Amazon MGM Studios has revealed that Amy Pascal and David Heyman will take on the role of producers for the upcoming James Bond film, marking the company’s inaugural venture into the iconic spy franchise since acquiring creative control.
Pascal’s involvement in the most recent Spider-Man films featuring Tom Holland has gained recognition. In contrast, Heyman was pivotal in producing all eight Harry Potter films.
On Tuesday, Courtenay Valenti, the head of film at Amazon MGM Studios, referred to them as “two of the most accomplished, experienced, and respected film producers in our industry.”
In a collaborative announcement, Pascal and Heyman referred to 007 as “one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema.”
In a significant shift for the iconic franchise, long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson revealed their decision to step down in February. This move hands over creative control to Amazon MGM Studios, a company that emerged following Amazon’s acquisition of Bond’s parent studio in 2022.
In 1962, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli initiated the iconic Bond film series, which later transitioned to the stewardship of his daughter and stepson.
Pascal and Heyman expressed their gratitude, stating, “We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, who created numerous extraordinary films. We are honoured and excited to keep the spirit of Bond very much alive as he embarks on his next adventure.”
Amazon’s Valenti expressed, “We are honoured to collaborate with them on the next chapter of James Bond and are eager to present to global audiences a narrative that maintains the impeccable legacy of this cherished character.”
The recent agreement follows increasing speculation regarding the future of the British spy, four years after his last appearance in No Time to Die, which marked Daniel Craig’s fifth and final portrayal of the character.
In a recent social media engagement, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos reached out to his 6.8 million followers on X, posing the question: “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?”
Amazon and its selected producers are set to determine the next actor to portray the iconic character. However, a timeline for this decision or the production of the forthcoming film remains unspecified.
According to bookmakers, James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Theo James have emerged as frontrunners in the race to succeed Craig in the iconic role.
Pascal has recently taken the helm of the film Challengers, featuring Zendaya, and is also recognized for his role in the production of the Spider-Verse film series.
Heyman is amid pre-production for the highly anticipated Harry Potter television series while simultaneously wrapping up post-production on Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun, featuring performances from Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.
The prominent Hollywood duo is collaborating again on Noah Baumbach’s upcoming film, Jay Kelly, featuring stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler.
