The next movie in theJames Bondfranchise will come out eventually, but it’s taking far longer than fans expected. The first movie in the spy franchise, which is based on Ian Flemming’s series of novels, was released back in 1962. Since the release ofDr. No, sixactors have played James Bond, not including David Niven’s portrayal of 007 in the 1967 parody filmCasino Royale. Since it is customary for actors to pass on the role to someone else eventually, it was not a surprise that 2021’sNo Time to Diewas Daniel Craig’s last time playing 007.
However, it is a surprise that theupcomingBond 26has been stuck in development for so long. Currently, it seems likeNo Time to DieandBond 26will have thelongest gap between twoJames Bondmovies. Previously, that distinction belonged to the six-year gap between 1989’sLicense to Killand 1995’sGoldenEye. In the early 1990s, there was a lot of behind-the-scenes drama with theJames Bondfranchise, and history has seemed to repeat itself. Therefore,here are seven reasons whyJames Bond 26is taking so long to happen:
7Amazon’s Purchase Of MGM Delayed James Bond 26
Amazon Continues To Establish Itself As A Major Movie Studio
In March 2022,Amazon finalized a deal to purchase Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for $8.45 billion. Throughout the franchise’s history, MGM distributed all 25James Bondmoviesand two unofficial films about the iconic spy. Since Amazon and MGM were in negotiations for a long time, well before the release ofNo Time to Die, it was expected thatBond 26would be slightly delayed. After all, Amazon’s purchase of the distributor was bound to cause some major shakeups.
It’s obvious that there wasn’t a clear plan forBond 26whenNo Time to Diewas in production or when it was released.
Usually, the nextJames Bondmovie would start being developed while one is in production. This is precisely whythere is only a year-long gap between several movies in the series, specifically during the Sean Connery and Roger Moore eras of the franchise. However, since EON Productions was expecting shakeups behind the scenes as a result of Amazon and MGM’s deal, it’s obvious that there wasn’t a clear plan forBond 26whenNo Time to Diewas in production or when it was released.
6Barbara Broccoli & Michael Wilson’s Exit
Every James Bond Movie Has Been Produced By A Member Of The Broccoli Family
In 2024, years after the acquisition of MGM, there were reports that longtime franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were having creative differences with representatives from Amazon. SinceBroccoli and Wilson both inherited theJames Bondfranchise from their father, Albert Broccoli, they were obviously very important to the success of the series. However, Broccoli and Wilson have both left the franchise andAmazon now has full creative control ofJames Bond.
This means thatBond 26will be the start of a new era for the franchise. Before the announcement that Broccoli and Wilson were leaving the franchise, they likely had plans in place forBond 26. However, that no longer matters since Amazon can now decide what direction they want to take the franchise in. Since Amazon now has full creative control, progress will likely finally start being made onBond 26, but it’s clear that behind-the-scenes differences have already set the movie back years.
5Daniel Craig’s Era Makes It Hard To Reboot
Craig’s James Bond Movies Were All Very Successful
Before Craig took over as 007 in 2006’sCasino Royale, all theJames Bondmovies were technically part of the same continuity. This could be somewhat confusing, since James Bond was played by multiple different actors, which is precisely whyCasino Royaleserved as a sort of soft reboot for the franchise and started a new continuity. Compared to previousJames Bondmovies,Craig’s films were much more serious and had a darker, more mature tone.
This proved to be a much-needed change for the franchise, and led to all of Craig’sJames Bondmovies being major commercial successes. In fact, Craig’s five films are the five highest-grossingJames Bondmovies ever (viaThe Numbers). Additionally, most of Craig’sJames Bondfilms were major critical successes.Casino Royale,Skyfall, andNo Time to Die, in particular,are often regarded as three of the bestJames Bondmovies ever. Therefore,it will be very difficult forBond 26to reboot the franchise yet again after Craig’s successful tenure as the iconic spy.
4Finding The Next James Bond Actor Is Very Difficult
There Are Many Great Options For The Next James Bond
Obviously, the last fiveJames Bondmovies wouldn’t have been nearly as successful if Craig wasn’t an excellent 007. Arguably, Craig is the best James Bond actor ever, which will undoubtedly put a lot of pressure on the next person who plays the spy. Since Craig was so well-received in the role,Amazon has to take the required amount of time to find the perfect actor to play James Bond.
Amazon is looking for someone in their 30s who can play the character for at least a decade.
As of now, it has not been announced who will play the next James Bond. However, fans have suggested many different options. According toGQ,Aaron Taylor-Jonhson, Theo James, and Henry Cavill have the best chances to be cast as 007. Reportedly, Amazon is looking for someone in their 30s who can play the character for at least a decade. This could rule out Cavill and even James, but there are plenty of young actors who fans think are greatly suited to playing James Bond. Overall, it’s obvious that this is a tough decision for Amazon.
3James Bond 26 Needs To Find The Perfect Director
Bond 26 Needs A Visionary Filmmaker
In addition to finding the perfect actor to play James Bond in a new era of the franchise, Amazon also needs to find a great director to helmBond 26.Directors have actually never been a major talking point in theJames Bondfranchisesince Broccoli and Wilson were both very involved producers. However, since the production ofBond 26will likely be much different, the movie will need a talented director.
While it’s still very early in the pre-production process, acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón, who has helmed movies likeGravityandChildren of Men, has been rumored forBond 26. Additionally, it has also been rumored that Christopher Nolan may direct the project. Nolan is not only one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the world, but also a well-knownJames Bondfan, so it would be great if Amazon managed to hire him.Regardless of who directsBond 26, there will definitely be an immense amount of pressure on their shoulders, which makes this an important decision for Amazon.
2Most Of Ian Flemming’s James Bond Stories Have Already Been Adapted
Flemming Wrote 12 James Bond Novels & Two Short Story Collections
Finding a lead actor and director is important, butBond 26also needs to have a gripping story that will get fans invested in the new era of the franchise. Because of this, it’s worth noting thatmost of Flemming’s novels and short stories about Bond have been adapted already. Practically none of theJames Bondmovies have been completely faithful adaptations of Flemming’s novels, but most of them take inspiration from some of the author’s work. For example,No Time to Die’sstory is inspired by the character arc 007 undergoes in the novelYou Only Live Twice.
Basically everyJames Bondmovie has taken bits and pieces of Flemming’s storiesabout the spy. Therefore, for years, it’s been inevitable that the franchise is going to run out of source material eventually. This may be the case forBond 26, which means that the writers of the film will have to come up with a wholly original story. This is obviously not impossible, but it could easily delay the production process ofBond 26.
1James Bond 26 May Set Up Several Spinoffs
The James Bond Franchise Will Become Bigger Than Ever Under Amazon
Coming up with the story forBond 26will be even more difficult for Amazon and the writers since the film will likely set up many different spinoffs. Now that Amazon has full creative control of the franchise, it is expected that they will produce severalJames Bondspinoff projects, in addition to the mainline films. Therefore,it would not be surprising if spinoffs following characters like Moneypenny and Felix Leiter will be released in the coming years.
If this is Amazon’s plan, then the company has to focus on an overarching story for the entireJames Bondfranchise, rather than the story of just one movie.If Amazon takes the traditional franchise route withJames Bond, thenBond 26will likely tease shows and other moviesset in the same universe. This proves thatJames Bondtruly is entering a brand-new era, and further explains whyBond 26is taking so long.
