Amy Pascal, David Heyman to produce next 'James Bond' film
What's the story
The James Bond franchise is stepping into a new era with Amazon MGM announcing Amy Pascal and David Heyman as the producers of its next film. This is a major departure from the Broccoli family's long-standing leadership in the series. Pascal, known for her work on the Spider-Man franchise, and Heyman, who produced the Harry Potter series, will bring fresh creative direction to the iconic spy franchise.
Experience
Pascal and Heyman's past successes
Pascal will produce under Pascal Pictures, while Heyman will leverage Heyday Films for the next Bond film. The duo's appointment comes after Amazon MGM initiated a significant transition with veteran Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have been leading the franchise since the 1960s. Pascal's work on the Spider-Man franchise (including Tom Holland's films) has grossed over $3 billion at the box office. Meanwhile, Heyman has been behind both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises.
Joint statement
Pascal and Heyman expressed excitement for their new roles
Amazon MGM Studios's Head of Film, Courtenay Valenti, expressed confidence in Pascal and Heyman's abilities. "We are approaching every creative decision with James Bond with the highest sense of responsibility," she said. In a joint statement, Pascal and Heyman acknowledged the legacy of James Bond and their anticipation for the future. They said, "James Bond is one of the most emblematic characters ever to appear in cinema. We are deeply privileged to walk in the steps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson."
Ongoing work
Pascal and Heyman's current projects and future plans
Pascal is currently working on Amazon MGM's upcoming Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, and produced Challengers, also for Amazon MGM. She is also producing the forthcoming MGM+ and Prime Video streaming series Spider-Noir, starring Nicolas Cage. Heyman, on the other hand, is in pre-production on the Harry Potter television series and post-production on Taika Waititi's adaptation of Klara and the Sun, starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.
Next steps
The future of the 'James Bond' franchise
The next James Bond film still lacks a release date, but now that Pascal and Heyman are on board as producers, it is certain to take big strides in development. The last film in the franchise, No Time to Die, hit theaters in 2021 after a long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The duo's appointment opens a new chapter for 007, continuing the iconic character's legacy while welcoming new creative perspectives.