In a move that has sent ripples through Hollywood, Amazon MGM, in partnership with long-time James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, has formed a joint venture to oversee the rights to the iconic 007 franchise.
Although all three parties will remain co-owners of Bond’s intellectual property, Amazon MGM will now lead on creative decisions for new projects, a sharp departure from the company’s previous passive role in the franchise.
The turning point follows Amazon’s 2021 acquisition of MGM for US$8.5 billion. Until now, Amazon owned 50 per cent of the Bond property but was restricted to distribution rights and limited input in key artistic calls. Ever since Daniel Craig’s swansong as Bond in 2021’s No Time to Die, speculation about who might step into the secret agent’s well-polished shoes has been rife, yet no official word on next steps has materialised.
Amazon founder and current executive chairman Jeff Bezos reignited Bond casting discussions on social media platform X, simply asking his 6.8 million followers, “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” The response was immediate—and overwhelming. While a host of names popped up in his feed, a fervent campaign quickly emerged in favour of Henry Cavill, the British actor best known for his turn as Superman and, more recently, for roles in The Witcher and Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
In 2006, Cavill auditioned for the part of James Bond in Casino Royale, only to lose out to Daniel Craig. Casino Royale ultimately relaunched the Bond series, revitalising the franchise after 2002’s less well-received Die Another Day starring Pierce Brosnan. Director Martin Campbell, who helmed Casino Royale, later described Cavill’s tryout as “excellent,” praising his physique, acting talent, and classic good looks. Yet Campbell felt Cavill was simply too young at the time to shoulder the demands of Bond.
Over the years, Cavill’s name has regularly surfaced as a frontrunner to replace Craig. Despite Casino Royale having premiered well over a decade ago, Campbell recently pointed out another potential hurdle: Cavill is now in his early forties. “By the time he’s completed a few more Bond films, he’d be pushing 50,” Campbell quipped, suggesting a longer-term commitment might be challenging.
Meanwhile, Daniel Craig—who bowed out of the franchise after five films—has paid tribute to producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, following the announcement that they are relinquishing day-to-day creative control to Amazon MGM. “My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished,” Craig told Variety. “I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well deserved) retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.”
Craig’s own departure, alongside the producers’ reduced role, leaves the door wide open for Amazon MGM to forge a new direction in the Bond universe. While Wilson and Broccoli still retain co-ownership, they now appear ready to take more of a back seat, offering creative space for Amazon MGM to shape Bond’s on-screen future.
With Amazon MGM’s newfound authority and Jeff Bezos openly soliciting opinions, fans are itching for an official Bond announcement. Henry Cavill, Taron Egerton, Tom Hardy, and Idris Elba are just a few names commonly touted to take up the mantle. For now, though, the studio has not revealed a timeline for naming the next 007, nor have they signalled how adventurous their new direction might be.
What is clear is the potential for a significant shake-up in how future Bond films are produced, marketed, and distributed. With Amazon’s global streaming platform to hand and Hollywood’s obsession with brand expansion, the next iteration of Bond might encompass more than just feature films—think spin-offs, series, or newly licensed products.
As devotees and insiders alike watch for clues from both Amazon MGM and Henry Cavill’s schedule, the question “Who’s next?” remains very much open—though the steel-jawed Cavill faithful will undoubtedly keep making their case until they have their answer.
