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'It became American': Léa Seydoux warns James Bond will 'never be the same' under Amazon ownership

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

Barbara Broccoli, whose family oversaw Bond since Sean Connery's era, has had creative control of the franchise sold to Amazon MGM for a reported $1bn, a deal Léa Seydoux says has made it "American.
Barbara Broccoli, whose family oversaw Bond since Sean Connery's era, has had creative control of the franchise sold to Amazon MGM for a reported $1bn, a deal Léa Seydoux says has made it "American.
Léa Seydoux, who portrayed Dr Madeleine Swann alongside Daniel Craig, described working under Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson as "a pure delight" but fears Bond will forfeit its soul under American ownership.
Léa Seydoux, who portrayed Dr Madeleine Swann alongside Daniel Craig, described working under Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson as "a pure delight" but fears Bond will forfeit its soul under American ownership.

Léa Seydoux, who played Dr Madeleine Swann in Spectre and No Time to Die, has warned that the Bond franchise will lose its soul after Amazon MGM Studios took creative control following Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson's departure. The 41-year-old French actress told ELLE UK she fears the series will lose its 'British spirit' under its new American owners, who reportedly paid $1bn for the rights in February 2025. She praised incoming director Denis Villeneuve as a 'great choice' but remained uncertain about the franchise's direction. Broccoli's family had overseen every Bond film since Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli launched the series in 1962.

Seydoux said the next Bond must be 'layered', calling that quality 'hard to find in young actors.'

Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight, penning the next film, has reportedly already written with one actor in mind.

Seydoux previously worked with Villeneuve on Dune: Part Two, giving her rare insight into his directorial style.

MoreEvening StandardJames Bond will 'never be the same’ after Amazon takeover, warns Léa SeydouxHuffPost UKJames Bond Star Léa Seydoux Laments Films Will 'Never Be The Same' Due To Major ChangeThe IndependentBond franchise ‘will never be the same’ under American ownership, says Léa SeydouxELLE'He Needs To Be Layered': Bond Girl Léa Seydoux Shares The Most Important Traits For The Next 007 - ELLEThe Independent on MSNBond star says films ‘will never be the same’ under American ownership
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