Amazon Can Do Whatever It Wants With the Bond Side Characters

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Previously, Barbara Broccoli, similar to traditional bookstores and shopping malls, succumbed to the dominance of Amazon. This corporate titan seized control over the James Bond franchise following prolonged discussions about the series’ future beyond the 2021 film “No Time to Die“. Broccoli had guarded the franchise diligently, preventing numerous spinoffs, video games, TV shows, and questionable concepts from materializing. Now, she relinquishes control of 007 to a company whose leaders she reportedly labeled as “foolish,” leaving James Bond’s fate uncertain. Sounds familiar?

As a devoted film lover, I can’t help but feel disheartened when a cherished series is acquired by a massive corporation, like the recent decision by Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to let go of the iconic 007 brand. It felt like the end of an era for everything Bond-related. With Amazon’s reputation and the Bond franchise’s allure, there’s no doubt they’ll squeeze every penny from this property, exploring every nook and cranny of the spy series until we’re longing to escape from spinoffs like Young Bond, Bond: The Early Years, or even Bond X Reacher.

However, maybe there’s a middle ground that could appease both the die-hard Bond fans and the Amazon executives. Couldn’t the relentless businessman, Jeff Bezos, be enticed by a unique proposition? — one that caters to the needs of Bond enthusiasts while also benefiting Amazon. How about Amazon having free rein over all Bond characters… except James Bond himself? This way, we can enjoy the expansive Bond universe while still holding on to the essence of the original character we’ve grown to love. It’s a compromise that might just be worth exploring.

The central character James Bond presents a conundrum in the world of James Bond films: Should he be portrayed as young or old, blonde or brunette? Is it appropriate for him to be a person of color? Are there ways to make the character less misogynistic? These are complex questions that have delayed casting decisions. However, consider the supporting characters like Miss Moneypenny, M, Q, Ernst Blofeld, and Dr. No; these roles can be played by actors of any age. So if you’re thinking about a limited series focusing on Q’s tech-savvy friends, with a vibe similar to Silicon Valley, but set in the UK, that sounds intriguing! Or perhaps a video game where you play as Le Chiffre trying to escape from baccarat debt? Definitely possible! Want to see who will be cast as the young, attractive M for an origin movie exploring how M became a spy due to past traumas? Absolutely! Did you know there are already short stories dedicated to Miss Moneypenny? Indeed.

In a fresh take, the supporting characters from the Bond franchise are entertaining, but they often fall into the category of one-dimensional, almost interchangeable and forgettable figures. It’s not so much the depth of character that keeps fans engaged, as it is the diverse MacGuffins, exotic locations, and temporary love interests. Characters like MI6 allies and quirky villains can sometimes rise above their shallow simplicity, but they often slip into exaggerated predictability, such as Lyutsifer Safin in “No Time To Die.” Despite years of debate about the new Bond, there’s little discussion about changing the side characters in the franchise. There are indeed disposable aspects to Bond, and it would be misleading not to acknowledge this. By spinning off these secondary characters, Amazon can leverage its intellectual property without risking the ire of long-term fans by altering the one character they’ve grown attached to – just look at “Andor” on Disney+ and “The Penguin” on Max. I sense an Emmy nomination for whoever gets cast as Goldfinger in the gritty realist neo-noir series.

It’s crucial that Amazon manages expectations in a similar way they do with their marketplace. If you’re looking for unique, original branded items, Amazon may not be your first choice due to the abundance of copies, spin-offs, and adaptations of various characters like James Bond’s adversaries. However, just as you might find a high-quality item like “Amazon’s Choice” for socks or an ice cube tray, Amazon could potentially discover something extraordinary, such as an animated series based on Blofeld’s cat. As long as they keep James Bond away from the picture – sometimes it’s better to be out of the equation – this strategy might lead to unexpected successes.

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2025-02-25 03:54