The James Bond films aren’t just a legendary franchise — the brand may one day stream to a new generation of viewers.
That’s according to Barbara Broccoli, daughter of the late Albert R. Broccoli, the longtime producer of the franchise. In 1995, he gave Eon Productions, responsible for the spy series, to Barbara and Michael G. Wilson, her half brother.
While Broccoli admits the Bond franchise, 24 films to date, is a big-screen enterprise, she’s keeping an open mind about streaming venues.
“I don’t think we can rule anything out, because it’s the audience that will make those decisions. Not us,” Broccoli told Variety. “We like to think that they’re going to be seen primarily on the big screen. But having said that, we have to look to the future. Our fans are the ones who dictate how they want to consume their entertainment.”
That has industry watchers wondering if Netflix or Amazon Prime might bid on future rights, given their respective financial resources.
The next Bond film, “No Time to Die,” carried a production price tag of $250 million. It hits U.S. theaters April 10, starring Daniel Craig in his fifth and final run as 007.
Eon splits profits with MGM/UA, which has the right to finance and distribute Bond movies. (James Bond was conceived by novelist Ian Fleming in the 1950s.)
“We are the custodians of this character,” Broccoli said. “We take that responsibility seriously.”
Photo credit: MGM