Fans of James Bond are split in their opinions after learning that two well-known Hollywood producers have been selected for the next movie. One of them was behind the production of the poorly received all-female Ghostbusters movie.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman were revealed as the producers on Tuesday by Amazon MGM Studios, the new owners of the franchise. They were described as highly skilled and respected in the film industry.
They replace outgoing veteran producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson after Amazon MGM Studios took over the Bond movies last month.
The announcement has raised concerns among Bond enthusiasts that the cherished spy series might be exploited for profit by Hollywood producers and could lose its essence with additional TV shows and unnecessary modern trends.
Pascal is best known as the producer of the Spider-Man franchise, and counts the all-female 2016 remake of Ghostbusters among her early career credits.
Heyman’s portfolio includes hits such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Paddington 2 and eight Harry Potter movies, however he was also at the helm for 2023’s Barbie movie that was criticized for its ‘anti-man feminism.’
The two veteran producers were brought in as Hollywood searches for the next James Bond actor to replace Daniel Craig, with A-listers such as Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson floated as possible candidates to become the next 007.
In announcing Pascal and Heyman as producers, Amazon MGM Studios’ Head of Film, Courtenay Valenti said the studio is ‘honoured to be working with them on James Bond’s next chapter and are excited to deliver to global audiences storytelling that upholds the impeccable legacy of this beloved character.’
Amy Pascal (pictured) was named on Tuesday as one of the new producers of the upcoming James Bond movie, however fans have been left divided as Amazon MGM Studios takes over the iconic franchise
David Heyman (back right), best known as the producer of eight Harry Potter movies, was named as the new James Bond producer alongside Pascal on Tuesday
The two veteran producers were brought in as Hollywood searches for the next James Bond actor to replace Daniel Craig as 007
As well as producing some of the biggest superhero movies of the past decade, Pascal also made a name for herself in 2014 when she was mired in a scandal involving Angelina Jolie.
Pascal said in leaked emails that Jolie was a ‘minimally talented spoiled brat’, with her emails leaked online when she was serving as co-Chairwoman of Sony at the time.
The leak saw her fired, after other emails penned by her were deemed racist by big brass – including jokes aimed at then-President Barack Obama.
Although she was ousted in the scandal, Pascal went on to produce some of the biggest movies in Hollywood over the next decade, also including Molly’s Game, Challengers and Little Women.
Fans of James Bond were divided as Pascal and Heyman were announced on Tuesday, with many fearing that the movies could be ruined by the new ownership.
One X user commented in response: ‘I’m a traditionalist and would love to see Bond as we all know and love him. Do that, and everything will be fine. Please don’t mess it up.’
Another referenced Disney’s new Snow White remake that has been mired by poor reviews and criticisms of its ‘woke’ retelling, saying: ‘I hope the new drop of the Snow White’s failure speaks loud and clear to them.’
Some of Pascal and Heyman’s past credits have come under scrutiny, including Pascal’s widely panned all-female reboot of Ghostbusters in 2016
Heyman’s portfolio includes hits such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Paddington 2 and eight Harry Potter movies, however he was also at the helm for 2023’s Barbie movie that was criticized for its ‘anti-man feminism’
Others were not as pessimistic by the producer duo’s hiring, with one fan feeling their recent Hollywood hits bode well for the future.
‘Heavyweight producers!’ one X user said. ‘Pascal produced recent Spider-Man movies and Heyman produced Once Upon a Time in Hollywood… Very cool.’
‘Heyman did sooooooo well with the Potter films,’ added another. ‘So I am so happy about him being involved.’
With the producers behind the unnamed upcoming James Bond movie now announced, attention will turn to which actor will replace Craig as the new 007.
Amazon MGM Studios’ takeover fueled speculation that the iconic Ian Fleming hero could be portrayed by a woman, however leaked memos circulated by the media giant to staff and revealed by The Mail on Sunday, have shown bosses will keep Bond male and British.
‘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,’ an insider said.
They added that owner Jeff Bezos ‘is a massive Bond fan and while he’s excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct.’
Among the actors who are being floated to don the tux include Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Richard Madden and Cavill.
Superman star Henry Cavill (pictured) was among the frontrunners having previously auditioned for the role
The bookies’ favourite for the role is rising star, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who could take on 007
Venom star Tom Hardy was among the people’s favourite to take on 007 in a recent poll
Luther star Idris Elba was previously among of the bookies’ top choices to take over as Bond
For now, however, it appears that rising British talent Aaron Taylor-Johnson is being tipped as the bookies’ favorite.
He sparked a frenzy among 007 fans when, in March 2022, The Sun reported he had been ‘formally offered’ the role ‘should he wish to accept it’.
However, since then, Taylor-Johnson, 34, has been dodging questions about joining the beloved spy series.
Speaking in December during the premier of his superhero movie, Kraven the Hunter, he laughed with Entertainment Tonight when asked about fan reaction to his rumoured role.
‘I would say. Come see Kraven because that’s what out this weekend and it’s not going to disappoint,’ the actor joked, as he deftly swerved the question. ‘I promise you that, guys.’
