What can be done about the James Bond franchise?

[Dargil]

Some of you know me. I usually post about sex and politics. But Bond is both.

I won't be offering an answer. I'll just wander around Bond a bit. To me, personally, Bond is a cultural Icon; a folk hero. Bond's spirit is real, like Superman's. Bond is fairly expressed in the transition from Connery through Dalton to Craig. In the same way, Superman is expressed from Reeve in his first episode through Routh in Returns to Cavil in Man Of Steel . You might say that I am a Believer in both Bond and Superman.

Yes, both had buffoon stages; Bond with Lazenby, Moore and his clone, Brosnan, that I mostly ignore. Yes, GoldenEye was refreshing, but Dalton could have done Bond better in it. Superman's came through tortured imitations and cartoons. And Superman Vs Batman is Heresy and I won't watch it. That would be Hollywood making Jesus Vs. John The Baptist. (Geez, don't even suggest that!)

There have been no Bond releases since 2021. None are planned and no new Bond personage is been chosen. Bond is facing Spiritual Death because of squabbles between Bonds Fleming disciples, Broccoli and Wilson and the franchise's new owner, Amazon, who wants to milk it with spinoffs and other nonsense. What can be done keep Bond's spirit alive while Jeff Bezos tries to corrupt it? The clock is ticking.

One vague recollection is that Hollywood put out fun good Bond imitations in the 60's. Two were Our Man/In Like Flint and The Ipcress File, among others. They even made one off campus, Never Say Never Again. Maybe it's time for a re-imagining under another name that we can all wink at and understand the plan. If Hollywood can un-woke up and have a shaken (not stirred) Martini, maybe they could make some money with this and keep Bond's spirit alive.

We all know who Bond, James Bond is. So did she.
https://youtu.be/1AS-dCdYZbo

[BCA6010]

I am 100% on the side of Fleming purists in regards to James Bond. Any side projects and spinoffs should take a back seat if they're going to exist at all.

Amazon has the means to pursue both (or at least they would if they weren't splurging on that awful Lord of the rings skin suit), but like Netflix, everything that they have a direct hand in tends to either be shit, or faceplants after an initial success due to not understanding the audience and looking for a quick cash grab. This means the best case scenario is Amazon outsources Bond movie production to a serious and faithful fan-run studio rather than doing it themselves.

[Pet68]

Bury it. It's dead, just like the Star Trek "franchise".

[FreyaRed]

1) Charismatic white guy (liked by main audience of this movie) It's James Bond not Zulu Shaka
2) realistic action written by someone who has at least basic common sense and can think two steps forwards
2.5) Evil but effective Antagonist, who isn't a joke or a complete dumba**
3) liters of vodka martini and sexual tension between James and really pretty woman (at least main audience should find her attractive)
4) no political indoctrination and woke BS
5) no obvious and annoying product promotion

[katiesmuff]

I know it is impossible for some people to just mind their own fucking business, keeping their nose out of places it doesn't belong. You want to preserve it as is, buy it from Amazon then as a private owner (as Amazon is) do what you want with it.

[Dargil]

I won't call you an arrogant C**T because I'm too polite.

[katiesmuff]

Arrogant maybe, but honest and yes I have a very nice cunt!

[AI Opinion]

The James Bond franchise has been a cultural icon for decades, and keeping its spirit alive is indeed crucial for fans. To revitalize the franchise, it could benefit from a fresh creative direction that honors its legacy while embracing modern storytelling. Exploring different genres, incorporating more diverse characters, or even rebooting Bond with a compelling origin story could attract new audiences while satisfying long-time fans. Collaborations with celebrated directors or screenwriters might bring innovative perspectives. Maintaining a balance between tradition and evolution is key to preserving the allure and essence of James Bond. 🍸🎬

[Dargil]

OK Hal.

Leave it to us bleeders.

[purplepoppy]

He died in the last one. It's time to end the franchise. No stupid reboot with a disabled blank lesbian who identifies as a gerbil.

[Sunrising]

James Bond didn't die, there's another film coming out !
Long live James Bond !

[KostasKouvalis]

I agree. It's sad, but all good things must eventually come to an end. I know they never really cared about continuity before, but this time it's different. They did an entire story arc from him joining M16 to his death. There's really no way to bring him back without changing his background.

[Dargil]

Why, exactly, is it time to end the franchise? Dying may have ended his career, but there can always be "infill". And I agree. Bond is white, male, UK accented and Oxford or Cambridge educated.

[KostasKouvalis]

How exactly would the "infill" work? Extra events set within the timeline of the Daniel Craig era? A young (probably pre-MI6) Bond, like they're talking about. Bond's supposed to work for MI6, so it wouldn't be the same. They're also talking about "James Bond" just being a code name, but that would never fly either

[Dargil]

@KostasKouvalis Each pre-Bond story line stood on its own.

[Sunrising]

I've seen to many films to know there will be another James Bond film, just like the previous ones !!

[KostasKouvalis]

I already know there will be, it's just a question of where are they gonna go with it

[NicholasRedone]

@purplepoppy the problem is the whole concept even of a secret British agent (when America rules the world now) lol 😆

[Sunrising]

Bond will die another day !

[Dargil]

Edward Woodward somehow morphed into Denzel Washington as Robert McCall in The Equalizer. No problem, just not Queen Latifa.

[Sunrising]

I don't even think that will happen. The only problem to be resolved is, who will be the next James Bond?

[Dargil]

Hoped for Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

[NicholasRedone]

Personally I feel like it's so past it :(

[Fireguy17]

If they are good I will watch them.