Apple and Amazon enter the James Bond bidding war
The Hollywood Reporter brings word on the ever-escalating bidding war for the theatrical distribution rights to the next James Bond film, the 25th in the long-running franchise, and has revealed that both Amazon and Apple are getting in on the action. Warner Bros. still appears to be the favorite for Bond’s next home, but Sony, Universal and Fox all remain in contention as well.
THR reports the current value of the Bond franchise is anywhere between $2 billion and $5 billion. They also note that insiders involved in the deals say studios believe that the franchise is underutilzed in our modern “cinematic universe” world by limiting itself to feature films only starring the title character. Could we see the world of Bond finally stretch out into other films or perhaps even TV? It remains to be seen, but check back here for further developments on the Bond bidding war as we learn it.
Daniel Craig is set to return to the franchise, marking his fifth appearance as the character and putting him just behind Sean Connery with the third most appearances. Craig however will take the title of most consecutive years being James Bond after the film’s release at 13, just one ahead of the late Roger Moore. No director is currently attached to the project but Yann Demange (’71), and Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) are reportedly the frontrunners.
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions and MGM previously announced that 007 will return to U.S. theaters for the 25th installment of the James Bond franchise on November 8, 2019. Bond 25 will be written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, long time collaborators and writers on previous Bond films including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre. The film will be produced by Wilson and Broccoli. Additional details regarding distribution, including international release dates, the film’s cast and director, will be announced at a later date.
The 24th James Bond film, Spectre, opened in U.S. theaters on November 16, 2015. The film earned $200 million domestically and $680.6 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $880.7 million.