Amazon MGM’s Acquisition of the Bond Franchise Might Seem Concerning, But Here’s How It Could Succeed

Big news in the entertainment world has left James Bond enthusiasts feeling a bit rattled as Amazon MGM Studios has taken the reins of the iconic 007 franchise from its long-time producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. While the shift has sparked some concern, it’s crucial to remember that the world of James Bond is already extensive, with spin-off books, games, comics, and of course, Ian Fleming’s original novels. A plethora of creative minds—including writers, actors, and artists—have explored the adventures of Bond and his vibrant cast of characters. Now, with Amazon’s aspirations to forge a Bond “universe” akin to Marvel or Star Wars and with billions at stake, it’s clear the franchise is far from reaching its final act.

One of Broccoli’s primary apprehensions in releasing the rights was Amazon MGM potentially trying to accelerate expansion too swiftly or casting a high-profile actor as the famous secret agent. Will Amazon maintain the core essence, or are we about to see Timothée Chalamet don the 007 mantle? That scenario is unlikely (no offense to Chalamet); however, Amazon has already dipped its toes into the spy genre with the Russo Brothers’ production, Citadel, and its international offshoots like Citadel: Diana and Citadel: Honey Bunny. While these didn’t quite achieve the critical acclaim Amazon might have hoped for—barring Honey Bunny—and haven’t resonated with domestic audiences at the level of hits like The Boys, they certainly mark an ambitious attempt.

Consider, too, Amazon’s successful forays into macho action series like Reacher, Jack Ryan, and Bosch. These shows could explain Amazon’s motivation to invest so heavily in Bond. Many of their hits are already dominated by male leads wielding firearms, often originating from popular book series. Unlike their venture into the enormous universe of The Lord of the Rings—which, depending on who you ask, may have had mixed success—the decision to purchase James Bond shows a calculated approach. Prime Video viewers already flock to content centered on characters like Bond, so introducing the original super-spy should feel like a natural transition.

Interestingly, Amazon has already ventured into Bond territory through a slightly different format. They produced a reality game show titled 007: Road to a Million, hosted by Brian Cox. Although the first season didn’t make a massive splash, it points to Amazon’s willingness to explore different genres within the Bond brand. And in an amusing twist, Cox believed he’d signed on for a Bond film, perhaps hinting at a chance for Amazon to cast him in a future role.

Turning the clock back to 1954, an anthology series called Climax! aired the first TV adaptation of “Casino Royale,” showcasing that Bond has made his mark on television too. Beyond TV, Bond’s adventures have gained recognition in video games—GoldenEye for the N64, anyone?—and comics. This rich history indicates that Bond adaptations are more flexible than some may assume.

There’s no formal announcement that Amazon is leaving the cinematic route for Bond entirely. Although MGM isn’t the powerhouse it once was, they still produce successful works, like the Oscar-nominated Nickel Boys. It’s reasonable to expect that even without the Broccoli family’s involvement, Amazon MGM will strive to respect the franchise’s legacy.

And in all seriousness, does expanding the Bond universe raise eyebrows? While some fans might balk at the idea of Bond being exclusively available on streaming platforms, TV offers an opportunity to explore the numerous side characters who often exhibit more room for growth than Bond himself. From Q’s laboratory escapades to Leiter handling Bond’s messes on American soil, there’s no shortage of potential stories. With so many vibrant characters like Jaws or Q needing more spotlight, an anthology series could open up engaging new narratives.

Furthermore, developing Bond’s character across a TV series could allow for deeper storytelling that the films have rarely ventured into. Typically, Bond is portrayed as invincible, with little continuity between films. Yet the Daniel Craig era introduced a semblance of character development, highlighting Bond’s emotional journey. Imagine stretching these arcs over a series of episodes, reminiscent of the evocative storytelling seen in Skyfall, which many regard as the pinnacle of the franchise.

Of course, Amazon’s strategy might not solely focus on action-packed spy stories. They might instead choose a route similar to the prequel-focused series we’ve seen recently, like Pennyworth with Batman’s butler. But a prequel would need to deliver something uniquely captivating to stand out.

At its heart, what the Bond franchise needs is something that separates it from all the current streaming content—a unique essence that fans anticipate with each film. If Amazon finds the key to what makes James Bond so special, they could reimagine the franchise for a new era, possibly embracing beloved side characters like Q in standalone stories. Far from signaling an end, this could rejuvenate Bond, keeping him thrilling audiences for many years to come.