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EXCLUSIVE – Robert Davi, renowned for his role as a Bond villain, has shared his concerns regarding the trajectory of the James Bond franchise, particularly in light of recent developments indicating a shift in creative control. Davi expressed his fears about the franchise’s future even before the monumental news broke that the iconic series would be under the leadership of Amazon MGM Studios.
The James Bond franchise has long been associated with the Broccoli family, beginning with Albert Romolo Broccoli, affectionately known as “Cubby.” The legacy continued under the guidance of his daughter, Barbara Broccoli, and stepson, Michael G. Wilson. However, the landscape changed dramatically when Amazon MGM Studios announced a new joint venture aimed at overseeing the franchise’s intellectual property rights, leaving many to speculate about the changes that lie ahead.
With Daniel Craig stepping down after his final performance in “No Time to Die,” discussions surrounding the future direction of Bond have gained traction. Speculation is rampant about the potential introduction of a female or LGBTQ+ Bond character. This discourse has ignited debates among fans and insiders alike regarding the franchise’s identity.
Davi, who portrayed the villain Franz Sanchez in “Licence to Kill,” shared insights into the franchise’s future and his personal connection with “Cubby” Broccoli and his wife Dana. He articulated his worries that the beloved character of Bond may evolve in ways that compromise its established identity.
“I hope it doesn’t go in that direction,” Davi said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. He reflected on his close relationship with the Broccoli family, stating, “They were, in my view, traditional conservatives who valued the essence of storytelling.” He expressed concern that yielding to modern trends without a scientific basis could diminish the character’s integrity.
In Davi’s view, the solution does not lie in altering the essence of Bond—a character known for his masculinity and charm. Instead, he proposed creating a new character that reflects contemporary cultural themes. “I think they should keep certain things, create a different character, I would say,” he suggested. By introducing a new protagonist, the franchise could evolve without stripping the original character of its core attributes.
Davi’s stance is not unique within the Bond legacy. British actress Gemma Arterton, who starred as Strawberry Fields in “Quantum of Solace,” also voiced strong opposition to the idea of a female Bond. In an interview with The Times, she emphasized the need to preserve the character’s heritage.
“Sometimes you just have to respect the tradition,” Arterton remarked. She likened the proposition of a female James Bond to a scenario where a male actor portrays Mary Poppins, which she believes would be received with disbelief by audiences.
The discourse surrounding Amazon’s influence on the franchise has attracted significant commentary. NY Post writer Johnny Oleksinski delivered a stark critique of the acquisition, positing it would herald the
