Possible Upsides in Amazon MGM’s Acquisition of the Bond Franchise, Despite Potential Drawbacks

In a move that has certainly caught the attention of James Bond enthusiasts, Amazon MGM Studios has officially taken the reins of the 007 franchise from its iconic producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. While such a shift could raise concerns, it’s important to recognize that James Bond’s world already spans a vast array of spin-off books, games, and comics—not forgetting to mention Ian Fleming’s original novels. Countless writers, actors, and creatives have explored and expanded James Bond’s universe. Now, with Amazon’s sights set on crafting a sprawling Bond universe akin to Marvel and Star Wars, a financial juggernaut of billions is riding on this move, suggesting that Bond’s legacy is here to stay.

Barbara Broccoli, quite understandably, expressed a touch of apprehension about surrendering control, fearing Amazon MGM’s ambitions to expand too quickly or possibly hire a high-profile actor for Bond’s iconic role. Imagine Timothée Chalamet as the next 007—it’s unlikely, but no offense to Chalamet. Amazon has previously ventured into creating its own spy universe with the Russo Brothers’ Citadel and its international spin-offs Citadel: Diana and Citadel: Honey Bunny. Despite mixed critical reception—with Honey Bunny standing out—these haven’t quite captured the audience in the way Amazon’s other successful series like The Boys have.

In fact, when discussing Amazon’s knack for shows centered on men with weapons, like Reacher, Jack Ryan, and Bosch, it’s clear why Amazon decided to invest heavily in acquiring Bond. Their most successful series often feature protagonists similar to Bond, based on popular book series. Unlike their substantial investment in Lord of the Rings (and opinions may vary on the success of Rings of Power), purchasing James Bond is a calculated and relatively safe move by Amazon, given Prime Video’s audience affinity for James-Bond-esque content.

Many may not realize that Amazon has actually dipped its toes into the Bond TV pool before. In 2023, they launched a reality game show called 007: Road to a Million, hosted by Brian Cox, even securing a second season before the first had aired. Though it didn’t quite make waves, it showed Amazon’s willingness to experiment. And just as a fun side note, Cox initially thought he was signing up for a new Bond film. Perhaps Amazon owes him a more straightforward Bond gig in the future.

Additionally, it’s worth revisiting Bond’s history on TV. Flashback to 1954’s anthology series Climax!, which aired the first adaptation of “Casino Royale” before it became a film staple. Though Bond isn’t necessarily a TV tradition, the franchise’s impactful presence in video games and comics—have you played the legendary GoldenEye for the N64?—proves its adaptability.

No official word suggests Amazon plans to ditch the big screen entirely, and MGM, though not the powerhouse it once was, still produces quality films like the Oscar-contending Nickel Boys. It’s reassuring to believe Amazon MGM will aim to uphold Bond’s storied reputation.

One might ask, however, is branching out into diverse storytelling such a radical idea? While the idea of a series-only Bond might unsettle cinephiles, the franchise hosts a robust ensemble of intriguing characters ripe for exploration. For years, figures like Q, M, Moneypenny, and Felix Leiter have shown more character depth over multiple encounters than Bond himself—a testament to their potential beyond Bond’s limited screen time.

Imagine Q leaving his labs to employ his gadgets in the field or Felix managing post-Bond espionage chaos stateside. Given the extensive roster of Bond villains and minions that fans love to interpret and reimagine, an anthology series accentuating their backstories could provide rich entertainment. Let’s face it—who hasn’t been curious about Jaws’ infamous dentures?

There’s potential here to deepen Bond’s characterization in a serialized format, an opportunity that the films have only sporadically explored. Outside of minor injuries like a sprained ankle, Bond has maintained an ageless, James-Bondian resilience. The Daniel Craig era introduced arcs of growth, but it often boiled down to grief over lost love until the final film addressed his advancing age.

Skyfall stands out as a top-tier Bond film because it confronted Bond with emotional challenges, propelling the narrative and character development towards a climactic shift. Imagine investing in such nuanced arcs over multiple episodes; while a series might not replicate Skyfall’s magic consistently, capturing its ambition might elevate the storytelling to new heights.

On another note, Amazon might steer clear of the obvious approach—ala dudes with guns—and opt for a prequel akin to Lord of the Rings, detailing how Bond came to be. Yet, this brings cautionary tales like Pennyworth, a show about Batman’s butler that both intrigued and confused, or Rings of Power, which stretched fans’ patience with its approach.

The worry is Amazon relying solely on algorithms rather than fostering narrative heart. The Broccoli family’s tenure infused Bond films with a specific charm—innovating with familiar explosions, femme-fatale arcs, and quintessentially Bond action. Streaming formats struggle to replicate these theatrical poetics episodically. Reducing Bond to another serial spy drama risks losing its distinctiveness, dragging it into the lineup of Netflix thrillers like The Night Agent or Citadel rather than an exceptional standalone.

Ultimately, the real challenge with any cinematic universe expansion is maintaining its uniqueness. For Bond, much of that has been tied to its sporadic cinematic releases, marked by high-octane spectacle and plot comfort. As Amazon endeavors to expand Fleming’s universe, they need to discern and preserve what makes Bond stand out. Successfully tapping into that essence—potentially through further exploration of supporting characters (Ben Whishaw fronting a Q spin-off, anyone?)—can transform Amazon’s acquisition from a potential misstep into an exciting new chapter where Bond, indeed, lives to die another day.