frustrated with Amazon's approach, referring to the films as mere 'content'. This shift marks a significant change in Hollywood dynamics, illustrating the growing influence of major tech companies in an industry historically dominated by creative families.
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