James Bond, Amazon’s Rise, and Nolan’s Snub: Industry Shifts

In late January 2024, Barbara Broccoli graced the Atlantic Theater in New York to witness a performance of her stage musical, “Buena Vista Social Club.” The esteemed producer of the James Bond franchise was accompanied by several eminent executives from Amazon MGM Studios—Jennifer Salke, Courtenay Valenti, and Julie Rapaport—culminating in an evening characterized by both conviviality and professional discourse. For an extended period, Salke’s superior, Mike Hopkins, had orchestrated deliberations with Broccoli concerning the future trajectory of Bond within Amazon’s ambit, following its acquisition of MGM for an estimated $8.5 billion in 2022. However, reports indicate that Broccoli departed this meeting uninspired by Salke, a veteran of television, and returned to her residence in London, soon after initiating negotiations regarding the relinquishment of creative control over what is perceived as a prime, untapped intellectual property, akin to the stature of Lucasfilm, Marvel, and DC. (Amazon refrained from comment, while Eon did not respond to inquiries.)

Following a protracted year of contentious negotiations, Amazon is poised to exert comprehensive control over the storied franchise, which has yielded 25 films featuring Agent 007, yet whose potential in television, merchandising, spin-offs, and an interconnected cinematic universe has largely remained dormant. (The agreement awaits regulatory approval in both the U.S. and the U.K., anticipated within this year.) Amazon’s executive chairman, Jeff Bezos, who endorsed this intricate transaction, is particularly keen on how the tech titan can usher Bond into the digital era.

“Owning a Ferrari while lacking control over its operation is undeniably vexing,” asserts former Amazon Studios chief Roy Price. “The Broccolis have exemplified unparalleled craftsmanship in character management. Yet, amid today’s multifaceted entertainment landscape, it is logical for Amazon to assume a more proactive role in shaping its destiny.”

Historically, Broccoli and her half-brother, Michael Wilson, have hesitated to fully harness the immense potential encapsulated within Ian Fleming’s spy novels, often finding themselves at odds with one another. Their conservative approach to the franchise’s exposure seems prudent in light of audience fatigue stemming from the overwhelming dominance of mega-brands like Disney’s Marvel and Lucasfilm.

Nevertheless, some critics contend that Broccoli’s reticence and excessive control have hindered Bond’s evolution. Reports indicate that Christopher Nolan expressed interest in directing a Bond installment post-“Tenet,” but Broccoli stipulated that no director would enjoy final cut authority while Bond remained under her governance. Consequently, Nolan chose to helm “Oppenheimer,” which subsequently achieved nearly $1 billion in box office revenues and garnered the Academy Award for Best Picture.

The Broccolis’ cautious stewardship is explicable; navigating the complexities of Bond’s character is inherently challenging. Conceived during the Cold War era, the debonair figure must be modernized delicately, lest one risk alienating core fans or diluting the quintessential elements that define the character.