After Amazon bought the James Bond franchise, one of the most famous 007 actors shared his thoughts. Daniel Craig praised the former producers, saying his respect for them is “undiminished.”
According to Variety, Craig shared his thoughts on Amazon MGM’s takeover of the James Bond franchise, which shifted control from long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. He spoke highly of both, reflecting on their work together across five Bond films.
My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished, I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well deserved) retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular, and I hope I can be part of them.
Craig said
Broccoli, Wilson, and Amazon MGM made a historic deal to share the rights to the James Bond franchise. While Broccoli and Wilson still co-own the franchise, Amazon now has full control over future Bond projects. Before this deal, Amazon only held 50% ownership and had limited creative input.
Wilson, who has written several James Bond movies, announced his retirement from Hollywood after the Amazon deal. The 87-year-old shared that he is “stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.” Meanwhile, Broccoli confirmed she will move on to other projects, saying she had the honor of working with four talented actors who played 007 and thousands of amazing artists in the industry.
Everyone’s now wondering who Amazon will choose as the next 007, with CEO Jeff Bezos already looking at fan suggestions. Craig, who first turned down the role, ended up starring in five Bond movies—Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die. Since he left the role in 2021, there haven’t been any updates about James Bond 26.
Wilson and Broccoli discussed who should play the next Bond. Wilson was open to casting a woman, a person of color, or someone gay, while Broccoli preferred a British man. They both leaned toward choosing someone in their 30s. Possible names include Henry Cavill, who auditioned for Casino Royale, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, once rumored as the next Bond, and Kingsley Ben-Adir, whom Barbie director Greta Gerwig suggested as a potential first Black Bond.
Since leaving Bond, Craig has starred as Detective Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out series. He’ll return for the third film, Wake Up Dead Man, coming to Netflix later this year, alongside Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, and Jeremy Renner.
Source: Variety