Amazon On Cinema Commitment, Bond Casting

Amazon MGM Studios came out swinging for its major CinemaCon presentation tonight in Las Vegas, affirming its commitment to theatrical in ways other streaming and tech giants like Netflix and Apple have not.

Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins made fun of that fact, saying “while some of our competitors have dipped their toes in and out of the theatrical waters, for us, this isn’t a test or an experiment.”

He adds that the company’s commitment to 15 films every year in cinemas is “on schedule” and aims to “build films that give audiences a reason to leave the house”. “Project Hail Mary” star Ryan Gosling and filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller were on hand to thank exhibitors for the success of the Amazon title which is getting its theatrical run extended.

Courtenay Valenti, head of film at Amazon MGM Studios, also touched upon the James Bond franchise and, more specifically, the casting of the main role:

“Don’t get too excited. Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect. It is the dream of a lifetime for all of us to bring audiences this next chapter, and it’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.

What I can tell you is this: when you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class filmmaking team, including the brilliant director Denis Villeneuve, extraordinary producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman, executive producer Tanya Lapointe, and screenwriter Steven Knight, you’re setting the stage for something that’s truly worthy of the Bond legacy. That film is coming, and when the time is right, we’ll have much more to share.”

There’s still no word on a potential production schedule beyond a likely start sometime next year for a 2028 release.

Source: Variety