Barbara Broccoli is reported to be in a creative standoff with Amazon that has left James Bond’s next chapter in limbo.
Nearly three years after Amazon’s $6.5 billion purchase of MGM, the studio behind the James Bond franchise, the tech giant’s plans for 007 are at a standstill. The delay stems from a clash between Barbara Broccoli, who holds creative control of Bond through her production company Eon, and Amazon’s streaming-driven vision for the character.
Broccoli, whose stewardship of Bond spans decades, has made her position clear. To friends, she reportedly said of Amazon’s leadership:
These people are f— idiots.
Her scepticism extends to Amazon’s reliance on algorithms and data to guide creative decisions—an approach she believes is incompatible with the artistry and instinct-driven storytelling that define Bond. As her father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, often advised:
Don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions.
Amazon has proposed extending Bond’s universe through streaming, brainstorming ideas for TV spinoffs and alternate takes on the franchise. However, Broccoli has rejected such concepts, citing a commitment to the series’ cinematic roots. One incident reportedly struck a particularly sour note: an Amazon executive referred to Bond as “content,” a term Broccoli viewed as emblematic of a corporate mindset ill-suited to the character.
Her stance has left Amazon frustrated but constrained. Broccoli retains final say over all creative aspects of Bond, including scripts, casting, and distribution. Without her approval, the next film remains out of reach, despite Amazon’s financial investment in MGM.
The delay marks one of the longest gaps in Bond’s 60-year history, with no progress on a follow-up to No Time to Die (2021). While the franchise has weathered such pauses before, the stakes are higher in today’s competitive entertainment landscape.
Broccoli views her role as a custodian of Bond’s legacy, describing it as “her father’s store.” Since inheriting creative control, she has resisted attempts to dilute the character for short-term gains, a philosophy she continues to uphold in the face of corporate pressures.
As fans wait for news of Bond 26, the conflict over 007’s future reflects a broader tension between Hollywood tradition and Silicon Valley’s algorithm-driven entertainment machine. For now, Barbara Broccoli holds the line—and Bond’s next adventure remains a mystery.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Go Barbara stay true to your Father’s wonderful legacy I’d rather have no Bond than have it’s reputation ruined by AMAZON I knew what Amazon see it has.Commercialise it.Bonds home is the big screen and that’s it.End of.
Hey, tell Amazon we want a movie 26 to follow in line as Bond has always been. Don’t monkey around with a money maker that pleases a large fan base. If they want make their on shy guy go for it, leave Bond to be Bond as it has been. Stick to your guns EON. Our problem is the fans long for more of the real Bond. I personally am a Connery, Dalton, Brosnan. Craig, I did not like it looking as Bond got killed off at all. I want what ever there is wrong with bond to be found under the fallen mess, dug out and some how treated for what’s in him.
Bring him back to normal and back in service for the king of England.
I know a lot of you newer fans want agree, but that’s my feelings and my two cents. Ain’t got a lot of time to wait, 73 year old that I am, been a Bond Fan from the beginning.
I am glad EON seems to care about the future of Bond. I completely agree with Barbara. Keep Bond on the big screen and away from TV and spinoffs. I think most fans would want to avoid the path Star Wars took with multiple shows and now a diluted franchise and product. Lets keep Bond unique and avoid becoming like Marvel, DC, and Star Wars.
Once again BB shows a sublime integrity. I am grateful for her stewardship over the franchise and hope she can keep the corporate hyenas at bay. Any word on how much support she is getting from Wilson?
Bond needs to stay true to its heritage. I am totally in support of Barbara. Sadly this has put Bond in limbo but agree that I would rather have no Bond than what Amazon has in mind.