ITV Sparks Fan Outrage Over Edited James Bond Scene

James Bond enthusiasts expressed significant displeasure on Sunday after ITV broadcasted a cut version of the 1997 film "Tomorrow Never Dies." The network removed a scene depicting 007 in peril while piloting a plane, a decision that viewers on social media platform X widely condemned as "woke editing."

Fans voiced their frustration, with many arguing that the alteration diminished the film's impact and thrill. Comments included criticisms that ITV "butchered" the movie and that the network "don't deserve the 007 rights" if they intend to censor the franchise. Some viewers noted a pattern of edits on ITV's Bond film broadcasts, including the removal of both violent and intimate scenes, which they believe undermine the core appeal of the character and films.

Pertinent to the film's broadcast, the original scene in question involves the character being strangled. Viewers noted that its removal made Pierce Brosnan's character appear to be screaming in terror at the plane's pursuers, rather than being actively attacked. "ITV don’t deserve the @007 rights if they’re going to butcher Bond for pre-watershed TV. It'll extinguish the charm & thrill," one user wrote.

"Watched James Bond for the action, ITV thinking audiences don’t watch movies for the action," another commented. The Daily Mail has reached out to ITV for comment.

Piers Brosnan portrayed James Bond in four films between 1995 and 2002: "GoldenEye" (1995), "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997), "The World Is Not Enough" (1999), and "Die Another Day" (2002).

Meanwhile, the future of the James Bond franchise is still in development. Amazon MGM Studios, which acquired the rights after purchasing Bond's parent studio in 2022, confirmed earlier this year that the search for the next actor to play 007 is ongoing. The studio stated that while specific casting details would not be shared during the process, more information would be released to fans "as soon as the time is right."

Reports suggest that the next Bond film may not be released until 2028, which would mark the longest interval between films in the franchise's 64-year history. This extended hiatus is attributed to the extensive casting process and the filmmakers' desire to ensure the right talent is selected for the iconic role. Denis Villeneuve is reportedly attached to direct, with Steven Knight writing the script. A projected spring 2028 release date would mean a seven-year gap since Daniel Craig's final appearance in "No Time to Die" in 2021.