In a move that has sent ripples through Hollywood, Amazon MGM, in partnership with long-time James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, has formed a joint venture to oversee the rights to the iconic 007 franchise.
Although all three parties will remain co-owners of Bond’s intellectual property, Amazon MGM will now lead on creative decisions for new projects, a sharp departure from the company’s previous passive role in the franchise.
The turning point follows Amazon’s 2021 acquisition of MGM for US$8.5 billion. Until now, Amazon owned 50 per cent of the Bond property but was restricted to distribution rights and limited input in key artistic calls. Ever since Daniel Craig’s swansong as Bond in 2021’s No Time to Die, speculation about who might step into the secret agent’s well-polished shoes has been rife, yet no official word on next steps has materialised.
Amazon founder and current executive chairman Jeff Bezos reignited Bond casting discussions on social media platform X, simply asking his 6.8 million followers, “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” The response was immediate—and overwhelming. While a host of names popped up in his feed, a fervent campaign quickly emerged in favour of Henry Cavill, the British actor best known for his turn as Superman and, more recently, for roles in The Witcher and Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
In 2006, Cavill auditioned for the part of James Bond in Casino Royale, only to lose out to Daniel Craig. Casino Royale ultimately relaunched the Bond series, revitalising the franchise after 2002’s less well-received Die Another Day starring Pierce Brosnan. Director Martin Campbell, who helmed Casino Royale, later described Cavill’s tryout as “excellent,” praising his physique, acting talent, and classic good looks. Yet Campbell felt Cavill was simply too young at the time to shoulder the demands of Bond.
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