London, England: Former James Bond actor Timothy Dalton expressed his concerns over the iconic British spy franchise potentially falling into the hands of Amazon. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Dalton shared his sadness at the prospect of a British cultural cornerstone being controlled by an American company.
Dalton, known for portraying 007 in “The Living Daylights” and “Licence To Kill,” emphasized the significance of Bond as a British story and character that has been cherished by audiences for decades. He praised Barbara Broccoli’s stewardship of the brand, highlighting her ability to maintain the essence of Ian Fleming’s creation without diluting it with unnecessary spin-offs.
The recent $1B deal between Amazon MGM Studios and the current Bond producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, stirred controversy within the industry. With Amazon taking over the creative direction of Bond, Dalton expressed uncertainty about the future of the franchise under the new management.
In light of the upcoming casting of a new Bond following Daniel Craig’s departure after “No Time to Die,” there has been widespread speculation about who will don the famous tuxedo next. Names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton, and Idris Elba have been circulating as potential candidates for the role.
Furthermore, Dalton stressed the importance of maintaining British authenticity in the casting of the next Bond, highlighting the significance of the character’s origins in British storytelling. He suggested that Amazon must uphold the legacy of Bond by selecting a British actor for the role to stay true to the character’s roots.
Despite his reservations about the franchise’s future under Amazon’s control, Dalton acknowledged the capability of the company to maintain the success of the Bond series. As discussions around the next phase of 007 continue, the industry awaits eagerly to see how Amazon will navigate the legacy of this beloved British spy on the big screen.