Amazon's Bond Franchise Shift Sparks Nolan's Oppenheimer Success

Following Amazon's bold move to assume full creative control over James Bond, sidelining long-time 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, a new report reveals the franchise’s next steps and a surprising detail about a renowned director who was overlooked.

Despite rumors of a potential Bond TV series, Variety confirms a new Bond film remains the “top priority.” Amazon is reportedly seeking a producer to steer the franchise, with David Heyman, known for guiding the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series, as a prime candidate for the role.

The report also discloses that Christopher Nolan “showed interest” in directing a Bond film post-Tenet, but Broccoli, prioritizing her control over final cuts, declined his involvement. Nolan then directed Oppenheimer, which grossed nearly $1 billion globally and earned Oscars for best picture and best director.

Who Should Be the Next James Bond?

Henry CavillTom HardyJames McAvoyMichael FassbenderAaron Taylor-JohnsonIdris ElbaSomeone else (share your pick in the comments!)

AnswerSee Results

Fans are eager to discover who will next portray James Bond. Names like Tom Hardy from Venom, Idris Elba from the MCU, James McAvoy of Professor X fame, Michael Fassbender, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, previously a rumored frontrunner, are in the mix. However, Henry Cavill, known for Superman and The Witcher, emerges as the top fan choice.

Variety notes that Amazon cannot appoint a new Bond until its deal with Broccoli and Wilson concludes, expected later this year. This follows a report describing the franchise as “on hold” due to a tense standoff between the Broccoli family and Amazon.

The conflict stemmed from Barbara Broccoli’s tight grip on creative control, including casting decisions for the iconic spy, clashing with Amazon’s vision after its $8.45 billion acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2021, which secured Bond’s distribution rights, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Amazon and Eon have not yet commented.