Léa Seydoux Expresses Concerns Over James Bond's Future Under Amazon Ownership
The actress, who starred in "Spectre" and "No Time to Die," hopes the franchise retains its British identity after its $1 billion sale to Amazon MGM.
Léa Seydoux, who portrayed Dr. Madeleine Swann in the James Bond films "Spectre" and "No Time to Die," has voiced apprehension about the future direction of the iconic spy franchise following its acquisition by Amazon MGM for a reported $1 billion in 2025. Seydoux expressed hope that the upcoming Bond film, slated to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, will maintain its distinctive "British spirit" under American ownership.
The franchise, originally launched by producer Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli in 1962, was overseen by his daughter Barbara Broccoli and half-brother Michael G. Wilson before its sale to Jeff Bezos' company. Seydoux shared her positive experiences working with the Broccoli siblings, describing it as "one of the best experiences, a pure delight."
"I don't know, it will be different," Seydoux stated in an interview with ELLE UK. "I'm curious how they will reinvent it. But for me, it will never be the same because it was Barbara's father who initiated the Bond movies. Now, I don't know, it became American. I hope they will keep the British spirit."
Despite acknowledging Villeneuve as a "great choice" for director, Seydoux remains uncertain about how the franchise will evolve. She starred opposite Daniel Craig, whose tenure as James Bond concluded with "No Time to Die" in 2021. The search for the next actor to portray 007 is ongoing, with reports suggesting various actors, including Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, Harris Dickinson, Jack Barton, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, have been auditioned.
Amazon MGM released a statement earlier this year confirming that "The search for the next James Bond is underway." The company indicated they would share further news with fans when appropriate, but declined to comment on specific casting details during the process.
In addition to her reflections on the Bond franchise, Seydoux also spoke about the challenges she faced performing nude scenes in the film "The Unknown" following her second pregnancy. She described the experience as difficult but expressed pride in showcasing her post-pregnancy body, which she felt contributed to a more relatable and believable portrayal on screen. "I think it's important to see bodies that you can relate to… to make it more believable in a way," she commented.
The November issue of ELLE UK, featuring Seydoux on its cover, is scheduled for release on October 8.