Amazon Prime Video implemented changes to its James Bond film collection in early October 2025. Viewers saw altered promotional artwork and new content advisories on nearly every title. These updates coincide with Amazon MGM Studios’ preparation of a full franchise reboot under Denis Villeneuve. [1][2]
Poster Alterations
On October 3, 2025, Prime Video UK replaced classic Bond posters with versions that digitally removed firearms from Bond’s hands. By October 6, Amazon reverted to standard film stills—none showing Bond holding a gun—and issued no explanation. [4][5]
| Film | Original Poster Detail | Alteration Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. No (1962) | Sean Connery holding Walther PPK | Gun erased from hand |
| A View to a Kill (1985) | Roger Moore aiming pistol | Arms extended to crop weapon |
| GoldenEye (1995) | Pierce Brosnan with sidearm | Firearm removed |
| Casino Royale (2006) | Daniel Craig pointing pistol | Weapon digitally erased |
| Skyfall (2012) | Daniel Craig holding pistol | Gun removed |
Content Warnings Added
When all 25 official Bond films appeared on Prime Video in early October, each title received age advisories. The labels align with Amazon’s 2023 British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) agreement and its full in-house rating rollout in July 2025. [6][7][3]
- Dr. No (1962): Violence; alcohol use; smoking; foul language
- From Russia with Love (1963): Violence; smoking; coarse language; implied sexual content
- You Only Live Twice (1967): Violence; coarse language (no advisory for racial insensitivity)
- Live and Let Die (1973): Violence; drug references; brief nudity
- GoldenEye (1995): Violence; strong language; sexual material
Conservative MP Sir John Hayes criticized the warnings as diluting Bond’s edge, saying they “treat cinema classics like fragile art rather than entertainment”.
Amazon’s Creative Control
In February 2025, Amazon MGM Studios assumed full creative control of the Bond franchise, finalizing a separate $1 billion agreement with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson on top of its $8.5 billion MGM acquisition in 2022. Reports cite disagreements over spin-off projects and franchise direction as catalysts for the deal. [8][9]
Next Bond Film in Development
Amazon confirmed Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049) as director of Bond 26 in June 2025 and Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) as screenwriter in July 2025. Villeneuve begins after completing Dune: Part Three, which started filming July 2025 for a December 2026 release. [10][11]
Casting will commence in early 2027, seeking an unknown British actor aged 27–33 to reflect Ian Fleming’s original “blunt instrument” Bond. This excludes high-profile names like Tom Holland, Timothée Chalamet, Glen Powell, and Jacob Elordi. Production is slated for 2027 with a November 2028 release target.
“He must appear lethal from the first frame,” said a source close to the project.
Franchise Timeline
- October 5, 1962: Dr. No premieres in London, launching the series. [12]
- 2021: Daniel Craig’s No Time to Die concludes his tenure, marking the fifth actor to portray Bond.
- Early October 2025: Prime Video updates artwork and adds advisories.
- Late 2026: Dune: Part Three wraps, clearing the way for Bond 26 development. [13]
- 2027–2028: Bond 26 enters production and aims for a November 2028 theatrical release.
