James Bond 26: Amazon’s Bold New Era for 007 Begins

A new creative direction

Amazon’s $8.5 billion purchase of MGM in 2022 was largely motivated by its desire to control the Bond franchise, and after years of tension with Broccoli and Wilson over creative differences, the studio has finally taken the reins. The shift marks a seismic change for a series that has been meticulously shepherded by the Broccoli family since Dr. No (1962).

Under Amazon’s leadership, the franchise is expected to expand beyond traditional films, with potential spin-offs, TV series, and even a Marvel-style cinematic universe in development. However, the immediate focus is on Bond 26, the first installment in this new era.

Casting the next 007: A deliberate process

One of the biggest questions surrounding Bond 26 is who will replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. Recent reports indicate that Amazon MGM is taking a methodical approach, prioritizing a polished script before finalizing casting decisions.

Newly appointed producers Amy Pascal (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and David Heyman (Harry Potter) are leading the project, alongside Amazon MGM executives Mike Hopkins and Courtenay Valenti. According to industry sources, the studio plans to select a director this summer, with names like Denis Villeneuve (Dune), Edgar Wright (Baby Driver), and Jonathan Nolan (Westworld) reportedly in contention—before moving forward with casting.

This cautious strategy means fans may have to wait until mid-2026 for an official announcement regarding the next Bond, extending what is already the longest gap between films in franchise history.

Potential storylines and franchise expansion

With No Time to Die (2021) killing off Craig’s Bond, Amazon faces the challenge of rebooting the character without retconning his fate. Rumors suggest the next film could be a period piece set in the 1950s or ’60s, featuring a younger Bond actor in his twenties—a drastic departure from previous portrayals.

Additionally, Amazon is reportedly considering spin-off series centered on fan-favorite characters like Moneypenny or Felix Leiter, though Broccoli and Wilson had long resisted such expansions. The studio’s streaming-first mindset raises concerns about oversaturation, with some fearing Bond could follow the same path as Star Wars or Marvel under Disney, where rapid content proliferation led to franchise fatigue.

The Broccoli legacy and fan concerns

Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson’s departure has left many fans uneasy. Under their stewardship, the franchise evolved from the campy excesses of the Roger Moore era to the gritty realism of Craig’s tenure, culminating in Skyfall (2012), the highest-grossing Bond film of all time.

Amazon’s corporate approach—already evident in its underwhelming 007: Road to a Million game show—has sparked skepticism. Critics worry that Bond could become just another piece of "content" rather than a cinematic event. Even industry figures like Avengers director Joe Russo have urged Amazon to avoid diluting the franchise with excessive spin-offs.

What’s next for 007?

As of June 2025, Bond 26 is in early development, with a tentative 2027 release date. The film is expected to begin production in late 2026, possibly at Bray Studios (replacing Pinewood, now leased by Disney).

Amazon’s challenge is clear: honor Bond’s legacy while modernizing it for a streaming-dominated era. Whether the studio succeeds—or stumbles into the pitfalls of corporate franchise management—will determine if 007’s next mission is a triumph or a misfire.

For now, the world waits to see who will utter those immortal words next:
"Bond. James Bond."