According to longtime James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, Amazon will continue to ensure that future films in the franchise receive theatrical releases. The multinational conglomerate purchased MGM Studios in May 2021, which co-own the rights to the James Bond franchise with Broccoli's Eon Productions. Broccoli has produced many of the franchise's films, starting with Goldeneye in 1995, to the upcoming No Time To Die set for release on October 8.
Amazon purchased Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in May 2021 for a total of 8.45 billion dollars, following reports that parent company MGM Holdings were searching for a sale in 2020. The purchase gave Amazon access to MGM's extensive catalog, including the Rocky franchise, The Handmaid's Tale, Nia DaCosta's Candyman, and the James Bond franchise. The company had confirmed that No Time to Die would receive a theatrical release upon the purchase, and has now reiterated their commitment to bring the spy's future adventures to the big screen.
As reported by Deadline, Broccoli discussed the franchise's future when talking to British broadcaster Sky ahead of No Time To Die's premiere. The producer told the broadcaster when discussing the streaming vs theatrical debate that each film will be made with theatrical releases as the primary focus in mind. Broccoli then reiterated Amazon's previous assurances, saying the company has told her that any future James Bond films will receive theatrical releases. Despite this, Broccoli did end her response by stating that they'll see what happens, leaving room for any future changes. Read Broccoli's full response below.
"We focussed on making the films for theatrical release and… I think that’s our position. [Amazon] certainly have told us that the films will be theatrical films in the future. And we’ll see what happens."
Concerns about the future of the franchise first came following news of MGM's purchase. Former James Bond writer John Logan expressed concerns regarding Amazon helming the franchise, sharing his fears in an essay in The New York Times. Logan compared the creative process behind the franchise as more familial rather than the process behind other major franchises such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars, stating he and producers Broccoli and Michael Wilson had in-depth, passionate discussions over the films' directions. Logan feared Amazon taking control would lose this element of the process, sacrificing originality and artistic creativity for a safe, mass-appeal customer experience.
Questions about the future of James Bond are an understandable concern within the current landscape of the film industry for a multitude of reasons. Logan's concerns are rooted in recent changes in the industry, such as The Walt Disney Company canceling many smaller films following the 20th Century Fox acquisition, all the while keeping major franchise productions such as James Cameron's Avatar sequels. Concerns have also been expressed over the future of theatrical releases following studios rethinking strategies in the wake of closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with No Time To Die's release being a point of concern for British theaters. With changing strategies and companies seemingly focused on creating a pipeline of reliable, familiar releases, the future of franchises like James Bond will remain a hot topic in the industry for years to come.
Source: Deadline
https://ift.tt/3AK3GMq
September 26, 2021 at 02:14AM
