Amazon Confirms James Bond Will "Remain British and Male" Under the Studio's Creative Control

Amazon MGM Studios has taken over the James Bond franchise, and they are letting fans know what to expect. The studio heads have not yet revealed who will be playing the iconic agent, or what title they will take on first.

But in a report last week, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said they are aiming to “take great care” of the beloved character. Now it’s been confirmed that Bond will remain a man, and British (or the Commonwealth), according to UK media.

The Daily Mail newspaper reports that, following speculation of how the 007 character will evolve with Amazon, an internal memo was circulated at the studio “stipulating the spy will not change gender or nationality.”

James Bond has been one of the big screen’s great icons since his first outing in 1962’s Dr No under the care of producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. His daughter Barbara and stepson Wilson took up the baton and have steered the brand into a billion-dollar franchise over the last three decades.

The last Bond film was 2021’s No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig in his fifth outing as 007. Broccoli would not be rushed on finding a replacement for her leading man. Following Amazon’s purchase of MGM Studios including the lucrative Bond intellectual property (co-shared with Broccoli and Wilson’s company EON), creative differences were reported, culminating in last month’s buy-out by Amazon.

With speculation rife as to how Amazon will capitalise on its new property, the Daily Mail quotes an insider at the streamer explaining: “There have been so many erroneous rumors about the future of Bond. Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”

I don’t think this comes as a huge shock. But I am anxious to hear who they cast in the role. Who would you like to see take on the mantle?

via: Deadline