James Bond: The Future After Daniel Craig’s Departure
Since 1962, the enigmatic words "James Bond will return" have graced the silver screen, marking not only a promise but an unwritten law in cinematic history. Even after the gripping conclusion of "No Time to Die," the 25th and presumed final 007 adventure, the fateful phrase reappeared. But three and a half years have passed, with Daniel Craig’s departure leaving fans and the media anticipating the inevitable question: what’s next?
Speculations and a Legal Threat
Speculations have run rampant ever since Daniel Craig bid farewell to the iconic role. Last week, the British newspaper The Guardian reported that an Austrian real estate entrepreneur aimed to acquire the rights to the James Bond franchise, citing concerns over its future. Under trademark law, a brand’s ownership can be contested if it remains unused for five consecutive years. However, insiders dismissed the move as a publicity stunt, doubting its chances of success.
"His opportunist attempt to cash in on intellectual property is premised on the assumption that the James Bond franchise is not continuing," says Ajay Chowdhury, a James Bond expert and entertainment industry lawyer specialising in intellectual property. "That assumption is almost certainly incorrect." Chowdhury, co-author of "Spy Octance: The Vehicles Of James Bond," believes that producers are actively working on 007’s future.
Amazon’s Acquisition and Creative Control
The recently formed partnership with Amazon adds a layer of intrigue. In March 2022, the tech giant acquired the storied film studio MGM for a staggering $8.5 billion. The deal included the James Bond films, but the rights remain with Danjaq, and creative control with EON Productions.
Danjaq and EON were founded in 1961 specifically for the Bond films by Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. Today, the companies are headed by Broccoli’s daughter Barbara and his stepson Michael G. Wilson. The next generation stands ready, with Gregg Wilson, who has been involved in several films, set to take the reins. The family-owned enterprise stands in stark contrast to the publicly traded corporate behemoth Amazon. And the James Bond brand has been fiercely protected for over six decades.
In contrast, Amazon views James Bond as lucrative content to be exploited. If left to Amazon executives, they would likely flood their streaming service Prime Video with spin-off series and films set in the 007 universe. Disney’s treatment of the "Star Wars" franchise serves as a cautionary tale. The quality of sequels, spin-offs, and series has varied widely, leaving many fans feeling short-changed.
Broccoli has repeatedly made it clear that such a fate is unacceptable. James Bond will remain a cinematic experience. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the 64-year-old reportedly referred to Amazon executives as "idiots." For its part, Amazon has remained diplomatic. "We have a very good and close relationship with EON and with Barbara and Michael," said Jennifer Salke, Global Head of Amazon MGM Studios, in an interview with The Guardian last October. "We would like there not to be huge gaps between films, but right now, we’re not worried about that."
Salke expressed her belief that movie audiences are patient. Indeed, public interest in James Bond remains immense, more than 60 years after his cinematic debut in "Dr. No." Speculation about potential successors to Daniel Craig has intensified since his departure, with British tabloids constantly floating new names. Aaron Taylor-Johnson ("Nosferatu") and Stuart Martin ("Army Of Thieves") have been recent favorites.
The Casting Game and Behind-the-Scenes Decisions
Such rumors typically stem from betting odds at British bookmakers or the imaginative minds of tabloid editors. Sometimes, it’s enough for a British actor to be photographed in a tuxedo or star in an action film to be considered a potential seventh James Bond. The same goes for directors. Alleged candidates conveniently pop up in the press when their latest film hits theaters. A director is usually contracted before the lead actor, who requires a screenplay or at least an outline.
"You have to think of the Bond franchise as a building site, and Amazon is just getting the plumbing in," says Chowdhury. "Speculating about casting is like choosing curtains at this stage." The Bond expert trusts the producers to make the right decisions. "They are determined to realign the Bond franchise for a modern cultural and cinematic landscape – post-COVID, and one that works both in the cinema and in the streaming age."
A Glimmer of Hope: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
And perhaps the relationship between EON and Amazon isn’t as strained as some have suggested. In December, it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios and EON Productions would collaborate on a new film adaptation of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." The film is based on the children’s book of the same name by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. For 007 fans, it might be a glimmer of hope, as it signals a continued working relationship between the two entities.
The future of James Bond remains shrouded in secrecy, but one thing is certain: the legend will return. Fans can speculate, insiders can predict, but until EON Productions unveils its plans, the true path of 007 remains a tantalizing mystery.
