Timothy Dalton, who portrayed James Bond in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, has expressed his disappointment with Amazon’s recent acquisition of the Bond franchise. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Dalton shared his concerns about the shift in creative control over the iconic 007 series, especially as it moves from the hands of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to Amazon MGM Studios.
Dalton described the potential loss of Bond’s British identity as one of the biggest issues with Amazon’s involvement. “It is one of the few wonderful stories we’ve got in film that is British,” he said. “The leading character is British. We can call it our own.” His comments reflect broader worries about how the character of Bond could lose its cultural ties to Britain as Amazon takes the reins.
The $1 billion deal between Amazon and Barbara Broccoli, which hands over creative oversight of the Bond series, marks the end of a 63-year legacy of family stewardship. Cubby Broccoli, Barbara’s father, initially built the foundation for the franchise, with Barbara taking over the reins after his passing. For Dalton, the shift represents more than just a business transaction—it’s a blow to the series’ long-standing British heritage.
Dalton also expressed admiration for Barbara Broccoli’s approach to managing the franchise. “Barbara is one of the best women in the whole world,” he said, emphasizing her ability to keep Bond’s stories focused and true to their roots. “Around a Bond movie, everyone’s got an opinion. That tends to make something less special, but if you keep it to people who know what they’re doing and know what they want, then it will sharpen up and be good.”
While Dalton remains unsure about Amazon’s plans, he acknowledged the company’s ability to make successful films. “Amazon are quite capable of making it a hit, I should think,” he said. Still, he admitted to feeling a sense of loss as the franchise transitions into new hands. “I have no idea what Amazon would do with it,” Dalton admitted, raising questions about how the company might handle the future of the Bond series.
The casting of the next James Bond has been a topic of speculation since Daniel Craig’s departure after No Time to Die in 2021. While several actors have been rumored for the role, Dalton insists that the next 007 should be British. “Yes. Yes. Because that’s where it was born, that’s what the stories are. Definitely. One hundred percent.”
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Dalton’s remarks reflect growing concerns that Bond, long regarded as a British cultural touchstone, might be reshaped into something more suited to global corporate interests. The actor’s unease comes amid a broader debate about Amazon’s increasing influence on the entertainment industry and its ability to turn major franchises into content for its streaming platform.
As the Bond franchise moves forward under Amazon’s stewardship, many are left wondering what changes—if any—will come to the 007 character and its future on the big screen.
