James Bond Is Missing. He's Trapped in a Fight With Amazon.
Dec 20, 2024
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Explore the clash between the classic allure of James Bond and the corporate ambitions of Amazon. Delve into the ongoing feud around creative control and traditional filmmaking versus data-driven strategies. Discover insights on the franchise's rich history and the challenges faced in merging a legacy with modern innovation. The podcast reveals the skepticism surrounding Amazon's management and what it means for the future of the iconic spy.
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Quick takeaways
The ongoing dispute between Amazon and the Broccoli family highlights the challenges of adapting classic franchises to modern market strategies.
Barbara Broccoli's commitment to preserving James Bond's legacy emphasizes the importance of creative control in maintaining storytelling integrity.
Deep dives
The Evolution of the James Bond Franchise
James Bond is a character deeply rooted in cinematic history, with the franchise beginning in 1962 with 'Dr. No' and evolving through various actors and interpretations over the decades. Ian Fleming's creation was initially brought to life by Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli, who played a pivotal role in managing the series. His daughter, Barbara Broccoli, now oversees the franchise, ensuring that new Bonds are carefully chosen, often from emerging talent, believing that instinct plays a vital role in casting. This approach has contributed to a legacy that includes 27 films generating $7.6 billion at the box office, showcasing Bond's enduring appeal across generations.
Amazon's Ambitions and the Fractured Relationship
After acquiring MGM, Amazon had high hopes for expanding the James Bond franchise, viewing it as a key asset in their Hollywood strategy. However, they faced significant friction with the Broccoli family, who retain creative control, leading to a tense standoff over Bond's future. Initial brainstorming included ideas for spinoffs and a female 007, but the Broccolis firmly believe in maintaining Bond's scarcity, producing films only every few years. This philosophical divide has led to an impasse, with no new Bond film in development and both sides struggling to find common ground.
The Future of James Bond
The ongoing conflict between Amazon and the Broccoli family has left the James Bond franchise at a standstill, with no script or plans for a new film despite three years passing since the last release. Barbara Broccoli is committed to ensuring Bond's legacy remains intact, often recalling her father's advice to avoid making permanent decisions based on temporary partnerships. While the Broccolis have much to lose, including their family's legacy and financial investments, Amazon's concerns are less critical, given its extensive resources. Ultimately, the legacy of James Bond seems secure, but the challenge remains to navigate the tensions of modern Hollywood while preserving the character's storied past.
James Bond is one of Hollywood's most famous characters. So when Amazon bought the rights to distribute Bond, executives had big plans for the brand’s intellectual property. But so far, Amazon hasn't made a single Bond movie. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel takes us inside the feud that’s tying up the franchise.