Amazon is reportedly plotting “major changes” for the James Bond franchise, almost four years since Daniel Craig’s final outing as the 007 agent. The streaming service is said to be taking the popular icon in a new direction following the conclusion of Craig’s time in the legendary role. Amazon took full creative control of the film franchise earlier this year in a surprise move, with 007 movies’ longtime producers – Barbara and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson – stepping away permanently.
There are new reports of what plans Amazon is making toward the movie franchise, including a date when the next movie might be hitting cinema screens. Unfortunately, fans won’t be happy as we will have to wait a little longer than expected.
Amazon MGM is making all future decisions on James Bond – including casting and direction of the series. It is reported that they are pushing for a film to be released in 2027.
The company is also taking a clean break from Daniel’s last appearance in 2021’s No Time To Die. The Sun reported that bosses are keen for a “007 prequel set in the 50s or 60s” which is set during the era when Ian Fleming wrote the books.
An inside source told the publication, “They can’t just pretend it didn’t happen. So they’re looking at his story as a younger man in a different era.”
Line of Duty actor Daniel Mays also commented on the We’re Not Getting Any Younger podcast, explaining that he heard a rumour that Amazon would “go back to the origins” of Bond.
“I heard a rumour they’re going to cast someone very young and go back to the origins,” he said. “They’re going to have all the retro cars and that sort of stuff — and start again. I think that would be kind of cool.”
There is currently no confirmation on who will be replacing Craig. Daniel has been quizzed numerously about the ongoing mystery about the next James Bond actor, saying last year that he ‘does care’ about who replaces him but that it isn’t his ‘decision or problem.’
Since its debut, the 007 franchise has seen seven actors play James Bond in 27 films. These include Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
Daniel first played the iconic 007 role in the 2006 spy film Casino Royale and spent almost 15 years playing James Bond until he left the franchise in 2021.