Bond Fans Face a Three-Year Wait as Legal Wrangles Stall Next 007 Film
For those eagerly awaiting the return of Britain’s most famous spy, it looks like the wait will go on. According to Martin Campbell, the acclaimed director behind Casino Royale and GoldenEye, the next Bond movie may not hit cinema screens for another three years, pushing a potential release date as far as 2028.
The delay, he suggests, stems not from a lack of creative vision or casting indecision, but from a behind-the-scenes battle between Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon, the tech giant that now owns MGM—the studio responsible for 007’s cinematic legacy.
Speaking to Men’s Journal, Campbell did not mince words about the hurdles ahead. “I think it’ll be two years away, three years away,” he admitted, before questioning the franchise’s immediate future. “Is there going to be another Bond? That’s the question. There’s this legal thing right now. And they have this problem with Amazon. It’s sort of the same thing.”
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Broccoli vs. Bezos: A Streaming Showdown
At the heart of the delay is what appears to be an ideological stand-off. Broccoli, the steadfast guardian of Bond’s silver-screen dominance, has reportedly clashed with Amazon executives, rejecting any notion of a streaming-first release, and allegedly branding Amazon’s top brass as “f*cking idiots“.
Campbell reinforced Broccoli’s unwavering commitment to Bond remaining a theatrical spectacle. “Barbara will absolutely stick to her guns and say this is a theatrical experience,” he said. “This is not going to go to streaming immediately. Bond is always an event picture.”
Such a stance is hardly surprising. The Bond franchise has long thrived on its status as a cinematic event, with each new instalment commanding global attention. But in an era where streaming services wield increasing power, Broccoli’s defiance signals a determination to preserve the exclusivity of the big screen for Bond even if it means a prolonged wait.
The Bond Casting Circus Rolls On
While the production timeline remains uncertain, the rumor mill surrounding Bond’s next leading man shows no sign of slowing. Among the latest frontrunners is James Norton, whose name has been a regular fixture in the bookmakers’ odds.
Addressing the speculation on the BAFTAs red carpet, Norton dismissed the mounting whispers. “Whoever is deciding on these odds needs to get a new job. It’s so weird and bemusing,” he told presenter Alex Zane.
The actor, best known for his roles in Happy Valley and McMafia, was quick to shut down the gossip. “Yet again it’s based on pure speculation. It makes for a good clickbait moment in the media but other than that, it’s fun and bemusing, I guess.”
Other leading names with British bookmakers include Aaron Taylor-Johnson – 3/1 joint favorite alongside Norton, Theo James – 4/1, Henry Cavill – 6/1, Callum Turner – 7/1, Regé-Jean Page – 16/1, and Ryan Gosling – 200/1. However, there’s speculation that Amazon could go with an actor they know, with Charlie Vickers being mentioned after starring in Amazon MGM’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
