Disney Considered Buying JAMES BOND Before Amazon Took Control of the Franchise

Before Amazon landed the rights to James Bond, it seems Disney had dreams of adding 007 to its ever-growing collection of blockbuster franchises.

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger recently revealed that after the company successfully acquired Pixar, there was a period when Disney felt like it could take on just about anything. That confidence eventually led to major purchases like Marvel and Star Wars, but those weren't the only properties on the company's wishlist.

Speaking with the Financial Times, Iger reflected on the studio's mindset at the time, saying: "It was like the clouds lifted and the sun started to shine again. We felt unstoppable.

“We put together a list of acquisition targets. Marvel was one, Star Wars was another, James Bond was one. We had a list and I figured let’s just tick them off and buy them all."

Imagine a world where Disney controlled not only Marvel superheroes and a galaxy far, far away, but also the world's most famous secret agent.

Rumors about Disney potentially pursuing the Bond franchise have circulated for years. Reports first surfaced around 2017 suggesting the company had interest, and Iger later hinted in 2019 that acquiring Bond had at least been discussed internally.

Nothing ever materialized, though, and for a long time there was little indication of who, if anyone, might eventually gain control of the franchise. Then came the surprise announcement in 2025.

Longtime Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli handed creative control of the franchise over to Amazon in a deal reportedly worth $20 million, although industry chatter suggested the actual figure may have been considerably higher.

The move sparked plenty of discussion among fans, especially after reports surfaced claiming Broccoli wasn't thrilled with some of Amazon's ideas for the future of Bond.

Among the rumored plans was the possibility of expanding the property into a larger cinematic universe, including spin-off projects such as a Moneypenny prequel series.

Whether those concepts ultimately move forward remains to be seen, but they certainly fueled concerns among fans who prefer Bond remain focused on the main films.

The franchise is now moving ahead with its next chapter. Acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is attached to direct the next James Bond movie, while Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is currently writing the screenplay.

Casting for the new Bond is reportedly underway, making the search for the next 007 one of the most closely watched developments in Hollywood.

It's hard not to wonder what the franchise would look like today had Disney succeeded in checking Bond off Iger's acquisition list alongside Marvel and Star Wars.

Instead, Amazon now holds the keys to one of cinema's most iconic brands, and fans are waiting to see exactly where the legendary spy's next mission takes him.

The untitled James Bond film is currently expected to arrive in theaters sometime in 2028.