James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has reportedly left the UK for the United States amid a growing feud with Amazon, the owner of MGM, the studio behind the 007 franchise. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Broccoli believes she can “hold Bond hostage from Amazon for as long as she sees fit” and does not view the tech giant as a suitable steward for the series.
The tension stems from Amazon’s 2022 acquisition of MGM, which brought all James Bond films to Prime Video. Since then, no new Bond projects have been announced, and a replacement for Daniel Craig remains unconfirmed. Broccoli, who inherited creative control from her father Albert R. Broccoli, has clashed with Amazon over the franchise’s direction.
A source close to Broccoli reportedly referred to Amazon executives as “f***ing idiots” and said she has pushed back against their ideas for TV shows, spin-offs, and a female 007, telling them: “Did you read the contract?” Broccoli is also quoted as saying, “Don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions,” a line previously used by her father.
Disagreements extend to the casting of the next Bond. Amazon is reportedly reluctant to cast an unknown actor, contrary to Broccoli’s approach, which led to Daniel Craig’s casting in 2006. Broccoli has stated that the next Bond will likely be in his 30s and that “whiteness is not a given,” though she insists the actor should be British. Amazon is also said to have annoyed Broccoli by referring to Bond as “content” during a meeting.
Broccoli’s co-producer and half-brother Michael G. Wilson commented on the casting process, saying: “Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction.” The future of the franchise remains uncertain as the dispute continues.
