Amazon MGM Studios taking full creative control of the James Bond franchise has marked a seismic shift in the running for the next leading star of the iconic British spy series.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, who have overseen the franchise for decades, announced they were stepping back from their roles earlier this month.
The Bond films were launched by Albert “Cubby” Broccoli in 1962, with his daughter and stepson later taking the reins but now, while Broccoli and Wilson will “remain co-owners of the franchise”, Amazon will now make key decisions about 007’s future.
The deal comes four years after Daniel Craig’s final appearance in No Time To Die.
Ever since Craig stepped away from the franchise, speculation has been rife as to who’ll take over. James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Mescal, and Rege-Jean Page are just four actors who’ve been tipped.
But following Broccoli and Wilson’s departures, one man has skyrocketed in popularity and has found their chances of taking on the Bond role more optimistic than ever.
Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson are leaving Bond’s creative direction behind GETTYThat actor is Superman star Henry Cavill whose chances of landing the part of 007 looked dead and buried when Broccoli and Wilson previously said the next Bond would be in his 30s.
But with Amazon now in creative control, the 41-year-old’s odds have been slashed according to bookmakers.
“Henry Cavill had been a one-time favourite to play Bond, but his odds started to drift once Wilson announced that the lead would be played by someone in his thirties,” Gambling.com‘s James Leyfield told GB News.
“At 41, Cavill does not fit Wilson’s profile, but now that Amazon are calling the shots, it’s all change and the Superman actor’s odds have shortened from 9/1 to 6/1, although he is as low as 3/1.”
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Henry Cavill previously auditioned for the role of Bond PA
It is worth noting that the likes of Norton and Taylor-Johnson are still fetching more favourable odds in the betting markets.
However, Cavill was given another boost after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos polled fans on social media about the role, asking: “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?”
Cavill received overwhelming support in response to the business mogul’s query.
A Betway study analysing searches and article engagements of potential 007 stars also placed Cavill at the top.
His existing relationship with Amazon through the upcoming Warhammer 40,000 TV show could further boost his chances.
Amazon’s takeover raises the prospect of significant franchise expansion beyond the traditional films.
Spin-offs focusing on popular characters like Moneypenny, M or iconic villains could follow the model of other expanded universes.
However, some fans fear over-commercialisation of the beloved British spy.
The poorly-received game show 007: Road to a Million, hosted by Succession’s Brian Cox, offers a cautionary tale of brand extension.
Amazon will likely seek to attract younger audiences while balancing the franchise’s traditional appeal.
The gap between No Time To Die and the next film could break the six-year record for the longest period between Bond releases.
Christopher Nolan has been mentioned as a potential director, with rumours that Amazon would be willing to wait for him.