By Kayla DeKraker
The classic JAMES BOND franchise has new ownership, and fans and former stars alike are concerned about what that means for its future.
“We are committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exhilarating new chapter to audiences around the world alongside Amy [Pascal] and David [Heyman],” said Amazon MGM studio execs Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll at CinemaCon. “They’re both in London getting started and couldn’t be here tonight, but we wanted to thank them for what we know to make an incredible partnership.”
But their promise to bring a “fresh, exhilarating new chapter” to the franchise has fans and former stars worried that it might mean caving to Hollywood’s liberal agenda.
Fox News Digital asked Robert Davi, who played a Bond villain and who speaks out about his conservative views, about whether he’s concerned the series will “succumb to Hollywood pressure to be ‘woke’” by featuring a female or gay or American Bond.
“I hope it doesn’t,” Davi said. “I was very close to [James Bond producer] Cubby Broccoli and his wife Dana…as far as I’m concerned, they were Ronald Reagan conservatives and wonderful people. But you know, I think if we succumb to every fad, especially one that’s not based on total science, it’s a little frightening.”
The 73-year-old actor isn’t the only former star who has concerns. Actress Naomie Harries said in an interview, “I just hope they don’t try to make it too modern — we all grew up with Bond, and I think it needs those classic elements for people to connect with it.”
Related: What’s Next for James Bond After Major Franchise Shake Up?
However, Harries believes that Amazon’s pledge to keep Bond’s “spirit alive” is a good sign.
“There have been so many erroneous rumors about the future of Bond. Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth — and he has to be male,” she emphasized.
Earlier this year, Amazon MGM took over control of the franchise, formerly owned by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. Variety reported, “The three parties will remain co-owners of the iconic franchise, but Amazon MGM will have creative control.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement about the transition, “We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide.”
He added, “We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
Read Next: What’s Behind the Amazon Takeover James Bond?
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