Elizabeth II: A historic change for James Bond after the Queen’s death

The 26th opus of the James Bond saga will definitely be an update! A new translator for Agent 007, a new director (or director as Sam Mendes prefers), a new distribution company… and a new boss.

Indeed, if until now James Bond was in the service of Her Majesty the Queen, 007 will now be in the service of Her Majesty “King and Country”, following the death of Elizabeth II on September 8.

Therefore, the new secret agent will be the first in history to serve a man. Franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson told AFP after fingerprinting on Hollywood Boulevard.

Barbara Broccoli makes it clear from the beginning:We are just starting our relationship with Amazon. We haven’t really started getting into the next movie yet.“.

As a reminder, in 2021, Amazon bought the historic MGM studio, which has the rights to distribute 007 films, for $8.5 billion. Therefore, historical producers should find a common language with the American giant before launching James Bond 26.

“James Bond now works for King and Country”

Then the producer says:But some things are constant. James Bond is the main character of these films and therefore the most important element. We believe he is incorruptible, working for the Queen and now for the King and Country.

It is not there for personal use. He is here to try to make the world safer. This is something we definitely won’t change.”

Commitment 10-12 years

He then goes on to say:Show me He always tried to convince us to take risks so that Bond could develop over the years. We like to try things, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but it keeps us innovative“.

So Barbara Broccoli confirms that James Bond’s 26th adventure will be one of change.

But the producer and his half-brother Michael Wilson also tell Variety that finding an interpreter for Her Majesty’s Secret Agent isn’t easy, as a lucky pick must be available for ten minutes.

“When you’re casting for Bond, it’s a 10, 12-year commitment. So the actor has to think, “Do I really want to do this job?” Not everyone wants to do this. It was quite difficult to convince Daniel Craig… it’s a big commitment. We are not talking about shooting for several months.“