James Bond Gender Swap In 007 Franchise? Makers Address Rumours

James Bond franchise has been in the news for various reasons, particularly the gender of the next Bond, since Daniel Craig's departure. Speculations were rife that there are chances that makers might introduce a female bond in the lead role in the upcoming installment. However following Amazon MGM taking creative control, they have put the rumours to an end.

Gender swap for James Bond?

According to a report in Daily Mail, an internal memo was circulated at the studio "stipulating the spy will not change gender or nationality”. The publication quoted a source saying that Amazon is committed to keeping the 007 franchise spirit alive and that means "he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.” The report further mentioned Barbara Broccoli insisted on the character remaining British before signing the deal.

“Jeff (Bezos)is a massive Bond fan and while he is excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward, there are certain things which are sacrosanct. That’s why the memo went out this week, to reassure everyone. But certain things are up for discussion, like whether the next Bond should be played by a man of colour,” added the source.

Jeff Bezos' owned Amazon MGM Studios has reportedly shelled out a hefty sum to secure "creative control" of the 007 franchise. However, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson will continue as co-owners of the franchise.

Also Read: James Bond Takeover By Amazon Cost Jeff Bezos $1 Billion, Wanted To Get Rid Of Old Owners 'At Any Cost'
 

A difference of opinion on creative calls, money rules the roost

Reportedly, Bezos shelled out a hefty $1 billion to secure "creative control" of the Bond franchise. He has also been putting out names in public to see the audience's sentiment about who the next Bond should be. According to insider claims, the previous owners of the 007 franchise thought Amazon's ideas about the future movies were underwhelming, so much so that executives who pitched ideas were labelled as "idiots" for thinking of them.

But Bezos wanted to get rid of the previous owners and offered a blank cheque.

All about the iconic franchise James Bond

The James Bond franchise focuses on the titular character, a fictional British Secret Service agent created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short-story collections. Sean Connery was the first actor to portray Bond in a film in Dr. No (1962), followed by David Niven (1967), George Lazenby (1968–1969), Roger Moore (1972–1985), Timothy Dalton (1986–1994), Pierce Brosnan (1994–2004) and last but not least Daniel Craig (2005–2021).

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