In July 1961, film producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman formed Eon Productions after securing the rights to adapt Ian Fleming's James Bond novels into films. Since then, the company has overseen the first modern franchise, complete with reboots and recasts of the central character. Over time, Albert's son, Michael G. Wilson, and daughter, Barbara Broccoli, also joined the company. These films have been distributed by MGM Studios, which was purchased by Amazon in 2022.

With the news that both Wilson and Broccoli are stepping back from active producing roles, Bond fans online erupted with outrage. It's fair to have skepticism about a corporation that's already facing backlash and boycotts for founder Jeff Bezos's support of President Donald Trump's cruel and reckless agenda. While I'm worried about 007's future, I'm not going to get angry or despair about it until something is officially announced.

The impetus for the fan outcry came with an announcement from Amazon MGM Studios that the Broccolis were retiring as producers. This means Amazon MGM will have full creative control over the future films, though both Wilson and Broccoli are co-owners with the studio. The statement that was released says very little about the future plans for the franchise. It definitely didn't say that spinoff films or series were coming.

"Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future." -- Michael G. Wilson in a statement.

My first Bond actor was Roger Moore, whose films were spotty at best. Don't get me wrong -- I love every silly frame, but it definitely helped that I was a kid. The idea that James Bond is a sacred institution of cinematic classics is idyllic nonsense. The central concern among fans is that Amazon MGM will put out James Bond movies at a much faster pace. For the first ten years of my life, we got a new James Bond every two years like clockwork.

While Amazon MGM now has sole creative oversight, filmmakers will still be involved in production. As co-owners, the Broccolis almost certainly have a say in what is done with the character. It's possible the studio might expand the franchise beyond just Bond-centric films, but it's not a guarantee. As it stands, the only thing we know is that James Bond will continue to appear in films, which seems like a good thing.

On social media, the central complaints from James Bond fans was their certainty that Amazon MGM would oversaturate the market with films and/or create a "cinematic universe" from the property. Even if they did, what would come certainly wouldn't be worse than the animated James Bond, Jr., which was about 007's nephew, making the naming convention even sillier. Still, it baffles me that so many people are so angry and upset by something they've only guessed will happen.

With 25 films behind him, James Bond is already one of the most prolific feature film franchises out there. As someone who loves the Roger Moore era, I wouldn't deign to say which ones were "good" or "bad." Yet, there is an entire genre of parody born from these films. Ian Fleming's character is a pop culture institution, and not even Amazon is big or greedy enough to "milk" the universe more than it has been already. All the studio has done is given filmmakers another chance to create a good adaptation of the character for a new generation.

I am reminded of my attitude towards superhero films in the 2000s. When I bought a ticket to see something like Spider-Man 3 or X-Men Origins: Wolverine, I wasn't "supporting" that movie. Rather, I was trying to support the next attempt. Whether I liked the movie or not, I wanted the studio to be willing to let other filmmakers try again to get it right. Amazon MGM could absolutely make bad Bond films. I'd rather they get the chance to try again than have them give up and let the character fade into oblivion.

Similarly, angry Bond fans joked online about the kinds of spinoff series Amazon would create for Prime Video, ranging from 007 Babies to a series about the pigeon from Moonraker who did a double take. It reminds me of the reaction to the news that Colin Farrell would reprise his role as The Penguin for The Batman's first spinoff series, which was skeptical at best. Yet, The Penguin was one of HBO's best shows in 2024. Even though Amazon didn't announce any spinoff series or films, it's like Ian Fleming's world couldn't support such a thing.

There was already talk of a movie starring Naomie Harris' Moneypenny, and the idea certainly appealed to me. A series centered on M (any version), Q, S.P.E.C.T.R.E. or anything else Bond-related could be great. Each James Bond movie can still be a cinematic event. Yet, diversifying this universe and telling stories about the rich characters that occupy it could only increase its appeal. If Amazon MGM does make a TV series, fans who only want Bond on the big screen can simply skip it.

While the years between Daniel Craig movies may have made them feel more special, his iteration never felt as iconic or lived-in as Roger Moore's or Sean Connery's. Expanding the world around him could help. At the very least, a few more movies with a given actor offers more chances to nail a legendary performance. Others are worried about how Amazon might shoehorn in advertising or product placement. While tacky, I fail to see how it would be different from James Bond hawking Aston Martin cars, watches, beer or any of the other products already on display in the films.

Of course, people are free to like or dislike whatever they want. Yet, this groundswell of negativity is purely the invention of the fans. There is no new movie, actor or director announced, let alone any spinoffs. Still, the cynicism from fans is such that when the next Bond film does come around, people may have already convinced themselves it's terrible. It's a pattern on display with other generational franchises like Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel and DC characters.

In fairness, negativity before the fact is nothing new. Often thought of as the definitive James Bond, author Ian Fleming hated Sean Connery for the role. While Amazon deserves all the animus it gets from the public for a myriad of reasons, the corporation is not making a movie. Rather, some director, screenwriter, actors and crew will collaborate in good faith to make the best film they can. Just as I did with the superhero movies of the past, I will give them the benefit of the doubt. If they fail to meet the challenge, I hope my movie ticket money funds another shot to get it right.

Lastly, if someone thinks James Bond died with Daniel Craig's character, that's okay, too. They have 25 films to watch and rewatch as much as they'd like. Yet, those of us who are always eager to see a fresh, new take on the character shouldn't have to miss out just because those fans don't want any more. There are plenty of reasons to be skeptical about how Amazon will manage this franchise. Yet, to be outraged or say the character is done for on just vibes alone seems silly to me.

The next James Bond film is in development, but there has been no news about a script, a director or a new 007 actor.