After SPECTRE, the real war for James Bond begins

It’s hard to believe, but Daniel Craig has been enjoying shaken martinis as James Bond for a while now. Craig took over from Brosnan way back in 2006 with Casino Royale, continuing through to the lukewarm Quantum of Solace and the highly-acclaimed Skyfall. But after the next Bond film, SPECTRE, Craig might be facing an opponent deadlier than the super-secret organisation: Hollywood distribution giants.

And that’s because once that film wraps up, the James Bond picture rights will conclude a deal that was set up between MGM and Sony Pictures years back, that helped revitalize the franchise. In other words, expect a massive bidding war soon for the studio rights to Bond alongside MGM, as the franchise is still immensely lucrative.

According to Variety, that deal could go to Warner Bros., as MGM chief Gary Barber and Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara happen to be pals. They teamed up on The Hobbit, which brought in a great deal of cash for both sides, so its hard not to imagine that business relationship growing further with a 007 acquisition. Still, that leaves Sony to try and better any WB deal.

But whoever wins, expect a change or two in the air once the dust has settled.

Last Updated: June 4, 2015