Amazon’s Bond Takeover Sends Streaming Revenue Skyrocketing — But What’s Next for 007?

The James Bond franchise, a cornerstone of global cinema since 1962, has undergone a dramatic shift in its creative control with Amazon’s recent acquisition of MGM. For decades, the Broccoli family has tightly held the reins of the franchise, but with this new development, Amazon has stepped in to steer the future of the beloved secret agent. While the exact direction of the franchise under Amazon’s leadership remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the streaming revenue generated by the Bond films has exploded, particularly after Amazon took control in 2022.

A Long-Awaited Streaming Shift

Before Amazon’s acquisition of MGM, Hulu was the main streaming platform benefiting from the Bond franchise, leveraging the films to drive subscriber sign-ups and retention. However, after Amazon’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2022, the Bond catalog made its way to Prime Video, significantly altering the streaming landscape for the iconic franchise.

According to data from Parrot Analytics, the James Bond films have generated nearly $140 million in streaming subscriber revenue since 2020, with the bulk of that income accelerating after Amazon took control of MGM and began to effectively monetize the Bond library. While these figures demonstrate the enduring appeal of the franchise, it also underscores the financial power Bond holds in the streaming era—an era in which streaming platforms must rely more heavily on iconic intellectual properties to drive growth.

The Power of Daniel Craig’s Bond

The streaming success of the James Bond franchise can largely be attributed to Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007. Since Craig first donned the iconic tuxedo in 2006’s Casino Royale, his films have redefined the series for modern audiences. From 2020 onward, the six films starring Craig have earned a staggering $83 million in streaming revenue, making them by far the most profitable of the Bond films in the digital space.

This highlights not only the financial weight that Craig’s Bond films carry, but also the growing importance of streaming in the way modern audiences engage with long-running franchises. As we await the next Bond casting, the success of Craig’s films sets the bar for what the new 007 could potentially bring to streaming platforms.

No Time to Die and Skyfall: Streaming Giants

Among Craig’s films, two stand out as streaming powerhouses. No Time to Die (2021), the final chapter of Craig’s Bond saga, has brought in over $27 million in streaming revenue since 2020. This is a significant amount, considering the film was released in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a major impact on box office performance. Despite this, No Time to Die has continued to thrive in the streaming landscape, further emphasizing the franchise’s staying power in the digital age.

However, it’s Skyfall (2012) that takes the crown as the most successful Bond film in the streaming era. While it may be nearly a decade older, Skyfall continues to outperform in terms of streaming revenue, bringing in more than $30 million since 2020. Interestingly, Skyfall is also the most successful Bond film at the box office when adjusted for inflation, so it’s clear that the movie’s massive success has translated seamlessly to streaming platforms as well.

The Financial Stakes of Casting the Next Bond

As Amazon takes creative control of the franchise, the stakes for casting the next James Bond have never been higher. With Daniel Craig’s films consistently driving high streaming revenue, the upcoming Bond movie—whoever the new 007 may be—will likely see even greater financial returns. The combination of an established fanbase, Amazon’s vast distribution reach, and the ongoing popularity of Bond in the streaming landscape sets the stage for the new era of Bond films to perform even better than its predecessors.

The debate over who will play the next 007 has long been a hot topic, and with Amazon now in the driver’s seat, the casting decisions carry significant weight. The potential for the next Bond to exceed the streaming revenue numbers set by Daniel Craig’s films is very real, and Amazon is likely to leverage the power of its Prime Video platform to maximize the impact of the next 007.

Conclusion

The James Bond franchise has proven that it remains as valuable as ever, particularly in the age of streaming. With Amazon now in control, the franchise’s revenue potential has skyrocketed, especially with Daniel Craig’s films continuing to dominate streaming platforms. As the search for the next Bond continues, the financial stakes are clear: the next 007 could potentially break records for streaming revenue, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the franchise’s long and successful history. The power of Bond in the streaming world is undeniable, and with Amazon at the helm, the franchise’s future looks poised to continue delivering significant returns, both on screen and in subscriber revenue.