What is the controversy involving Barbara Broccoli and Amazon? James Bond feud explained as internet rallies behind producer 

The Wall Street Journal exclusively reported on December 21 that the upcoming James Bond film has been halted due to an ongoing feud between producers Barbara Broccoli and Amazon. The last 007 film, No Time to Die, was released in 2021. Amazon’s alleged insistence on creating a spinoff series featuring the beloved character has reportedly delayed the development of the story.

The Wall Street Journal interviewed 20 people familiar with the feud between the producers. It was revealed that producer Barbara Broccoli is not keen on making a Bond film with Amazon. The article stated:

“She [Barbara Broccoli] has told friends she doesn’t trust algorithm-centric Amazon with a character she helped to mythologize through big-screen storytelling and gut instinct. This fall, she characterized the status of a movie in dire terms—no script, no story and no new Bond.”

The report also noted that Broccoli believes Amazon is not “a good home for Bond,” considering that the company runs on “selling everything.” Additionally, Amazon’s idea to release various spin-offs of the James Bond series reportedly offended Broccoli. Amazon executive Jennifer Salke reportedly referred to James Bond movies as “content” during a 2022 meeting, also only adding fuel to the fire.

Netizens have since taken to social media to respond to the controversy, with many siding with Barbara Broccoli and opposing the commercialization of the iconic movies. Some comments online read:

“I’ll fully admit I was cranky with them for moving so slowly, but in light of the new information, 100% respect. I’d rather have no Bond than s**tty Amazon spinoffs,” a Reddit user said.

“I agree. I was angry too and thought it was laziness and carelessness but now i see it’s for a really good reason that we aren’t getting any bond,” another platform user opined.

“Respect for Barbara Broccoli has gone up in light of this story. Aside from some questionable narrative choices, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are still the best custodians of the Bond series.,” another netizen commented.

For those uninitiated, Barbara Broccoli inherited the rights to the James Bond franchise from her father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. She has worked alongside her stepbrother Michael G. Wilson to release the sequels. Meanwhile, other reactions read:

“The series will become corporatized just like what has happened to Marvel and Star Wars under Disney and what is happening to Lord of the Rings as well. It is all "content" and nothing more,” a Reddit user said.

“Prior to this news coming up, I was pissed at Broccoli. I assumed she lost interest in the character after Craig’s departure and couldn’t be arsed to figure out where to go next. Now I understand that she’s been holding back Amazon from destroying the “content” of Bond. Good for her. Hold the line,” another netizen said.

“I would rather have nothing new at all than some bodged attempt. Preserve the legacy. As a Star Wars fan I know all too well what can happen,” an internet user said.

Several internet users were evidently not pleased with Amazon releasing spin-offs and further franchising James Bond movies. Other comments read:

“If I have to follow multiple spin off tv shows and movies to keep up with Bond, then I will not watch it period,” a Reddit user said.

“Agreed, 100% Bond has always adjusted and adapted, while also being in front of the curve. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But that's part of what makes it great. Let it stay with the family,” a netizen said.

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Amazon and MGM’s 2021 merger agreement led to the former acquiring rights to the James Bond movies

Amazon acquired MGM for a staggering $8.45 billion, including the latter’s library of 4,000 films and 17,000 hours of television programming, back in 2021 under the leadership of Jennifer Salke, the global head of Amazon MGM Studios.

Rumors of Broccoli being wary of the James Bond spinoff series arose in October. Salke addressed these concerns in an interview with The Guardian, stating:

“It was never really raised in that way. When you are looking at iconic intellectual property like that, you look at what the entire long-term future might be. Of course you look at every facet.”

Amazon’s deal with MGM stands as its second largest acquisition, following its purchase of Whole Foods in 2017. Amazon’s profit-focused approach has seemingly irked Broccoli, as per The Wall Street Journal. The latest report from the publication read:

“The company’s core business is selling everything from toilet paper to vacuums - a perspective Amazon executives find unfair. But since she makes the creative calls that come first—script, casting, story - Broccoli can hold Bond hostage from Amazon for as long as she sees fit."

As per The Post, Amazon planned to create several Bond series for their Prime Video. They were rumored to want a Miss MoneyPenny spin-off series based on the secretary of MI6 spy chief. There was also reportedly talk about introducing a female Bond as the next 007, with diverse options like a gay or nonwhite leading man being considered.

However, as per the Journal, Broccoli rejected the idea of a female James Bond but expressed that she would not oppose having a gay or non-Caucasian actor play James Bond.