James Bond Veteran William Boyd Criticizes Amazon’s Take Over of the 007 Franchise

James Bond fans are waiting on tenterhooks for the next movie in the franchise following Amazon MGM Studios’ groundbreaking purchase of the IP. Many have taken to social media to share their divisive reactions to Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson’s departure from the franchise, and joking about the commercial direction Amazon will take the franchise. While many fans’ opinions come from outside the Hollywood system, even insiders are skeptical of the purchase, with William Boyd, an author and screenwriter who has worked on the James Bond franchise, being the latest to share their disgruntled reactions.

During an interview with The Guardian, William Boyd revealed his skepticism towards Amazon MGM Studios’ purchase of the James Bond franchise. Like many, Boyd believes Amazon will use the 007 brand to capitalize on merchandise, branding deals, and promote the Amazon Prime online shopping service over making good movies. “Certainly wait for Bond aftershave – and for the theme park and the dinner jackets,” Boyd said. The skepticism comes both from Amazon’s intentions for the franchise, as well as the shocking $1 billion+ price tag on the James Bond IP. “The new owners will have to commodify everything about their billion-dollar purchase, so there will be nightclubs and vodkas.”

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William Boyd’s cynicism about Amazon MGM Studios’ owning the James Bond franchise isn’t solely because it’s Amazon. Boyd believes the James Bond IP has been in decline for some time now. “It is too late,” Boyd said. “The great schism is that the films have nothing to do with the novels. The films are preposterous action movies that have to sell globally and so cannot have too much dialogue.” Even though most people praise Daniel Craig’s performance as James Bond, many felt that several entries in the franchise, particularly Quantum of Solace and Spectre, are among some of the weakest films in the franchise.

James Bond Former Casting Director Slams Amazon’s Takeover

Sony Pictures

Amazon MGM Studios taking over the James Bond franchise has shaken Hollywood. Following the announcement, several franchise veterans have weighed in with their two-cents (or two pence in James Bond’s case) about the takeover. The latest to criticize the purchase is long-time Bond casting director, Debbie McWilliams, who both criticized Amazon’s takeover, and warned the company about protecting what fans love about the franchise. Responding to Jeff Bezos’ post on X asking fans who they want to be the next James Bond, she wrote:

“Looking at Amazon’s previous theatrical films does not fill me with any great enthusiasm. If they mess with the Essence of Bond they risk alienating a huge audience. Choosing the actor to fill the role is a huge task and not one I would hand over to subscribers of X.”

As for who the next James Bond will be, that is still anyone’s guess. Amazon MGM Studios’ surprise takeover has likely disrupted any plans Barbara Broccoli initially had for the next James Bond film, which has still not been announced.

Source: The Guardian

You can view the original article HERE.