Amazon MGM Studios confirms no set timeline for Bond 26 but development remains on track under the leadership of Eon Productions.
Jennifer Salke, the global head of Amazon MGM Studios, has given Bond fans an update on the search for Daniel Craig’s replacement as James Bond. While no actor has yet been chosen, Salke assured that the casting process is firmly in the hands of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson of Eon Productions, the long-time stewards of the 007 franchise. “We are taking their lead,” Salke explained, acknowledging that decisions are not being rushed.
Salke joined Amazon in 2018 and played a major role in the company’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2021. The next instalment in the Bond series will continue under the close watch of Broccoli and Wilson, who have made it clear they intend to safeguard the franchise’s legacy, including having a large say in who will play Bond. Salke reinforced that Amazon has no plans to alter the way these films are made, stating, “We’re not looking to disrupt the way those wonderful films are made”.
Bond TV series? Not so fast
Salke also addressed rumours that Amazon had pushed for a Bond television series, which was said to have caused friction with Eon Productions. She clarified that the idea had never been seriously raised. “It was never really raised in that way,” she said, suggesting that while Amazon evaluates future possibilities, any discussion regarding the Bond franchise remains rooted in the tradition of cinematic releases.
The wait continues
Bond fans have now been waiting three years since Craig’s final outing in No Time to Die, and the current hiatus shows no signs of ending soon. However, Salke is confident that fans will continue to remain patient, saying “we don’t want too much time between films, but we are not concerned at this point”.
Amazon MGM’s role in the UK film industry
In the meantime, Amazon MGM is investing heavily in UK productions, with studios in Shepperton and Bray becoming important hubs for their major projects. Salke highlighted Amazon’s increasing commitment to the UK, pointing out its importance to both the future of Bond and other high-profile productions like The Rings of Power.
While the wait for Bond’s return continues, Salke’s update offers reassurance that the franchise remains in good hands, with a focus on quality and respect for its rich cinematic history.
Source: The Guardian
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