Timothy Dalton Questions Future of James Bond Under Amazon’s Control

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25, 2025 — Former James Bond actor Timothy Dalton expressed concern regarding Amazon‘s recent acquisition of creative control over the iconic franchise.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Dalton, who portrayed Bond in “The Living Daylights” and “Licence to Kill,” reacted to Amazon’s announcement that they had secured the rights after negotiations with long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. “I was very, very surprised and shocked,” Dalton said, highlighting the significance of the franchise’s British roots.

Dalton lauded Broccoli, referring to her as “fantastic” and “one of the best women in the world,” and emphasized the importance of her leadership in maintaining the integrity of the series. “Barbara has carefully marshalled the brand and stood against the temptation to turn Ian Fleming’s hero into content with endless spin-offs,” he noted.

He further lamented the implications of an American company controlling this quintessentially British franchise. “This is one of the few wonderful stories we’ve got in film that we can call our own,” Dalton said. “I hope Amazon recognizes the essence of what Bond is, and gives us the kind of film that brings excitement and fun to audiences.”

Amidst this transition, Dalton remained optimistic about Amazon’s ability to produce successful films, stating, “I have no doubt they will be working very hard to make it a hit.” His comments echoed the sentiments of many fans and industry experts contemplating how the shift in creative control may affect future installments of the Bond series.

The comments come after Mike Hopkins, Amazon’s film chief, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, affirming the company’s commitment to honoring Bond’s legacy while ushering in a new era for the franchise.

The deal reportedly cost Amazon around $1 billion and has sparked debate in the industry regarding the future direction of Bond. Dalton stated that a British actor should portray Bond, emphasizing that “that’s where it was born, that’s what the stories are.” This discussion continues to heat up as several actors, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Idris Elba, have emerged as potential successors to Daniel Craig, who last reprised the iconic role in “No Time to Die” (2021).

Dalton’s reflections during promotional events for his role in the series “1923” alongside Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren showcase a deep connection and love for the character. As fans await further news, Dalton concluded with hope that Amazon will take the legacy of Bond to new heights while staying true to its core.