Amazon MGM Studios is pressing forward with its next James Bond film, promising a fresh perspective on the iconic franchise while staying true to its legacy.
The announcement, made during the studio’s first-ever appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, was met with intrigue, though details about the project remained scarce. As attendees gathered at the Colosseum Theatre, the classic Bond anthem Goldfinger set the stage, teasing what many hoped would be major revelations about the beloved spy series.
However, despite the anticipation, the event largely focused on other projects, leaving Bond fans with more questions than answers.
Since its inception in 1962, the James Bond film franchise has been under the careful stewardship of the Broccoli family, who have maintained strict creative control over its direction. That’s why it came as a shock earlier this year when longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G.
Wilson struck a deal with Amazon, reportedly worth $1 billion, effectively handing over creative control of the franchise. The move sparked intense speculation about the future of 007, with many wondering if Amazon would steer the series toward prequels, spin-offs, or even an expanded cinematic universe.
Many industry insiders and fans alike expected new Bond producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman to make an appearance at CinemaCon, offering insights into their vision for the franchise. With Pascal having played a pivotal role in the Spider-Man movies and Heyman being the architect of the Harry Potter franchise, expectations were high for a grand unveiling of what was next for the suave British spy.
But in a nearly two-hour-long presentation featuring Hollywood heavyweights such as Ben Affleck, Ryan Gosling, Chris Pratt, and Halle Berry, James Bond barely received a mention, much to the disappointment of fans eagerly awaiting news.
One of the few potential hints at Bond’s future came from Chris Hemsworth’s appearance at the event. While there to promote Crime 101, a thriller about a series of robberies along Los Angeles’ 101 Freeway, Hemsworth has long been rumored to be in contention to play the next James Bond.
His presence at CinemaCon, coupled with the mystery surrounding Amazon’s plans, only fueled speculation about whether he might be donning the tuxedo next. However, no official casting announcements were made, leaving the rumor mill spinning.
During their presentation, Amazon MGM executives Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll made only a fleeting reference to Bond, stating, “We are committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy and David.”
While their words hinted at innovation, they failed to provide any concrete details, leaving fans to wonder just how different this “new chapter” would be from previous Bond films.
The executives also acknowledged the absence of Pascal and Heyman, revealing that the duo was currently in London, hard at work on the next installment of the franchise. “They’re both in London getting started and couldn’t be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know will be an incredible partnership,” Valenti and Kroll shared.
While their remarks confirmed that development was underway, they provided little reassurance to those eager for specifics on casting, plot, or a potential release date.
With Bond barely addressed, Amazon MGM shifted its focus to other major productions, including the long-awaited Masters of the Universe adaptation.
While the studio has yet to unveil its vision for Bond’s next chapter, it continued to highlight its investment in other major properties, reinforcing its commitment to blockbuster filmmaking.
With Pascal and Heyman’s track record in building billion-dollar franchises, there is still hope that their Bond will live up to expectations.
Another highlight of the presentation was Project Hail Mary, a space epic starring Ryan Gosling. The film follows Gosling as a reluctant astronaut tasked with saving humanity, a project Amazon hopes will cement its reputation as a studio capable of delivering both spectacle and substance.
Meanwhile, Chris Pratt took the stage in a dramatic fashion, strapped to a chair as he introduced Mercy, a film about an AI-driven justice system that gives his character 90 minutes to prove his innocence before executing him.
These high-profile projects showcased Amazon MGM’s ambition to compete with Hollywood’s biggest studios.
As streaming continues to dominate entertainment consumption, Amazon MGM executives were quick to stress their commitment to the traditional theatrical experience. With many consumers opting to stay home and watch content on platforms like YouTube and streaming services, movie theaters have struggled to draw audiences.
In response, Amazon MGM used its CinemaCon platform to reassure exhibitors that it was still invested in cinema, not just streaming.
Mike Hopkins, head of Amazon MGM and Prime Video, reinforced this message, stating, “This really speaks to our belief in the future of the theatrical film business.” He revealed that the studio plans to release 15 films per year by 2027, with 14 movies already slated for release in 2026.
By making such bold commitments, Amazon MGM signaled its intention to be a dominant force in the movie industry, despite its origins as a streaming giant.
For now, Bond fans are left waiting, eager to see how Pascal and Heyman will reimagine the franchise under Amazon’s stewardship.
