Elite new 007 producers will ‘keep James Bond spirit alive’ as Amazon kickstarts franchise
Amazon's next Bond film is making progress.
Spider-Man and Harry Potter producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are to produce the next film in the James Bond series for Amazon MGM Studios.
It comes after Amazon gained creative control of the British spy franchise in February, following an earlier deal which saw them acquire the rights to the 007 franchise through its parent studio Eon Productions, founded in 1961, when it bought MGM in 2022 for $8.45billion (£6.69bn), duly forming its own studio.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson – who have produced the franchise since the death of Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli – previously agreed to step back and retire, respectively, allowing Amazon to fully take the reins.
The new agreement over creative control means Bond – and whoever is next to play the spy – will be stepping with his licence to kill into a brand-new era.
What that will look like remains unclear, but this new team, comprise of two of the most successful and sought-after producers in the industry, said they will ‘keep the spirit of Bond very much alive’ and are ‘humbled’ by the opportunity to continue the franchise.
Speaking about taking on the next film, Pascal and Heyman said in a joint statement: ‘James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema.
Amy Pascal will be co-producing the new film, which is rumoured to be aiming for a 2027 release (Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)‘We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson who made so many extraordinary films and honoured and excited to keep the spirit of Bond very much alive as he embarks on his next adventure.’
It’s not clear yet if Heyman and Pascal might be undertaking more than one mission/movie with 007.
Pascal, who is best-known for her work on the last three Spider-Man films, is currently working on the Phil Lord and Christopher Miller-directed Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, for Amazon MGM Studios.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson handed over the creative control of the franchise to Amazon after decades (Picture: Getty)She has also produced the Luca Guadagnino-directed Challengers, and is working on Narnia alongside Mark Gordon, which Greta Gerwig is directing for Netflix.
Meanwhile Heyman produced all eight film adaptations of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books, as well as the three Fantastic Beasts films, and has also worked on Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, Gravity and Wonka, as well as the Paddington franchise.
He is currently in pre-production on the rebooted Harry Potter television series and in post-production on Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguru’s Klara And The Sun, starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.
Amazon MGM Studios head of film, Courtenay Valenti, said of the announcement: ‘We are approaching every creative decision with James Bond, which Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson have so masterfully steered, with the greatest sense of responsibility.
After Daniel Craig exited the franchise following No Time To Die, it’s been all change – and a lot of speculation – over how the films will move forward (Picture: Danjaq/Eon Productions/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)‘Part of an elite group of producers who have developed and managed massive film franchises to box office success and critical acclaim, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are two of the most accomplished, experienced, and respected film producers in our industry.
‘We are honoured to be working with them on James Bond’s next chapter and are excited to deliver to global audiences storytelling that upholds the impeccable legacy of this beloved character.’
Who will be the next James BondBet 365 has Henry Cavill as favourite to play the next James Bond after Daniel Craig announced his departure after No Time To Die.
Here are the odds at the time of writing:
Henry Cavill 6/4
Aaron Taylor-Johnson 5/1
James Norton 8/1
Harris Dickinson 9/1
Rene-Jean Page 12/1
Josh O’Connor 12/1
Richard Madden: 14/1
Jack Lowden: 14/1
Paul Mescal: 18/1
Callum Turner: 18/1
Pascal will produce the film via Pascal Pictures, and Heyman will produce via Heyday Films.
This development comes after it was reported the next Bond installment is going to be fast-tracked, with Amazon aiming for it to hit cinemas by the end of 2027.
A source told The Sun: ‘The Bond bosses had already proposed broad plots and reboot ideas.
‘The writers’ rooms are being assembled in the hope of recouping their investment ASAP.’
The new Bond movie also ha s a reported budget of £250million.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
