James Bond is one of Hollywood's most famous characters. So when Amazon bought the rights to distribute Bond, executives had big plans for the brand’s intellectual property. But so far, Amazon hasn't made a single Bond movie. WSJ’s Erich Schwartzel takes us inside the feud that’s tying up the franchise. Further Reading: -Where Is James Bond? Trapped in an Ugly Stalemate With Amazon Further Listening: -Why Hollywood Is Betting Big on 'Wicked' -Why 'Yellowstone' Is One of TV's Most Expensive Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Do you want to just introduce yourself and tell us what you cover?
Yes, my name is Eric Schwartzel. I am a reporter in the Los Angeles Bureau of the Journal.
Didn't you mean to say Schwartzel? Eric Schwartzel.
You know, I do like a cold martini. Shaken or stirred? I actually prefer stirred. I think most people do. That's where Bond and I differ. The only thing that Bond and I differ on, yes.
Eric, of course, is talking about James Bond, 007, the world's most famous super spy. Welcome, Martini. Shaken, not stirred.
Tell him James Bond is here. M's orders, 007. You'll be using this Aston Martin DB-5 with modifications.
007 reporting for duty.
It is a long and storied franchise that has really survived so many eras of Hollywood and the world. I mean, it's hard to think of a 20th century character that has had the imprint that James Bond has like that.
Three years ago, Amazon, which has been growing its footprint in Hollywood, bought the distribution rights to the James Bond franchise. And the company had big ambitions for what to do with it. But those ambitions haven't panned out. Since the acquisition, Amazon hasn't made a single Bond film, and there doesn't even appear to be one in the works.
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