Last week, Hollywood was struck with the bombshell news that EON Productions was relinquishing creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.
After 60 incredible years, the Broccoli family has retired from overseeing the James Bond movies, and the future of 007 is now in the hands of the tech giant.
Following the departure of producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, another Bond stalwart has thrown in the towel.
It turns out that long-time casting director Debbie McWilliams has announced her retirement from 007 after 40 years.
She was responsible for casting the last 13 official Bond movies since 1981’s For Your Eyes Only, including half the 007 stars: Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
Speaking with Screen Daily, McWilliams said: “I have worked closely with Barbara and Michael for over 40 years and had the most amazing career, travelling all over the world in search of wonderful actors, and to be on hand on the various locations. I have now hung up my casting hat and have moved on to other film-related projects. But I wish everyone the best of luck and hope the transition can be relatively painless. But it won’t be the same.”
She had made her decision to retire as a casting director prior to the new Amazon deal. Given Craig’s era concluded four years ago with the death of his 007, perhaps she thought now was the right time to go. Nevertheless, losing another key player in the Bond film franchise just continues to emphasise how much 007 is entering uncharted waters.
Understandably fans are concerned that the quality of this luxury brand could go down hill if Amazon milk the IP for all its worth with mediocre spin-offs about minor characters. Nevertheless, it’s also a huge opportunity as previously unthinkable moves like casting established star Henry Cavill in his 40s or having Sir Christopher Nolan given total creative control as director are suddenly entirely possible.