The fate of James Bond is now in new hands—Amazon, and Jeff Bezos has already taken to social media to ask fans: Who’d you pick as the next Bond?
In a major shake-up for the iconic James Bond series, Amazon MGM Studios has officially taken creative control of the franchise from the Broccoli family, who have steered the spy saga for over six decades.
The Broccoli dynasty, led by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, has decided to step back from producing the Bond films, handing over the reins to Amazon. While the duo will remain co-owners of the franchise, Amazon will now drive the creative direction of future projects, including the highly anticipated next Bond film.
The move is indeed a significant shift for the franchise, which has been a family affair since Albert “Cubby” Broccoli co-produced the first Bond film, Dr. No, in 1962. Barbara Broccoli and Wilson have been at the helm since the 1990s, overseeing hits like Casino Royale and Skyfall. However, with Wilson retiring at 83 and Broccoli focusing on other ventures, the time has come for a new chapter.
Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2021 gave the tech giant access to the Bond catalogue, but this new deal grants them full creative control. This opens the door for potential spin-offs, TV series, and a fresh approach to the Bond universe, similar to how Disney has expanded Star Wars and Marvel.
Fans have been eagerly speculating about who will replace Daniel Craig as 007, with names like James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Theo James topping the list. Bezos’ tweet has only fuelled the excitement, with fans suggesting everyone from Henry Cavill to Idris Elba.
The delay in announcing a new Bond film has also left fans restless. It’s been four years since No Time to Die, and with no script, director, or star confirmed, the gap between films could break the franchise’s six-year record. Amazon’s takeover may speed things up, but it also raises questions about how the tech giant will handle the iconic spy’s legacy.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, assured fans that the company is committed to honouring Bond’s heritage. “We are honoured to continue this treasured legacy and look forward to ushering in the next phase of 007 for audiences worldwide,” he said.
As Amazon prepares to redefine Bond for a new era, one thing is clear: the world’s most famous spy is entering uncharted territory. Whether this means more films, spin-offs, or a complete reinvention, the future of 007 is now in Amazon’s hands. And as Bezos’ tweet shows, the fans will have a lot to say about it.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.