Bezos. Jeff Bezos. The billionaire Amazon founder might have an enormous say in who will get forged in one of many movie world’s most iconic roles: Bond. James Bond. And followers have the chance to champion their favourite actors and attempt to seize Bezos’ consideration.
Bezos kicked off a flurry of exercise amongst Bond aficionados by posting a easy query to social media on Thursday: “Who’d you choose as the following Bond?” Bezos included a screenshot of a Reuters article highlighting the information that the Bond franchise’s long-time producers have handed artistic management of the motion movies to Amazon.
Henry Cavill as James Bond?
From Russia With Two-Day Supply? Henry Cavill performed Superman within the 2013 film Man of Metal. He has a wealth of expertise in motion roles.
If Bezos really reads the Instagram feedback, then he’ll know who most people is pulling for to take over as 007. A fast survey of the responses exhibits one identify particularly popping up repeatedly. Henry Cavill might have performed the American superhero Superman, however he is very British. “I believe the world has gone mad if Henry Cavill is not provided this function,” stated one commenter.
British actor Idris Elba additionally bought a couple of mentions, although when requested again in 2018, he stated he would not be the following Bond. Perhaps he’ll change his thoughts.
Learn extra: Each James Bond Film Ranked — the Greatest and Worst of 007
Elba is the non-public favourite of Bond professional Colin Burnett, a movie and media research professor at Washington College in St. Louis, Missouri. Burnett, nevertheless, fears Elba has “aged out” of the function. “I believe it is time from a Black Bond,” Burnett tells CNET. “Blockbuster motion pictures with Black stars are actually international hits, together with in East Asia, which is a big marketplace for Bond.”
Cavill is perhaps a preferred alternative, however some followers are pondering exterior the field. There was at the least one vote for American comic Kevin Hart. Whoopi Goldberg, identified for her work on Star Trek and as a co-host of The View, acquired a shoutout as effectively.
Amazon did not instantly reply to a request for touch upon Bezos’ degree of involvement with artistic or casting choices for the franchise.
Amazon takes artistic management of James Bond
No Prime to Die? Daniel Craig was the newest James Bond, however he stepped down from the function in 2021.
Amazon closed a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase MGM Studios in 2022 and shaped Amazon MGM Studios. MGM has been the house of the Bond collection, with each Bond film now streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video — for an additional price of round $4 to hire every film, or about $15 to purchase, relying on the age of the film.
Whereas the Bond movie franchise is an enormous enterprise, it is also been a household enterprise below the management of producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
“With my 007 profession spanning practically 60 unimaginable years, I’m stepping again from producing the James Bond movies to give attention to artwork and charitable initiatives,” stated Wilson in an Amazon assertion on Feb. 20. “Subsequently, Barbara and I agree, it’s time for our trusted accomplice, Amazon MGM Studios, to guide James Bond into the long run.”
Learn extra: Being James Bond: How 007 Motion pictures Obtained Me Into Intelligence Work
The long-time producers and Amazon MGM will stay co-owners of the franchise. “Because the MGM acquisition, Amazon has held rights to distribute the entire James Bond movies, and on account of this transaction may have artistic management over future productions,” Amazon stated. That is why Bezos’ Instagram put up carries some weight.
“The Bond franchise is without doubt one of the most resilient within the historical past of the enterprise. It has needed to be. It is had many homeowners over time,” says Burnett. Burnett notes the franchise’s future might be difficult, particularly if Amazon explores spin-off collection very like Disney has finished with Star Wars. He expects Amazon to take care of a “mothership” theatrical collection, however can envision streaming collection like a Moneypenny spinoff or a revival of the James Bond Jr. animated present.
Although well-known on movie, the suave superspy debuted in a collection of novels by Ian Fleming. Many actors, from Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan, have performed the function. Daniel Craig was the newest 007, however he stepped away from the character after No Time to Die in 2021. The blockbuster film handily topped the $700 million mark.
The subsequent actor to play James Bond may have massive sneakers and even larger motion scenes to fill. It may be an extended dedication. Craig’s run began in 2006. (Then once more, there was additionally the one-and-done George Lazenby). Count on some issues to remain the identical, irrespective of who steps into the function. Tuxedos, martinis, quick vehicles and devious devices needs to be alongside for the journey, whether or not it is fan-favorite Cavill or a dark-horse candidate on board.
Time will inform what Amazon in the end plans to do with Bond. Says Burnett, “Count on what we have come to count on, time and again. A brand new Bond period.”
Correction, Feb. 20: This text was up to date to right Colin Burnett’s college affiliation.
