James Bond Fans Can Finally Rejoice With First Forward Momentum After Weeks Of Up And Down Announcements, As The 007 Franchise Makes Its First Major Hires

Daniel Craig stands with a determined expression, in front of his car trunk, in Quantum of Solace.

(Image credit: Danjaq, LLC and MGM)

It’s kind of amazing how quickly we’ve seen rumors and speculation fly surrounding the James Bond movies. Though the 2025 movie schedule still won’t see 007 returning to theater screens, reports of Amazon-MGM’s James Bond plans ramping up suggested that a big reveal was in the air. Sure enough, we’ve now gotten confirmation that the new producing team to succeed Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson has been hired.

The previously reported team of Spider-Man veteran Amy Pascal and Harry Potter stalwart David Heyman are now officially the new heads of the Bond Cinematic Legacy. As revealed by an official press release from Amazon-MGM Studios, this hire would seem to be the launching pad to putting the upcoming James Bond 26 onto that rumored fast track for a 2027 release. Making their first official statement, Pascal and Heyman has this to say about their latest undertaking:

James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema. We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson who made so many extraordinary films and honored and excited to keep the spirit of Bond very much alive as he embarks on his next adventure.

For someone who not only follows this series professionally, but also has a huge investment as a fan, I think this hiring represents a pretty substantial pivot in the future of Commander Bond. As previously noted, both parties have extensive experience adapting larger than live properties. So putting Ian Fleming’s landmark espionage thrillers into their hands seems appropriate.

The selection of David Heyman in particular feels like a good get as in the wake of Daniel Craig’s James Bond movies, the future feels pretty open. There’s no clear direction as to where 007 could be heading with his latest reinvention, despite what you’ve heard about Amazon's supposed plans for Bond 26.

Daniel Craig sits with arms folded looking rather upset while Ralph Fiennes watches in No Time To Die. — (Image credit: Danjaq, LLC and MGM)

Should the stars align, and those 2027 ambitions come to pass, 007 might just miss setting a new franchise record for longest delay ever. That’s going to take a lot of hard work, as the next huge question that needs to be answered is probably “who’s going to be the next James Bond?” Which means those betting odds will probably start to spark up once again, putting intense scrutiny on the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill and other fan favorites.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman’s new positions as the first stewards of the James Bond saga to not be from the EON Productions family mark an historic even. Jeff Bezos’ alleged 007 wish to install new producers has come true and, now, everyone will surely be focused on what happens next. We’ll see what shakes out, as James Bond will return...and now all that's left to determine is when, and how. Life's full of small challenges, isn't it?

While you wait for the future of this franchise to further unfold, why not look back on some of Commander Bond's greatest cinematic exploits. You can stream the various films in the 007 saga using a Prime Video subscription.

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Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.