Spider-Man, Harry Potter producers hired for new James Bond film
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Amazon has appointed the producers behind the Spider-Man and Harry Potter film franchises to oversee the next James Bond movie.
PHOTO: AFP
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LOS ANGELES – The producers behind the Spider-Man (2017 to present) and Harry Potter (2001 to 2011) film franchises will oversee the next James Bond movie, Amazon MGM Studios announced on March 25.
The appointment of Amy Pascal and David Heyman is the first step in Amazon’s plan to relaunch the British spy franchise, after it took full creative control in February.
The producers are expected to play a major role in deciding who will replace English actor Daniel Craig as the super-suave MI6 agent, as well as choosing the next film’s director and production schedule.
Amazon MGM Studios film chief Courtenay Valenti said the pair would “deliver to global audiences storytelling that upholds the impeccable legacy of this beloved character”.
Ms Pascal, an American who previously ran major Hollywood studio Sony Pictures, is best known for her work on various Spider-Man films, including the recent live-action movies starring English actor Tom Holland.
She is no stranger to the Bond franchise. During her tenure, Sony Pictures released 007 films Casino Royale (2006), Quantum Of Solace (2008) and Skyfall (2012).
British producer Heyman produced all eight film adaptations of British author J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books.
His other credits include Gravity (2013), Barbie (2023) and the Paddington films (2014 to present).
The announcement will only fuel the swirling speculation about who will next play James Bond, one of the most famous characters in the history of cinema.
Craig’s final outing, No Time To Die – the 25th James Bond film – was released in 2021 and earned US$775 million (S$1.04 billion).
British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill and Theo James are among those currently considered front runners.
In 2022, Amazon bought storied Hollywood studio MGM, which held distribution rights to Bond’s extensive back catalogue.
But it was not until February that the company struck a deal with long-time Bond producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to obtain full creative control. The deal was closed on March 24.
The franchise had been closely guarded by the Broccoli family since 1962’s Dr No. It famously insisted on preserving the integrity of the Bond character and brand, resisting spin-offs and licensing that many industry experts expect to see following Amazon’s takeover.
“James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema,” Ms Pascal and Mr Heyman said in a joint statement.
“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.” AFP
