James Bond Star Says She Felt Sad About Franchise Sale to Amazon MGM
A James Bond actress said she was saddened by the sale of the franchise to Amazon MGM Studios. She expressed relief that the next film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve.
The IndependentA James Bond actress said she was saddened by the sale of the franchise to Amazon MGM Studios. She expressed relief that the next film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve. The actress, who played Dr. Madeleine Swann in two recent Bond films, told Variety she felt "a bit sad" when she heard the news.
She added that knowing Villeneuve would direct the next installment made her feel more positive about the future of the series.
Background on the Sale In February 2025, the long-serving producers announced they were handing creative control to Amazon MGM Studios. The move marked the first time the franchise would operate under the Jeff Bezos-founded company. Villeneuve was appointed director of the first film under the new ownership in June 2025. He has described the project as both a responsibility and an honor.
Auditions for the next actor to play James Bond are now underway. Amazon MGM Studios said it would share more details with fans when appropriate. Speculation about the successor to Daniel Craig has continued since the release of No Time to Die in 2021.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- February 2025
Producers announced they were handing creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.
1 sourceThe Independent - June 2025
Denis Villeneuve was appointed director of the first film under new ownership.
1 sourceThe Independent - Last week
Auditions for the next James Bond actor officially began.
1 sourceThe Independent
Potential Impact
- 01
The first Bond film under Amazon MGM Studios will be directed by Denis Villeneuve.
- 02
A new actor will be selected through the current audition process.
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