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At the Flicks

284: Future Bond with Niall

·52 min·5 clips
Three lifelong Bond fans debate whether Amazon's takeover spells the end for the iconic spy franchise.
The episode begins with hosts Graham and Geoff introducing guest Niall Brown, a Bond fan from Movies In Focus. They establish their personal connections to Bond, with Graham recalling seeing 'Goldfinger' as a child. The discussion shifts to the current state of the franchise, prompted by Amazon's acquisition of MGM and subsequent buyout of the Broccoli family's creative control in February 2025. The hosts provide a historical overview, noting key moments like Harry Saltzman's exit in 1975 and the transition to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli in the 1980s. They delve into the narrative choice to kill James Bond in 'No Time to Die,' questioning whether this was the Broccolis' intended conclusion or a result of external factors. Niall suggests the Daniel Craig era was a self-contained offshoot, distinct from the classic Bond series. The conversation critiques Amazon's handling of the franchise, including a public poll for the next Bond, the reality show '007: Road to a Million,' and an advertising mishap involving gun removal from posters. The panel proposes creative solutions, with Niall outlining a detailed 'old man Bond' idea starring Pierce Brosnan as M, using classic gadgets. They analyze the announced director Denis Villeneuve and writer Steven Knight, expressing doubts about their fit for Bond due to perceived lack of humor and emotional depth. The hosts speculate on criteria for the next Bond actor, favoring charisma, British or Commonwealth background, and an age around 35. They suggest names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, David Jonsson, and Sam Claflin, while dismissing options like Timothée Chalamet. The discussion expands to villains, emphasizing the need for strong henchmen and a return to organizations like SPECTRE. The episode concludes with each host recommending a Bond film for Christmas viewing: Skyfall, Live and Let Die, and You Only Live Twice.

As heard by us

A warm Bond discussion weighs sixties reboots, old-school gadgets, Colin Salmon, and the franchise's next move.

At The Flicks turns its attention to the future of James Bond, with Graham, Geoff, and Niall Brown from Movies In Focus approaching the character from a place of clear affection.

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Why you'd press play

You get a friendly Bond debate about sixties reboots, Colin Salmon, and whether the franchise should simply get moving again.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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